Pubdate: Sat, 03 May 2003 Source: Buffalo News (NY) Copyright: 2003 The Buffalo News Contact: http://www.buffalonews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61 Author: Holly Auer FOR THE SAKE OF FAMILY Treatment Court Graduates Mark Start Of 'New Lives' A dozen Erie County parents took a huge step in their ongoing journey toward a sober life during their graduation from Family Treatment Court on Friday afternoon. The 2-year-old program, funded by federal Temporary Aid to Needy Families block grants, aims to limit the amount of time children spend in foster care by helping their families overcome drug and alcohol addictions. "This is a celebration of new lives that are finally free from the bondage of addiction," said Kathi Chaplin, who oversees treatment court programs in 32 counties across the state. Timothy Hewitt couldn't agree more. Both he and Christina Eddy were struggling with drug addictions when their son, Ryan, was born 15 months ago. After neighbors called Child Protective Services to report the couple, county officials placed Ryan in foster care. He spent the first six months of his life there, but returned to his parents in August after they began receiving treatment and made a plan for caring for their baby. Now they regularly attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings and church, and Hewitt said that when their son is old enough, they plan to tell him about their addictions and explain why he spent time in foster care. Hewitt thanked social services staffers for their support during his recovery, but said that ultimately the strength to maintain sobriety had to come from within himself. "It wasn't just about putting the drugs down and starting a new life, but finding a whole new life," Hewitt said. "It took quite a toll mentally, but it was a huge life lesson." After Hewitt accepted his plaque and made a few remarks in front of about 100 people at the ceremony, Ryan toddled across the room to hug his father. Hewitt scooped the tiny blond boy up and held him aloft before the audience, showing off the symbol of his recovery. "This is what this program is all about," said Judge Sharon S. Townsend, administrative judge for the 8th Judicial District. "It's about little children who should be with their parents in a safe home, and helping them to make one." Family Court Judge Margaret O. Szcur, who presides over the treatment court, praised the parents for "overcoming tremendous personal obstacles to ensure a safe, healthy home for their children." Seven of the Family Treatment Court's eligible graduates attended the ceremony in the County Courthouse in downtown Buffalo, and each received a gift bag and a plaque for accomplishments during the yearlong program. "This program is an immediate and realistic chance for parents to get clean and sober," Townsend said. "It's a chance to gain control of their lives and become good, productive members of society, and that's exactly what these parents have done." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth