What is FRC?

The Knox County Family Recovery Court Team is dedicated to YOUR progress and will concentrate their collaborative efforts and resources on your goal of becoming alcohol and/or drug free, to ensure your child(ren) have a safe and nurturing environment by focusing on healthy, sober parenting and permanency planning through family reunification.

Family Recovery Court is a TEAM program that is designed to help you and your children stay together or get back together (through reunification). We believe that, if you are in recovery and working on your problems, you are a better parent for your child(ren) than anyone else.

WE want YOU to be a part of our TEAM. In fact, we want YOU to be the center of our team. The team goal is to help you learn to enjoy recovery and become a part of a sober community that will be a support to you and your child(ren).

Who is Eligible for FRC?

You have been referred to FRC because substance use/abuse was identified. The Judge may have ordered you to complete an Intake with the FRC Coordinator. Keep in mind, your decision to join Family Recovery Court is Voluntary and completely up to you. The Intake Process will explain, in depth, the FRC Program and answer any questions that you might have.

As the center of the FRC team, YOU have an important say during your individual treatment progress. Case plans and treatment plans will include goals YOU will help develop. The FRC team, just like YOU, must always make sure that your child(ren)’s safety is the priority when we make decisions.

We have seen the devastating effects on a family when a child has been removed or is at risk of being removed because of the parent’s substance abuse problems. The Knox County Family Recovery Court endeavors to unite and strengthen families.

Please contact the FRC Coordinator today, and schedule a time to complete your FRC Intake! Call or text! We look forward to hearing from you!!

Benefits to FRC?

• The FRC team will work with you to figure out your needs and help you get those needs met.
  
• You will be quickly linked to an appropriate treatment program, parenting skills training and any other services you may need.
  
• You will get ongoing support and assistance in staying connected to your child(ren) while they are placed out of the home. • You will receive incentives and sanctions to assist you at specific times.
  
• As you establish sobriety and become more stable, the judge may consider increased visitation with your children and/or earlier reunification.
  
• You will receive ongoing support if you have problems getting or staying clean.
  
• You can participate in ALUMNI events with other parents going through the same thing as you are going through.
  
• You can participate in a number of programs, events, etc. that will provide you with additional skills (cooking, crafting, gardening, and more) and community support.
  

FRC Phases to Success

Phase I - Getting Started/Getting Sober
KEY FOCUS:

• Detoxification & Stabilization
  
• SHOW UP & BE HONEST
  
• Identify & engage services
  
• Minimum 30 days
  

Phase II - Staying Sober/Getting Stronger
KEY FOCUS:

• Skill development to prevent relapse
• Education and/or employment
  
• SHOW UP & BE HONEST
  
• Minimum 60 days
  

Phase III - Staying Stronger/Getting Real
KEY FOCUS:

• Maintenance – develop & maintain a recovery environment
• Safe & stable housing
• Minimum 90 days

Phase IV - Staying Real/Getting the Picture
KEY FOCUS:

• Transition and relapse prevention
• Minimum 30 days

Phase V - Self-Sufficient, Living a Recovery Centered Life-Style, and Giving Back
KEY FOCUS:

• After FRC planning & sustainability
• Full engagement into the recovery community
• Minimum 30 days

 REFLECTION & CELEBRATION GRADUATION CEREMONY!!!!

Responses to Behaviors

INCENTIVES (REWARDS)

Compliance with rules, good choices, and achievements result in rewards called “incentives.”

• Praise by the Judge/FRC Team
  
• Gas Cards/Food Cards
  
• Phasing Up or Graduation
  
• Certificates of accomplishment
  
• Various small items
  
• Court Cash
  
• Letters of acknowledgement
  
• Reduced reporting requirements
  
• Reduced court appearances
  
• Other, as determined by the Court
  

SANCTIONS

Failure to comply with rules and poor choices may result in “sanctions.”

• Writing Assignments
  
• Community Service Hours
  
• Delayed Phase Advancement
  
• Increased Supervision
  
• Increased Drug Testing
  
• Increased Court Attendance
  
• Fines
  
• Jail
  
• Termination from Program
  
• Other, as determined by the Court