Family Treatment Drug Court Cost Analysis: An In-depth Look at the Cost and Savings of a Southeastern Family Treatment Drug Court

ABSTRACT

This study examines the cost and benefits of a family treatment drug court (FTDC) in an urban county in a southeastern state. This study utilized a cost–benefit analysis that enters the costs of family treatment drug court and child welfare activities and considers potential savings in areas such as length of time in care, substance-affected childbirth, Medicaid costs, and emergency room utilization for each child and parent in the program. The unique features of this FTDC, including a trauma-in-formed parent psychoeducation group and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, add to the literature on cost studies for FTDCs through assessment of this expanded model. This study documents an overall savings ranging from $168,993.30 to $837,993.30 (range based on variables in specific outcomes). Recommendations for how to expand the current model are discussed.