In response to a growing heroin epidemic in Clermont County – leading to more children placed into foster care due to abuse and neglect – Juvenile Court Judge James A. Shriver is beginning a Family Dependency Treatment Court whose aim is to get parents into treatment and reunite them with their children.

The court, one of about 15 certified by the Ohio Supreme Court, will require parents who are found to be addicts to participate in treatment programs at the Clermont County Recovery Center, undergo frequent and random drug screens, and appear in court on a regular basis, said Shriver.

Judge Shriver will hold a community forum 10-11 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Batavia Township Community Center, 1535 Clough Pike, Batavia, to introduce the program. The public is invited to attend.

For more information on the Family Dependency Treatment Court, contact Angela Livesay, program coordinator, alivesay@clermontcountyohio.gov or (513) 732-7685.