St. Croix County to launch state-funded Family Treatment Court program; contract from DCF still pending

St. Croix County officials on March 19 detailed early planning for a state-funded Family Treatment Court intended to coordinate intensive services for families affected by moderate-to-severe substance use disorders.

"This is kind of a long haul project," Jessica Dodge, a supervisor in children’s services, told the county Health and Human Services Board. Dodge said the county applied with behavioral health staff and received one of two awards the state made to launch new programs. "The grant is for guaranteed three years with the potential for it to be funded for up to five years," she said.

Dodge described the program as an evidence-based, coordinated approach that provides focused resources to increase family stability and improve child-welfare outcomes. She said the initiative aims to reduce out-of-home placements and speed safe reunification when appropriate, which the county hopes will also lower placement costs over time.

Dodge said St. Croix County is still in "early implementation" and has not yet received a contract from the Department of Children and Families. "We have not yet, I don't think, received the contract," she said, noting DCF is behind on contract issuance but recognizes the time counties need to implement the program.

County staff described planning steps under way: identifying stakeholders, outlining program structure, staffing and training needs, and establishing required oversight. Dodge said Kim Kitzberger from behavioral health — a position previously funded through opioid settlement dollars — will provide treatment and services to child populations within the program.

Board members asked about sustainability if the grant ends. Dodge said other counties have sustained similar programs through a mix of funding sources and that the county hopes to replicate that success but has not committed county dollars at this stage.

Dodge said the state had 10 formal family treatment courts already and that Eau Claire County was the other Western Region county to receive this recent funding. She directed board members to Department of Children and Families materials included in the meeting packet for additional detail.

Next steps include awaiting the formal DCF contract, continuing stakeholder and staffing discussions, and returning to the board with more detailed implementation proposals as they develop.