JULIAN, W.Va. (AP) - A couple who lost custody of a young daughter through their drug addictions have become the first graduates of a family treatment court in West Virginia.
Sabrina Ward and Matt Blackshire attended a ceremony with their daughter, family and friends Tuesday in Boone County, the state Supreme Court said in a news release.
“I never dreamed I would be where I am today,” Ward said. “I am very thankful and blessed. Family Treatment Court has changed my life for the better.”
The couple began participating in the program last October when the court debuted in Boone County. They regained custody of the girl after six months.
Boone County Circuit Judge William Thompson envisioned the family treatment court a decade ago. West Virginia has by far the nation’s highest drug overdose death rate, and drug cases have overwhelmed the state’s court system.
Other family treatment courts are open in Nicholas, Ohio, Randolph and Roane counties.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.