Lake County Family Recovery Court

Mission Statement
The mission of the Lake County Family Recovery Court (FRC) is to treat chemical dependency, preserve families, and protect children. Parents facing substance abuse in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases have the opportunity to participate in an intensive, structured treatment program and receive support from a network of holistic, strength-based services. Participants are held accountable through frequent monitoring, evaluations, and court reviews in a collaborative, non-adversarial process.

Program Overview
Participation in Family Recovery Court is voluntary. Research shows that such courts reduce the time children spend in out-of-home placements in CHINS cases and, in some cases, prevent removals altogether.

Since accepting its first participant on August 13, 2020, the Lake County FRC has expedited crucial services for parents, including inpatient care. The program partners with organizations such as Regional Mental Health, Willowtree Therapeutic Services, Mobile Integrated Response Team (MIRT), Heartland Recovery Center, and more, all aimed at reunifying families while ensuring children’s safety.

The first FRC graduate completed the program on March 11, 2021. This graduate, a mother of two young children, remains clean and sober, with her children thriving under her care. The FRC connects families with continued support systems to promote long-term sobriety after their cases close.

Why FRC Matters
Under traditional models, families in CHINS cases might appear in court as infrequently as every three months or longer, delaying critical engagement in treatment. This infrequent supervision can exacerbate issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health struggles, homelessness, unemployment, and lack of supportive systems. The Lake County FRC targets high-risk, high-needs participants and provides them with more consistent, frequent oversight.
Deputy Chief Probation Officer Beth L. Rechlicz is the Court Program Coordinator.  Judge Thomas P. Stefaniak Jr. hears all Lake County FRC cases.

Phases of the FRC Program
Orientation Phase: Getting Started with Needs Assessment
During this phase, you are introduced to the program and meet with the court team. Initial assessments are conducted, and individualized treatment and recovery plans are developed. Participants are connected with the necessary resources to begin their recovery journey. This phase includes an Orientation session with the court team to review the program handbook, which outlines goals, expectations, and rules. Participants’ individual needs are assessed by reviewing Recovery Capital, scheduling assessments, and developing a treatment plan. Immediate safe housing and appropriate family time are ensured.

Phase 1: Stabilization and Engagement with Treatment
This phase focuses on stabilizing your life by engaging in treatment services (e.g., substance use treatment) and adjusting treatment plans as needed. Your team will review your Recovery Capital and address basic needs, such as physical, dental, and eye exams, and any family planning needs, if appropriate. You will maintain consistent family time and daily contact with your support team. Regular court appearances and drug testing ensure accountability. To advance, participants must have 30 consecutive days without missed screens, active participation in sober support systems, complete a phase advancement presentation, and comply with weekly goals.

Phase 2: Achieving Stability in the Recovery Path
In this phase, the focus is on solidifying recovery by managing stress, building life skills, and strengthening family relationships. A substance-free support system is established while underlying life issues are addressed. Participants engage in prosocial activities and weekly self-help meetings or social groups. Court attendance is required weekly, with skipping as an incentive. Case management goals are also addressed. Progression requires sustained sobriety through negative drug tests, demonstrated ability to manage stress and triggers, and increased engagement with family and community supports.

Phase 3: Maintaining Recovery and Ongoing Engagement
This phase emphasizes maintaining recovery with continued treatment, relapse prevention, and ongoing support from the court. Participants strengthen personal and family relationships and build stability. The focus is on maintaining sobriety, reinforcing life skills, and preparing for long-term success.

Phase 4: Aftercare Planning and Maintaining Stability
Participants prepare for life after the program by creating a solid aftercare plan, focusing on maintaining stability in housing, employment, and family life. This phase centers on planning for a life post-program with a strong support system in place, ensuring continued dedication to recovery.

Phase 5: Graduation Preparation and Dedication to Recovery
The final phase prepares participants for formal graduation from FRC, demonstrating their commitment to sobriety and stability. Long-term recovery and personal goals are established, paving the way for a successful graduation and continued success beyond the program.

Collaborative Team Approach
The Lake County FRC collaborates with various community partners to provide services in addiction treatment, mental health care, education, and healthcare. The FRC team may include the judge, public defender, Indiana Department of Child Services, guardian ad litem or CASA, and treatment/service providers.


Our Team

Rechlicz

Beth L. Rechlicz MSW

Coordinator

219-660-6814

Contact

 3000 W. 93rd Ave
Lake County Juvenile Family Recovery Court
Crown Point, IN 46307

Phone: (219) 660-6814
Fax: (219) 736-5673

Email Us

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