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."