Thursday, September 28, 2017

Grant Awards $400,000 to Schuylkill County Drug Court

On Thursday, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) awarded a $400,000 Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant to Schuylkill County.


This grant is managed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and provides federal funds and technical assistance for the development and implementation of drug courts that integrate evidence-based substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, sanctions and incentives, and transitional services in court settings with jurisdiction over substance using offenders.

Schuylkill County’s newly formed drug court program will use the implementation grant funds to build and maximize the capacity of their drug court; ensure all offenders are identified and assessed for risk and need; ensure offenders receive targeted research-based and data-driven services; and enhance services that prevent recidivism as well as achieve long-term recovery.

“I commend Schuylkill County for implementing this new drug court program in their community,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Prescription Drug Caucus. “I am a strong supporter of this type of federal investment that helps our communities provide critical recovery services and promote hope for individuals and families struggling with substance use. A drug court that administers justice and actively assists with the recognition and treatment of drug addiction will save lives and lower overall justice system costs.”

The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance provides leadership and services in grant administration and criminal justice policy development to support local, state, and tribal justice strategies to achieve safer communities. The BJA supports programs and initiatives in the areas of law enforcement, justice information sharing, countering terrorism, managing offenders, combating drug crime and abuse, adjudication, advancing tribal justice, crime prevention, protecting vulnerable populations, and capacity building.