Janice Gage, Substance Abuse Specialist
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6159 (Phone)
410-887-2747 (Fax)
The CINA Enhanced Drug Treatment Referral Program aims to enhance the substance abuse treatment referral process for parents whose children have been removed from their care and custody due, in substantial part, to issues arising from ongoing substance abuse. The court will conduct prompt treatment assessments, and monitor and encourage compliance with resulting treatment referrals. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes in order to promote reunification efforts for children and families. The CINA Enhanced Drug Treatment Referral Program aims to enhance the substance abuse treatment referral process for parents whose children have been removed from their care and custody due, in substantial part, to issues arising from ongoing substance abuse. The court will conduct prompt treatment assessments, and monitor and encourage compliance with resulting treatment referrals. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes in order to promote reunification efforts for children and families.The Program is for parents of children four (4) years of age and under whose children have been removed from their care due, in substantial part, to ongoing substance abuse. At the time of removal, the parent will be referred from court to the Case Coordinator for substance abuse treatment assessment. The Case Coordinator determines whether the parent is appropriate for the program and, if so, determines the proper treatment plan. Thereafter, the court will monitor compliance and will set prompt reviews if a parent demonstrates any pattern of non-compliance with treatment objectives. The parent will meet with the Case Coordinator on the day the case is referred, if possible. The Case Coordinator will conduct an evaluation to determine whether the individual is an appropriate candidate for treatment and, if so, to determine the appropriate treatment plan for each individual. If appropriate, the Case Coordinator will also explain the goals and objectives of the program to the parent and confirm the schedule for ongoing treatment at this time. If the parent is not appropriate for treatment, the Case Coordinator will have the party return to Court and the Case Coordinator will notify the Judge or Master that the individual is not appropriate for the program. If the Parent fails to enter into the referred substance abuse treatment, fails to meet with or contact the Case Coordinator when scheduled, or fails to comply with any of the program requirements of the CINA Enhanced Drug Program, the Participant will be scheduled for a Status Hearing before the Court. The parent is then required to appear before the Court to explain why they have failed to follow through on the treatment program. The parent will continue to participate in this program for six (6) months from the date of referral or until the next Review Hearing. The Court, based upon a showing of good cause, may extend this initial six (6) month period. Satisfactory participation in the program is a factor that the court will consider in reviews of custody and visitation, and in assessing the permanency plan for the child. Revised September 11, 2007 |
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