Treatment Court Programs

Family Treatment Court

The Chittenden Family Treatment Court (FTC) was developed to help families that have been seriously affected by alcohol and/or drug use. Our primary goal is to reunite families safely and permanently through recovery from addiction. Towards this end, the FTC offers intensive, specialized services to help parents on their path to recovery and positive personal growth. HowardCenter staff provide case management services and work in collaboration with court personnel, attorneys, and DCF Family Services.

The FTC takes a comprehensive approach to each case and is designed to break the cycle of addiction and neglect through monitored service delivery and to shorten out-of-home placement through ongoing case management and expedited permanency planning. Operating with a dedicated team, FTC provides a comprehensive and integrated response to the needs of substance-dependent parents and their children. For more information, please call 802.488.6052.

Adult Drug Treatment Court

The Adult Drug Treatment Court (ADTC) is a four-part program for adults who have pled guilty to one or more non-violent, drug-related offenses and who are having or have previously had difficulty staying clean and sober. It is an effort between the District Court, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the Department of Corrections, and HowardCenter. By working together, we seek to provide an individualized treatment plan to help participants maintain a drug-free life. Participation in the ADTC includes the following: frequent court appearances, random drug testing, and active participation by clients in their individualized treatment plans. For more information, please call 802.488.6050.

Mental Health Court

Mental Health Court (MHC) is a three-part program for adults who have been charged with one or more criminal offenses and who are having difficulty with severe and persistent mental health issues. It is an effort between the District Court, State’s Attorney's Office, Public Defender’s Office, and HowardCenter. By working together, we seek to provide an individualized treatment plan to help participants maintain the coping skills to live life with reduced problems. MHC involves frequent court appearances, active participation by clients in their treatment plan, and random drug testing if necessary. For more information, please call 802.488.6050.