FLAGSTAFF, Arizona — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a $250,000 grant from the Department of Justice to create a family treatment court program in the county.

This specialized court is operated through county juvenile courts and is a voluntary court-supervised program for unresolved dependents whose children have been removed from the home by the state’s Department of Child Services (DCS). In Coconino County, an estimated 85% of family court cases involve substance abuse allegations, requiring DCS intervention.

This federal pass-through grant allows the county to provide substance abuse treatment support and fill peer recovery support professional positions that provide first-hand consultations to program participants.

“I want to thank the Family Court. This is another example

It’s how Coconino County is bringing families together for the well-being of the entire community,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler.

“This grant will allow us to provide these needed services in our community with the goal of increasing reunification rates for families separated by unresolved dependency cases,” said Coconino County’s Dependency Program. Manager Jillian Schult said. “This program is different from other recovery courts because it provides treatment for the entire family.”

Statewide, counties with similar court programs have over 90% family reunification rates, compared to 50% rates when families are unable to attend.

Schuldt added that he expects the Family Treatment Court program to be fully implemented by spring 2023. The grant will fully fund the program through 2025.

For more information about Coconino County Juvenile Court, visit https://www.coconino.az.gov/187/Juvenile-Court.