Drug court changes behaviors to reunite families
Judge Beth Heath and Shiquira Joyner at Family Accountability and Recovery Court Informational. Kristy Bock / Neuse News
Families that participate in family drug courts are two times more likely to reunify than families receiving conventional services. Shiquira Joyner, a mother of four, has successfully gone through the Drug Court program.
“If it wasn’t for Drug Court, I probably wouldn’t be the person I am today,” said Joyner.
Participants of Drug Court are subject to random drug testing at least twice per week and weekly substance use counseling.
“If you accept what you did and move forward, it’s a pretty good program,” said Joyner. “I’ve learned how to deal with emotions, a lot of things that some of us weren’t taught as kids, I learned. I learned how to express how I feel without being aggressive.”
From August 2020 through August 2021 there were 129 petitions for Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency with 43 referrals for FARC. 83% of the referrals entered the FARC program and 20% completed the program.
“I’m standing here today for my kids, and the love that I have for them,” said Joyner. “If a person really loves their kids, they will complete drug court.”
North Carolina Drug Treatment Courts include Family Drug Treatment Court and Adult Drug Treatment Court. Family Drug Treatment Court works with people who are in danger of losing custody of their children due to abuse or neglect charges. Adult Drug Treatment Court works to help ensure offenders who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol receive treatment to become healthy, law-abiding community members.
“Drug court is based on the idea of changing behaviors, not punishment,” said Judge Beth Heath.
Family Accountability and Recovery Court (FARC) is a comprehensive Family-Centered approach that addresses parental substance use disorders, parenting needs, and child maltreatment.
“We’re trying to change behaviors so that people can be positive productive citizens, good parents, and can be with their families,” said Heath.
