Single father graduates from Family Drug Court

Clark County

Related Photos

David Scott, 37, stands with his daughters, Ammariah, 5, and Angel, 3, following his graduation from Clark County Circuit Court No. 4’s Family Treatment Drug Court on Wednesday. Staff photo by Matt Thacker

Discussion

Add a comment on this story

February 8, 2012

Ceremony marks one year for program helping parents with addiction in Clark County

By MATT THACKER Matt.Thacker@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Wed Feb 08, 2012, 11:25 PM EST

JEFFERSONVILLE — Twelve months ago, David Scott’s two young daughters were removed from his care because of issues with drug and alcohol use.

Scott, 37, a professional wrestler involved with Ohio Valley Wrestling, was a single father struggling to make it. He and his daughters spent a summer living at the Haven House shelter, and he believes that is part of what led to his problem with alcohol addiction. Everything changed when he lost his children, Ammariah, 5, and Angel, 3.

“I wouldn’t live without them,” Scott said. “I’ve gone through so much for them.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Scott became the first graduate of the Clark County Circuit Court No. 4’s Family Treatment Drug Court, which helps drug or alcohol-abusing parents gain sobriety and reunite with family. The date also marked the one-year anniversary for the program, which was started with grant money.

The problem-solving court began after Judge Vicki Carmichael received a grant to start the program. The Clark County Drug Treatment Court, led by Judge Jerry Jacobi, has been in existence for a decade.

Carmichael said the carrot and stick in Drug Court is not going back to prison. In the Family Treatment Drug Court, the motivation is to get their kids back. The participants have pending Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases.

Because children are involved, these cases are especially difficult.

“It’s very tough to see a family torn apart due to drugs,” Carmichael said.

Magistrate Bill Dawkins, who is involved with both drug court programs, said they closely follow the national model. The actual treatment is designed to meet each individual’s needs.

“It’s amazing how different these cases are than in [Circuit Court] 2 if you ask me,” Dawkins said.

Carmichael said they would love to have 25 or more families involved in the program, but many parents are not ready for the challenge. Six parents are now involved in the program, and Carmichael has seen progress with the participants.

“It feels really good to have these parents on the right track,” Carmichael said.

Carmichael said Scott had some issues with the program at first, but adjusted and did everything asked of him. After eight months in the program, he has maintained sobriety, employment and housing and has his children in his custody.

As part of completing the program, Scott’s CHINS case was dismissed. He said he would have never been able to complete the program without the motivation of reuniting with his daughters.

“It has been a lot of hard work and has been a hassle,” he said, admitting he has had his doubters. “Some people said I wouldn’t graduate, but I’m the first one to do so.”

Scott said he has been treated differently as a single father and people doubted whether he would be able to complete the program. However, his case worker and the family drug court coordinator said he is a great father.

“I’m the book you cannot judge by the cover,” Scott said.

The treatment program, which lasts six to 12 months, consists of weekly contact with the judge and court staff, frequent and random drug screenings, immediate judicial intervention for violations, incentives for progress, parenting education workshops and intensive drug and alcohol treatment. Dr. Heather Henderson-Galligan and the Grassroots Prevention Coalition work closely with the program.