Outcomes of a Trauma-Informed Arizona Family Drug Court

Abstract

Family Drug Courts (FDC) support parents' reunification efforts by providing case management aimed at cross-agency collaborations. Innovatively, the Pima County FDC includes trauma-specific treatment provided concurrently with alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment. This study examines outcomes including AOD use, mental health, education and employment involvement, housing stability, and reunification of 121 FDC participants who completed baseline and 6-month postbaseline self-report assessments. At follow-up, AOD use remained low and mental health problems had decreased. Engagement in employment and education increased, as did housing stability. This study suggests that the Pima County FDC model might be effective for working with parents battling substance abuse.