Jackson County CASA’s Family Drug Court/Family Court Advocacy Program serves abused and neglected children in the Jackson County Family Court system who are brought under the court's jurisdiction due to parental abuse and/or neglect, which is often linked to parental substance use. 

This program works directly with the Jackson County Family Drug Court. This special treatment court is designed to work with families affected by substance use disorder, assists the parent(s) to enter treatment and live sober, and places the child in a safe living environment while parent(s) receive support and treatment. The ultimate goal is for a safe and successful family reunification. The Family Drug Court/Family Court Advocacy Program specifically provides support for violence prevention, drug use reduction,and prevention of drug use in drug-exposed children whose parents are in the Family Drug Court program.

Jackson County CASA exists to serve as the voice in court for these children and ensure their needs are being met (i.e. counseling, medical and dental attention, educational advocacy) while they are under the jurisdiction of the court.  

The three goals of the Famly Drug Court/Family Court Advocacy Program include:

1) Ensure that the child’s housing situation is safe and supportive while his or her parent(s) is involved with Family Drug Court (or Family Court). This removes the child from an environment where drugs are being used, a first step in prevention. 

2) Identify and ensure the child’s needs are being met in a timely manner. This reduces risk factors for substance use and violent behavior later in life.

3) Ensure that the child’s permanent home, after his or her parent’s court case is closed, is free from drugs and is a safe and supportive environment where the child may thrive.

COMBAT Funding: $70,400.00