For hard to reach participants
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2017) — The McCracken County Adult Drug Court program has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to help participants who are the most difficult to treat and have the fewest resources to successfully complete drug court and obtain education and work. The grant became effective in January.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance jointly awarded the program the grant to expand treatment services, including job coaching and counseling, and assist participants with education expenses, housing, transportation, child care and other needs. The funds are to help participants who struggle with employment issues, suffer with mental health problems and/or lack basic education.
“The goal of drug court is for the participants to learn to live a life free of drugs and alcohol and to support themselves and their families,” said McCracken County Circuit Court Judge Tim Kaltenbach, who volunteers as a drug court judge. “This federal grant provides the temporary resources they need to get back on their feet so they can accomplish these goals. We and our participants are grateful.”
The program will use the Assertive Community Treatment Model, which is designed to enhance the chances of success for participants who need assistance beyond traditional treatment. The model calls for increased case management and a multidisciplinary team approach.
Funds will pay for Four Rivers Behavioral Health to hire a substance abuse counselor, peer recovery coach and case manager to work with participants. The counselor’s duties include providing counseling and enhanced treatment for individuals and groups of participants. The peer recovery coach and the case manager conduct home and jail visits, lead mentoring groups and offer job coaching and transportation. The peer recovery coach also offers emotional support for participants. The case manager works with drug court staff to oversee participant’s cases.
SAMHSA’s portion of the joint grant is for enhanced treatment and is $325,000 a year for three years, for a total of $975,000. BJA provided $300,000 for wrap-around services such as assistance with education expenses, housing, transportation, child care and other needs. All the funds are for use over a three-year period.
Kentucky Drug Court programs are paid for with state funds approved by the Kentucky General Assembly. State funds are for treatment, drug testing, home visits and other services but do not cover wrap-around services like housing and clothing.
This is the second consecutive grant period in which the McCracken County program was selected to receive $1.2 million in grant funds from SAMHSA and BJA for enhanced treatment and wrap-around services. The program was first awarded the grant funding for 2013-2016.
There are 43 participants in the McCracken County Drug Court program. As of Feb. 23, 160 participants will have graduated from the program since it began in March 2005. Twenty-two drug-free babies have been born to McCracken County participants
Add Comment