Dane County Receives $405,000 Grant to Expand Drug Treatment Court Program

October 19, 2023
Ariana Vruwink, 608-267-8823
County Executive

The Dane County Department of Human Services has received over $400,000 in federal grant funding to expand the county’s Drug Treatment Court Program, Executive Joe Parisi announced today. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued the grant to expand substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support services in existing drug courts. The project will also focus on increasing behavioral equity and access to culturally and gender-relevant services for the county’s diverse population.

“We need an all hands on deck approach in our community to address the ongoing opioid crisis and related behavioral health challenges like addiction,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Through these funds, our Drug Court participants will have access to increased support and services that reduce barriers to obtaining and maintaining recovery.”

Project objectives include serving the needs of participants with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, supporting service connection to community-based recovery services, increasing access to housing that supports recovery, and resolving transportation related barriers to program engagement.

A mental health professional will be contracted to better serve the needs of participants with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This professional will provide services including mental health screening, intervention, clinical support, and group counseling—ultimately reducing system barriers to accessing mental health treatment in a timely manner.

A Peer Support Specialist, with relevant lived experience, will be contracted to support service connection. Recovery housing and transportation assistance will also be provided to ensure participants have access to housing supportive of recovery, and reliable transportation to appointments associated with the program.

Since 1986, Dane County has been operating a Drug Court to provide prosecution and sentencing alternatives to the criminal justice system for persons with substance abuse problems. The court serves Dane County residents who are referred on felony non-violent drug driven charges who are at medium or high risk to re-offend. Graduates of this year-long program can have charges reduced or dismissed and have periods of incarceration reduced or eliminated.

A resolution to accept SAMHSA’s $405,000 grant will be introduced at tonight’s Dane County Board meeting. To learn more about Dane County’s Drug Treatment and Diversion Court programs, please visit https://courts.countyofdane.com/Alternatives/Drug-Court