Family Recovery Court

Family Recovery Courts (FRC) are specialty civil dockets that work with families involved in child protection cases where parental substance use and/or co-occurring mental health needs are contributing factors.

The program brings together the court, child welfare, treatment providers, and community partners to support children, parents, and families. The goals are to improve child safety, promote timely permanency, and support parental recovery and family stability.

Participation is voluntary. No criminal charges are required.

How the Program Works

Family Recovery Courts are structured, team-based court programs that operate within the child protection system.

The court works collaboratively with:

  • The parent(s)
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
  • Attorneys and guardians ad litem
  • Treatment providers and service agencies
  • Other community partners

Participants work with a multidisciplinary team and may be required to:

  • Appear regularly before the judge
  • Participate in substance use and mental health treatment
  • Engage in case management and recovery support services
  • Comply with court orders and child protection case plans
  • Participate in services that support parenting, family stability, and reunification

The program uses treatment, supervision, and coordinated responses to support engagement, accountability, and progress toward recovery and reunification.

Who May Be Eligible

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
In general, Family Recovery Courts are intended for parents who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have substance use and/or co-occurring mental health treatment needs
  • Are involved in an open child protection case
  • Would benefit from structured court supervision and coordinated services

Not every person who applies will be admitted.

How to Apply

A referral may be made at any stage of a child protection case.
A Treatment Court Referral Form (CR-234) may be submitted by:

  • The parent
  • An attorney
  • DHHS staff
  • A guardian ad litem
  • A treatment provider
  • Another involved party or professional

After a referral is submitted:

  • The parent is screened for legal and clinical eligibility.
  • The Family Recovery Court team reviews the available information.
  • If appropriate, the parent may be offered participation with court approval.

Entry into the program is voluntary.

Before Admission

Before final admission, the parent must:

  • Review the program requirements with legal counsel
  • Understand the legal implications of participation
  • Review and sign required court and program documents
  • Consent to information sharing among team members as permitted by law

Participation requires a significant time commitment and active engagement in treatment, services, and court processes.

Program Requirements

Participants should expect a structured and supportive program.
Requirements may include:

  • Regular court appearances
  • Participation in substance use and/or mental health treatment
  • Case management and recovery support services
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Compliance with child protection case plans
  • Participation in services that support parenting, child well-being, and family stability

Services and expectations are individualized based on assessed needs and may change over time as the parent and family make progress.

Substance Use During Participation

Participants are expected to comply with program requirements related to alcohol, controlled substances, prescribed medications, and other substance use.

Program responses to substance use are addressed in accordance with court policies, treatment recommendations, applicable law, and the participant’s clinical needs and stage of progress.

Questions involving prescribed medications or medical marijuana are addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policies, applicable law, and clinical and legal considerations.

If an Applicant Is Not Admitted

Because Family Recovery Courts are intensive programs with limited capacity, not every applicant who may be eligible will be admitted.

If a parent is not admitted, the child protection case will continue through the standard court process.

Where Family Recovery Courts Operate

Family Recovery Courts currently operate in the following locations:

Jurisdiction Served

Court Location

Androscoggin County

Lewiston District Court

Kennebec County

Capital Judicial Center, Augusta

Penobscot County

Penobscot Judicial Center, Bangor

Program availability, referral practices, and service areas may vary.  For questions about eligibility, referrals, or current program information, please review the information provided on these webpages, contact the court clerk, or use the contact information listed on the applicable court type page.

Important Program Information

Voluntary Participation
Participation is voluntary. Parents may choose to withdraw from the program at any time.

Child Safety and Permanency
The primary focus of the Family Recovery Court is the safety, well-being, and permanency of children. Participation in the program occurs within the framework of the child protection case.

Family-Centered Approach
The program addresses the needs of children, parents, and families. Services may include treatment, parenting supports, and other services designed to promote family stability and reunification.

Forms and Resources

Contact

For questions about the Family Recovery Court:
Maine Pretrial Services
(Program locations vary by site)
Augusta: (207) 623-9677
Bangor: (207) 945-4807
Lewiston: (207) 786-4851

For general questions:
Specialty Dockets & Grants Coordinator
Administrative Office of the Courts
Phone: (207) 213-2858
Email: specialtydockets@courts.maine.gov