Dunn County Family Treatment Court receives award

The state of Wisconsin has recognized the Dunn County Family Treatment Court for helping to keep families together.

Officials with the county Family Treatment Court (FTC) have been informed that it was chosen to receive one of the inaugural Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards for 2024 from the state Department of Children and Families.

The Family Treatment Court serves individuals who are at risk of having their children removed due to child abuse or neglect, when alcohol or other substances contributed to the allegations. Parents who participate in the program receive substance use treatment, mental health services, are tested for drug and alcohol use, regularly meet with a Family Treatment Court team, attend court hearings and participate in other services as necessary.

“You were chosen because of your exceptional, transformational efforts to support Wisconsin’s children, families and communities in thriving,” said Emilie Amundson, secretary of the state Department of Children and Families. “Your work has been instrumental in transitioning the child welfare system to become more family-focused, collaborative and in-home.”

“The Dunn County Family Treatment Court Program provides hope and support to those who are struggling with addiction,” said Lori Radcliffe, Family Treatment Court Manager for the county Family and Children Services Department.

She cited the “remarkable work” being done by county child welfare workers and the FTC team so that “children are remaining in their homes or reunifying much sooner” by dealing with the underlying addictions.

Paula Winter, director of Dunn County Human Services, agreed that addressing substance abuse or other mental health issues is key to keeping families together.

“When FTC participants meet the program goals of recovery, it helps them demonstrate that they can safely parent their children,” Winter said. “The best possible outcome is safe reunification of children to their parents’ home.”

The award will be presented to county officials during a ceremony in the state Capitol in Madison on April 23.