1,800 abused or neglected children in Santa Clara County foster care system
Press Room
Family Wellness Court Baby Shower
Milpitas, CA, July 01, 2008 --
San Jose, CA---"Our Family Wellness Court creates a comprehensive system of care for young children and families at risk due to substance abuse. This exciting model court builds on the success of our drug court program while enhancing and expanding services to better meet the needs of this fragile population. It directly and powerfully addresses the troubling problem of methamphetamine use in our community." Judge Erica Yew, Juvenile Dependency Court.
On August 23, 2008, volunteers, staff, board members and guests will attend a Child Advocates baby shower for over 100 young children, whose families will participate in the County's new Family Wellness Court this year. Katherine Williams, chair of Child Advocates board of directors, will host the shower at her home in Saratoga. Gifts of clothing and supplies will be collected for the Court's infants and toddlers. The children and their families are part of a comprehensive new program designed to help parents who are involved with the child welfare system become healthy and to help children receive any needed services as early as possible. The Family Wellness Court is collaboration between the Social Services Agency, the agency's Department of Family and Children's Services, Superior Court, Juvenile Defenders, the Department of Alcohol and Drug Services, the Mental Health Department, the District Attorney's Office, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County and Child Advocates.
The Family Wellness Court serves families with children 0 to 3, whose abuse of methamphetamine and other substances have placed their children in or at risk of out-of-home placement.
The Family Wellness Court is an expansion and enhancement of the Drug Dependency Treatment Court, which has been highly successful in assisting families to maintain sobriety, overcome personal obstacles, become better parents and reunify with their children.
About Child Advocates
Child Advocates has been providing essential services to this vulnerable population since 1986. The organization trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to work one-on-one with children, helping to ensure that each child will live in a safe and loving environment.
Contact
Jerry Fontanares
Child Advocates
408.573.5663
jerry@cadvocates.org