The Dependency Treatment Court (DTC) is a voluntary program that addresses the underlying substance abuse problems that
often coexist with parents involved in Dependency Court. The goal of DTC is to help parents live a drug-free
life and assume the full responsibilities of parenthood.
DTC was established in 1999 in response to the needs of the community. The Department of Children and Families
identified that 80% of dependency cases involve alcohol and/or drug use by one or both of the children’s
parents. In addition, these cases tended to have delays in their completion with federal and statutory
guidelines for expedient placement and reasonable efforts. The Family Treatment Court Model became one
approach to addressing these issues through its key components, which include:
- Early identification of risk factors for negative outcomes.
- Access to a continuum of alcohol/drug and related treatment and rehabilitation services.
- Monitoring of abstinence by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.
- A coordinated strategy to govern participant’s compliance.
- Ongoing judicial interaction with each participant.
- Monitoring and evaluation to measure the program outcome and effectiveness.
- Continuing interdisciplinary education to promote effective planning, implantation and operations.
- Forging partnerships among DTC’s public agencies and community-based organizations in order to
generate local support and enhance DTC program effectiveness.
Parents with dependency cases and coexisting alcohol/drug problems who willingly commit to DTC are eligible to
participate. Parents may be referred by Judges, attorneys, case managers or by the parent(s) themselves.
Contact Information
Dependency Treatment Court
155 N.W. 3rd Street
Miami, Florida 33128
Room 5335
305-679-1616