St. Croix County launched its new Family Treatment Court (FTC) program during a kickoff event held on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The event brought together judges, county leadership, and partners from across the justice, health, and human services systems to build a shared commitment to supporting families affected by substance use. The program is expected to begin serving families in February.
Family Treatment Court is a specialized court program designed to help parents with substance use disorders achieve long-term recovery while improving child safety. The program combines coordinated treatment services, judicial oversight, accountability, and individualized support to strengthen families and support safe reunification whenever possible.
“Addiction is a disease, and when we treat the disease instead of blaming the person, families have a real chance to heal. Family Treatment Court is about changing outcomes—not just for parents, but for children and for future generations,” said Honorable R. Michael Waterman, presiding judge for Family Treatment Court.
During the event, attendees learned how Family Treatment Court will operate, including eligibility criteria and the importance of case management and frequent court engagement. Presentations emphasized that addiction is a treatable disease and that recovery is most successful when families receive coordinated, long-term support.
A highlight of the day was a panel discussion featuring the Honorable James C. Babler, Barron County Presiding Judge, and members of the Barron County Family Recovery Court Team, who shared lessons learned and real-world outcomes from their established program. Panelists discussed how family treatment courts reduce trauma, improve child safety, support parental recovery, and strengthen communities over time.
“Family treatment courts work because they align with what science and experience tell us,” said Bob Rohret, St. Croix County Health & Human Services Director. “When we treat addiction as a chronic health condition and support parents through recovery, children are safer, families are stronger, and long-term outcomes improve.”
St. Croix County’s Family Treatment Court builds on existing county investments in substance use treatment, peer support, and family-centered services. The program reflects a shared commitment to addressing substance use in a way that prioritizes child well-being, reduces trauma, and supports lasting recovery.
You can watch the recording of this event on YouTube courtesy of River Channel
And you can read more in this article from the Star Observer.
St. Croix County Judge, the Honorable R. Michael Waterman presenting at the Family Treatment Court (FTC) Kickoff Event.
St. Croix County Health & Human Services Director Bob Rohret presenting at the Family Treatment Court (FTC) Kickoff Event.
St. Croix County Treatment Court Coordinator Kait Solinger presenting at the Family Treatment Court (FTC) Kickoff Event.
Panel discussion with the Barron County Family Recovery Court. Pictured left to right: Laura Doebereiner, Lead CPS Social Worker; Amanda Twitchel, Former Family Recovery Court Participant; Honorable James C. Babler, Presiding Family Recovery Court Judge; and Karla Broten, CPS Program Manager.
Family Treatment Court organizers. Pictured left to right are St. Croix County employees Jessica Dodge, Health and Human Services Supervisor; Kimberly Kitzberger, Substance Use Counselor; Aubrey McAlear, Social Worker; Honorable R. Michael Waterman, Presiding Judge, Family Treatment Court; Kait Solinger, Treatment Court Coordinator; Emily Anderson, Case Manager; Anjali Patel, Assistant Corporation Counsel; and Guardian ad Litem working with St. Croix County, Teresa Baier.