PDS is a state agency that oversees administration, evaluation and improvement of the indigent defense system in the state of West Virginia.
“ PDS provides funds for the operation of public defender corporations throughout the state and pays the invoices of private counsel who are appointed by the courts,” says Eddy.“ The representation that is provided includes the representation of parents in child abuse and neglect proceedings.”
The funds that are available through PDS allow grants to be made for programs that improve child abuse and neglect processes. Eddy says that the use of the funds to ensure the continuation of FTC did not require any thought.
Director of Probation Services Stephanie Bond says they are extremely grateful for their assistance.
“ It allowed us to provide continuity of services during the time we thought we might have to shut down the program,” Bond says.“ This could have made the difference in parents achieving recovery and families being reunited.”
The lack of transportation and limitations of resources in West Virginia communities made the programs that were occurring in other states harder to implement.
“ We took what we liked from other states’ programs and added some things to make it a better fit for West Virginia because we had to deal with issues such as the lack of transportation for a significant number of our participants and the fact that treatment options were sometimes limited by what was available in a particular community,” says Thompson.
For FTC judges, the work is about more than just a caseload.
“ We don’ t view the caseloads as a judge keeping a steady workflow but rather as a part of the efficiency of the FTC when looking at a cost – benefit ratio,” says Bond.“ This is discussed at least biannually with the FTC judges and more often with the FTC case coordinators.”
The structure of FTC has allowed those running the program to balance accountability with support and treatment.
“ I was drawn to the idea that the court could serve as a catalyst for recovery, healing and reunification. When a parent succeeds in recovery, the benefits extend well beyond that individual,” says Salango.“ Children gain stability, families are strengthened and communities benefit as well.”
There is a heavy focus on solutions instead of solely processing cases. The positive outcomes that stem from FTC extend beyond the courtroom; they are having positive impacts in West Virginia communities.
Expectant mothers who are in the program are treated like all parents who are entering FTC. After the assessments are conducted, the participants are placed directly into a treatment program.
FTC ensures that participants have daily contact with case coordinators, participate in sporadic drug tests and must adhere to curfews and other guidelines.
The most important aspect to this program is that the participants know they have a team in their corner who care about them and will support them until they can support themselves.
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