Branch County Family Treatment Court established for abuse and neglect cases
Almost all the appeals for termination of parental rights from Branch County Probate reflect parents who cannot overcome drug addiction to parent their children properly.
With the help of two small grants, the court set up a Family Treatment Court to try to change that outcome.
Administrative referee Wendy Gensch said, the problem-solving courts aren't new, by any means.
She believes her familiarity with them in Indiana, where she practiced law, is one of the reasons Probate Kirk Kashian hired her.
Problems occur after a neglect or abuse petition is filed. The next court date is six months away.
"Here's your court order of your checklist of the services you should be doing. Good luck. We'll see in six months. They come back, and no wonder they haven't been able to do this and follow through," Gensch said. "If you're struggling with substance use issues, maybe you don't even have a stable phone number or a stable address."
This year so far, six participants are seeking help for their substance abuse issues.
"It's a lot at the beginning. It's the support that you need to get or during early sobriety days," she said.
The program started small with two grants. The first year was $5,000 for the planning. Now in the second year a, $10,000. There is no director or staff.
"We're doing it on the cheap," with those involved in the child abuse and neglect process adding the program to their duties. Gensch is the coordinator.
From the prosecutor's office is assistant prosecutor Nora Geiger who does all of the neglect abuse cases.
"We have the juvenile guardian ad litem, Ben Jewel, who is an active member of our team," Gensch said
Pines Behavioral Services participates on the team. "They've got a representative that's able to affect scheduling and be a liaison between Pines and us," Gensch said.
"Psychological and counseling services under Dr. Shawn Talbott, we've got him on speed dial if Pines can't meet our need," the coordinator said. "Of course, we have the Department of Health and Human Services, child protection under its director Kim Willis, the director.
"Some of their supervisors, caseworkers, and investigators start those cases. We've got a couple that are just really passionate. They're involved directly with families where substance abuse is the main problem," Gensch said.
Defense attorneys who represent the parents also join the team.
Also, there to help is a recovering individual.
"A peer recovery coach that has an office in Kalamazoo. He has ties to Branch County. So he's available to do tele-health appointments or whatever as an active team member," she said.
Gensch reached out to Shelterhouse for services when necessary, but they do not meet weekly. The library literacy council and Michigan Works also can provide services if appropriate.
"It's a real team approach. Probably the biggest benefit is that you're in very regular contact. So there's a lot of accountability built up. You build more relationships with those people, with the potential participants," Gensch said.
There is a smaller team that meets weekly with participants.
No violent offenders qualify for the program. Those with primarily mental health issues are not accepted.
"If you can break the cycle here, these kids don't have to grow up in a drug home or foster care," she said.
The hope is both for the parents and children, so the cycle of abuse does not continue with the younger generation.
The program does not expect 100% success.
Gensch hopes to have a broader impact on the community.
"One family turned around has a ripple effect," she said. "Then, you can talk sobriety into your family, your extended family and your friends."
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Branch County establishes Family Treatment Court
