Specialized Dockets
Information about the Family Dependency Treatment Court and specialized docket programs in Belmont County.
The Belmont County Juvenile Court operates the Family Dependency Treatment Court, which has earned certification from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets. This program works with parents of children who have been found to be neglected, abused, or dependent and who are in need of services for addiction-related family challenges.
To receive certification, the Juvenile Court was required to submit a formal application, undergo a site visit, and provide detailed program materials that met certification standards established in January 2014.
Specialized dockets focus on specific types of offenses or populations and use a combination of accountability and treatment strategies to address the root causes of behavior.
There are more than 150 specialized dockets operating throughout the State of Ohio.
The Drug Court staff, under the guidance of Director Dave Carter, worked diligently to achieve certification and become one of the first courts in Ohio to meet these standards. Certification ensures the Court follows evidence-based practices and provides nationally recognized treatment for individuals struggling with addiction.
The Family Dependency Treatment Program works in partnership with the Belmont County Department of Job & Family Services, as well as local community organizations and agencies, to provide effective treatment and rehabilitation services.
The Commission on Specialized Dockets is made up of 22 members who advise the Ohio Supreme Court on statewide standards, program development, and training for judges and court personnel. The Commission is responsible for all final certification decisions.