The Athens-Clarke County Family Treatment Court (FTC) is an 18-24 month program divided into seven phases. A participant must complete each phase in turn as they work toward the ultimate goal of a healthy and speedy reunification with their family.

The FTC aims to: 

• Break the cycle of addiction and resulting neglect through monitored service delivery
• Limit foster care stays through ongoing case management and expedited, comprehensive permanency planning.
• Positively address and influence substance abuse in deprivation cases in order to ensure the safety and well-being of children
• Facilitate healthy, speedy, and successful family reunification

The program employs:

• Active case management from coordinated treatment and social services teams
• Individualized assessment
• Comprehensive substance abuse and behavioral health treatment plans
• Family support services and community resources
• Consistent communication and monitoring to ensure compliance with treatment plans and goals.

About the Court 

The Athens-Clarke County Family Treatment Court (FTC) was implemented in 2013 under the direction of the presiding Juvenile Court Judge, the Honorable Robin W. Shearer.

The Family Treatment Court was organized under Georgia Code Section 15-1-15 and is governed by the "Ten Key Components of Drug Courts" written by the Standards Committee of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and Family Drug Court Standards for Georgia Accountability Courts developed by the Judicial Council of Georgia.