Dependency Drug Court

The Tuolumne County Superior Court’s Dependency Drug Court Program (DDC) is an intensive substance abuse treatment program for Child Welfare Services participants in court-ordered Family Maintenance of Family Reunification cases. Using the Drug Court Model, DDC provides close monitoring by the Court and Dependency Drug Court Treatment Team, frequent substance abuse testing, and extensive support and structure. Parent’s needs are assessed individually with a treatment plan designed to meet those needs and support the goal of Family Reunification/Family Maintenance.

Dependency Drug Court runs concurrent with the full term of the time spent in Family Reunification Services, and during Family Maintenance. DDC operates as a collaborative program, which includes Child Welfare Services case workers, clinical staff, a Court coordinator, and the Juvenile Court Judge. The treatment team communicates regularly regarding the progress and participation of DDC participants. The Treatment Team assembles monthly, prior to the court session, at which time the group reviews each case and makes decisions concerning visits, treatment, program compliance and progress towards graduation.

Dependency Drug Court clients appear in front of the Juvenile Court Judge monthly. In the first weeks of the program, participants may be required to attend one or more hearings concerning the legal aspects of dependency proceedings. If there are issues related to compliance arising during treatment, participants may be required to appear in court more often.