FAYETTEVILLE — The Washington-Madison County Drug Court program could significantly expand its treatment and supervision of people with substance abuse and mental health problems if the federal government approves a grant application seeking more than $250,000.
The Washington County Quorum Court on Thursday approved the application for up to $325,000 in grant money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The money is used to help the high rate of new drug courts established in the country, according to the administration’s website.
In 2011, more than 2,400 adult drug courts operated in the country. The administration will dole out $14.1 million to up to 52 adult drug courts in the nation.
The county could receive between $250,000 and $325,000 if the grant is approved, said Wayne Blankenship, county grants administrator.
Drug court is a program for nonviolent, first-time drug offenders that puts them through intensive counseling and supervision with a goal of straightening out their lives and keeping them out of prison. Circuit Judge Chadd Mason, who runs the court, said people also get mental health evaluations and are provided vocational education.
The grant, if approved, would increase the staff treating offenders, provide more access to treatment, and also pay for a partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Mason said.
The university would monitor court participant treatments and provide statistical analysis to be shared with other drug courts in the country, Mason said.
“I see it not only as an expansion from a programming standpoint and staffing but also an opportunity for people to provide oversight and statistical analysis,” Mason said.