Tennessee Drug Courts Get Federal Grants

Two Tennessee drug courts were among those to get three-year grants from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Bradley County received $252,868 for its recovery court in Cleveland, and Warren County $325,000 for its recovery court in McMinnville.

Treatment drug court programs, also called "recovery courts," allow courts to require people with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental and substance abuse to get treatment. Advocates of the programs say they reduce jail time for people whose problems are addiction and mental illness, lowering the cost to society and better enabling recovery.

“Providing needed treatment services for people with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders who are involved with the criminal justice system benefits everyone,” said SAMHSA Principal Deputy Administrator Kana Enomoto. “Drug treatment courts improve health and recovery outcomes, reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, and help people recover in their communities.”

The two Tennessee grants are to expand or enhance substance abuse treatment services in already-existing adult courts. The federal government's model program for treatment of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs includes recovery support services, screening, assessment, case management and program coordination.

During this funding cycle, SAMHSA awarded more than $15 million in grants for drug court programs nationwide.

Tennessee has 20 recovery courts, including courts in Clinton, Maryville and Sevierville.

http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/18/tennessee-drug-courts-get-federal-grants/94085596/