FDCs (also referred to as “Family Dependency Treatment Courts,” “Family Treatment Courts,”
“Dependency Drug Courts” and “Family Treatment Drug Courts”) utilize a multi‐disciplinary approach, recognizing that their clients (i.e., parents, children and families that enter the FDC) often face a range of challenges in addition to a substance abuse disorder. These FDC programs typically begin at either the state or local (county or district) level, and are characterized by strong judicial leadership combined with significant partnership efforts from child welfare and substance abuse treatment professionals. These three key partner agencies participate in planning, implementing and assigning staff to an operational team that works in the FDC on a day‐to‐day basis. These
agencies are joined by other agencies and community‐based service providers to complete the team. Additional members might include domestic violence service advocates, parent educators, mental health professionals, child development specialists, public health nurses and others. FDCs are often voluntary programs, with parents being referred by one or more team member agency; however, some FDCs are mandatory and as such are one response on the spectrum of dependency court options. Other differences include whether the FDC is operated by one judge who hears both the dependency case and the FDC progress reviews, or two judges, each with their own role. Regardless of whether the FDC is considered an “integrated” or a “parallel” model, the goal of assuring that the needs of the entire family are met remains the same.