FEES
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Adult Drug Treatment Court
Our Mission: Where unbiased and nondiscriminatory approach meets accountability in helping individuals attain responsible sobriety through quality treatment and judicial interaction.
The Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court was established in April 1999 as an alternative to traditional methods of treating people with substance use within the criminal justice system. It is a voluntary program targeting the non-violent, adult, drug abusing offender. Eligible offenders must participate in the four phase program for a minimum of sixteen months and agree to the following:
- Abstain from substance use
- Attend all counseling sessions
- Submit to random drug testing
- Attend Self-Help Recovery meetings
- Attend all court sessions
- Pay fees
- Employment and/or attend school
Intensive outpatient treatment services are provided by the Lafourche Parish Drug Court. Participants will have access to the following treatment services:
- Detoxification/Stabilization
- Random Drug Testing
- Alcohol/Drug Education
- Evidence-based Treatment in an outpatient setting
- Inpatient Treatment referrals
- Medical Examination referrals
- Psychiatric Evaluation referrals
- Case Management Services
- Family Education
- Halfway House referrals
The offense for which a defendant is arrested need not be a drug related offense to enter the program. Eligibility criteria are as follows:
- No history of violence
- No history of drug dealing
- Must meet treatment criteria
- No major mental illness
- No prior firearm conviction
- No significant evidence of dealing drugs for profit in the instant offense
- No firearms charge in the instant offense
- No crime of violence in the instant offense
- The District Attorney has reason to believe the individual who is charged suffers from alcohol or drug use/dependence and the community will be best served by treating rather than punishing the offender
Participants who successfully complete program requirements will attend a commencement ceremony. Most participants are granted Article 893/4 to set aside their conviction, allowing for the option of expungements or pardons. The availability of these provisions are determined by the offense to which the participant plead guilty and the criminal history of the participant. Statistics show that Lafourche Parish Drug Court graduates are seldom convicted of another serious crime.
Participant fees are used to support program costs and are as follows:
- Intake fee - $130.00
- Weekly programmatic fee - $25.00
All fees must be paid prior to program completion. Major funding for our program provided by:
- Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Specialty Court Office
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families(TANF)
Supplemental funding by:
- Friends of Lafourche Drug Court Foundation
- Louisiana 17th Judicial District Court
- Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office
Family Preservation Court
Our Mission: We help families reunite and become functional through treatment, sobriety, and responsible parenting.
The Lafourche Parish Family Preservation Court was established in 2018 as a means to bridge the approach in helping children and their families who are under supervision of the state. The court's multidisciplinary team assesses the family's abilities, and needs, in order for the team to systematically address pre- and postnatal exposure of the children to alcohol and/or other drugs.
Program Goals:
- Our program is designed to help you to keep your children in the home, or have them returned to you if they are in foster care.
- We will give you the treatment and skills necessary to: remain alcohol and drug free, take care of mental health needs, gain effective parenting skills, and teach you life skills that will enrich your family relationships.
- By progressing through this program, you will show the court, DCFS, and attorneys that you are willing to remain alcohol and drug free, and become a responsible parent.
- By participating in this program, you can gain increased visitation with your children, if you are staying sober and living a healthy lifestyle.
Eligible individuals will participate in the four phase program for a minimum of twelve months and agree to the following:
- Abstain from substance use
- Attend all counseling sessions
- Submit to random drug testing
- Attend Self-Help Recovery meetings
- Attend all court sessions
Intensive outpatient treatment services are provided by the Lafourche Parish Family Preservation Court. Participants will have access to the following treatment services:
- Detoxification/Stabilization
- Random Drug Testing
- Alcohol/Drug Education
- Evidence-based Treatment in an outpatient setting
- Inpatient Treatment referrals
- Psychiatric Evaluation referrals
- Case Management Services
- Family Education
- Halfway House referrals
Family Preservation participants are not charged any fees to participate in the program.
Major funding for our program provided by:
- Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Specialty Court Office
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families(TANF)
Emergency Preparation
Natural and man-made disasters are of concern to everyone. We want our clients to be prepared in the event that a disaster strikes Louisiana. If you dial the Lafourche Parish Drug Court(985-446-1970) then EXTENSION 110, you will hear a message regarding the status of Drug Court activities. If the Drug Court closes unexpectedly or the schedule is altered because of severe weather or a natural/man-made disaster, you will receive instructions on how to proceed with your Drug Court obligations.
In the event of a hurricane or other emergency in which communication with staff or clients is uncertain, the following rules apply:
Check the EMERGENCY LINE - Extension 110 has been designated as our emergency line. Important messages during emergencies will be reported here.
- Dial the Drug Court number. (985)446-1970
- When the greeting plays, press 110
- Listen to the ENTIRE message and follow all instructions
- When the Drug Court is closed for emergencies, check the emergency line daily. We will attempt to update the message each morning before 8AM.
When moving, even temporarily, clients are always responsible for keeping their counselor and probation officer informed of where they are staying.
If you must evacuate, let your counselor know your plans.
If a road closure prevents you from meeting a Drug Court requirement, let your counselor know.
When possible, notices will be placed on the court house door regarding Drug Court.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office will be updated on Drug Court status. Check with them if necessary.
When possible, updated information will be uploaded to this website. Also, sending an e-mail to emergencyresponse@lpdtc.org will provide an automated response with updated information.
MEET THE TEAM!
Presiding Drug Court & Family Preservation Judge Honorable Marla M. Abel
Erin Gravois, LMSW, Executive Director, Adult Drug Treatment Court & Family Preservation Court
A native of South Lafourche Louisiana, earned a Bachelor of Science in 2006 from Nicholls State University in the College of Education with a concentration in Family and Consumer Science, Child-Family Social Services. Immediately upon completion of undergrad, she was accepted into the Tulane School of Social Work, and graduated with her Master’s degree in 2009. During her time in school, she has worked various jobs within the helping profession, from mentoring juveniles in the Lafourche Juvenile Justice Group Home, working at the local crisis pregnancy center counseling young women dealing with crisis pregnancies, complex discharge planning at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center to ending up at the Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court right after earning her MSW. As a Licensed Mater Social Worker, she ran substance abuse and therapy groups for 6 years at the drug court. She was then promoted to Treatment Director in July 2015 where she supervised the clinical department for nearly 8 years until her newest promotion in February 2023, the agency's new Executive Director.
"I am excited to see where these next years take us and hopeful as we continue to evolve. I am humbled to be a part of something that has such a significant impact on our beloved community!"
Farrah Ayo, Case Manager, Adult Drug Treatment Court & Family Preservation Court
Farrah Ayo, a native of Terrebonne Parish. Attended college at Arkansas State University where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2013. Farrah has been with Lafourche Parish Drug Court since 2016 as the Case Manager, and has been involved with the Family Preservation Court since its interception. Farrah lives in Chackbay with her husband of 17 years and their two daughters Chloe and Carsyn.
"I enjoy the work that I do. It is fulling to watch people transform through both programs."
Jaret Hubbell, LPC, Adult Program Counselor
Born and raised in Thibodaux, Jaret attended Nicholls State University, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2003 and a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling in 2005. He began work in Mental Health Rehabilitation as a Mental Health Professional during his graduate work and continued to do so while earning his license to practice Professional Counseling, which he completed in 2009. He continued working in Mental Health Rehabilitation as a Clinical Manager while building his own practice, when he began contract work with Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court in 2012. In 2014, he was offered and accepted a full-time position as a Substance Abuse Counselor with the treatment court and has enjoyed it ever since.
“I never thought that I would be working actively with both the justice system and with individuals with addictions, but this is some of the most rewarding work I have done. The team we have is dedicated and highly trained. I look forward to seeing how we can help our participants and the community in the future.”
Craig Wilson, CIT, Adult Drug Treatment Court & Family Preservation Court Counselor.
Moved to south Louisiana from Mississippi in 2017, Craig attended Nicholls State University where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Pre-Counseling in 2022. Craig obtained a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) certification in 2023, from the Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (LAADRA). He is currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program at NSU, as well as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the university. He began working in the Mental Health Rehabilitation field at a local inpatient substance use disorder treatment facility in 2019, while working as a night manager, case manager, and counselor. In January 2024, he joined the 17thJDC Lafourche Parish Drug Court team.
“Working with individuals struggling with a substance use disorder is a passion and privilege of mine. Being able to see individuals overcome obstacles, and rebuilding their lives is a gift to watch and is very rewarding work. I believe there is hope for any person to get better if they are willing to commit to it for the long haul. I am grateful for the opportunity to work at the 17th JDC, and look forward to helping the participants become a healthy part of the community.”
Ray Nicholas, MA, Adult Program Substance Abuse Educator
Lifelong resident of Assumption Parish. Graduate of Assumption High School class of 1974. Graduate of Nicholls State University in 1981 received a B.A. in Psychology. Graduate Studies University of the Rockies Colorado Springs, Co. Received a M.A. in Psychological Counseling and a M.A. in Criminal Justice in 2011. Serve as board member for South Central Louisiana Human Service Authority (SCLHSA) in Houma, La. Work experiences and background includes social work, teaching, counseling, drug court, and law enforcement.
"I am honored to have joined the 17th JDC Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court staff in October of 2022. Joining the staff here has given me the opportunity to help fulfill the mission “to help clients attain lives of responsible sobriety.”"
Janelle Bergeron, Administrative Assistant I, Adult Drug Treatment Court & Family Preservation Court
As administrative assistant at Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court since 2007, she assists with the Drug Court office finances, processes invoices, manages phone lines, data entry, assists participants with their fee balances and greets associates at the window.
A resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, and a graduate of Thibodaux High and Vocational school with successful completion in administrative courses and computer software.
"I enjoy my job here at LPDTC. Observing the positive physical changes the participants go through as they progress through their recovery in the Drug Court program is rewarding."
Miranda Dantin, Administrative Assistant II, Adult Drug Treatment Court & Family Preservation Court
A native of Lafourche Parish. She graduated from Central Lafourche High School in 2007. Miranda is Administrative Assistant II here at Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court/Family Preservation. She’s been with the court since November 2022.
"I am looking forward to growing with the agency. I really love what I do here and enjoy working with my colleagues. I have a passion for helping others and look forward to continue assisting the program's participants."
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM MEMBERS BELOW
Both Adult and Family Preservation's multi-disciplinary teams are composed of experts who share their knowledge and expertise within their respective professions, make informed decisions and bring rational perspectives to the team. The team's collective goal is to provide coordinated strategy of responses to participant's behaviors to ensure adherence to program requirements utilizing best practices.
Vanessa Zeringue, Assistant District Attorney, Family Preservation Court
A native of Lafourche Parish, earned a Bachelors in Arts from Southeastern Louisiana State University in 2001 in Political Science with a minor in History. Immediately upon completion of undergrad, she attended law school at Loyola University School of Law where she graduated in 2004. After successfully passing the bar, she worked in private practice and at the Terrebonne Parish Indigent Defender’s Office until 2018. She started with the Lafourche Parish DA’s Office in 2019. While employed with the DA’s office she has worked in all divisions of court handling juvenile cases and was part of the inaugural family preservation team in February of 2019.
“The collaborative effort between several agencies and offices offers one-of-a-kind treatment to parents needing assistance in the hope of preserving their family. I am proud to say that I am part of this team. ”
Allie Fournet, Assistant District Attorney, Adult Drug Court
A native of Lafourche Parish, earned a Bachelors in Arts and Sciences from Louisiana State University in 2010 in English with a minor in Sociology. Immediately upon completion of undergrad, she attended law school at Southern University Law Center where she graduated in 2013. After successfully passing the BAR, she worked at the Terrebonne Parish Indigent Defender’s Office until 2016. She started with the Lafourche Parish DA’s Office immediately thereafter. While employed with the DA’s office she has worked in all divisions of court handling domestic violence cases. Since 2022 she has handled all cases in Division C and joined the Drug court team in March of 2023.
“I am proud to be a part of a program that offers rehabilitative services to offenders truly in need. I am hopeful that by implementing treatment, while holding offenders accountable for their decisions, will deter them from re-offending and allow them to have a better life.”
Multi-disciplinary team not pictured
