The Cameron County Divert Court Program (CCDC)

Cameron County, Texas

 FY2022 Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program

ABSTRACT

Cameron County is requesting Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program fund in the amount of $491,393.76 for Enhancement Category B an adult drug court to assist nonviolent offenders with successful rehabilitation from the use of drugs and alcohol. The intent of the drug program is to enhance our capacity and offer treatment to an additional 75 applicants that we are unable to service lack of resources. Cameron County is designated as an Empowerment Zone by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The County collaborates with the Office of the Governor for state funding. We have not receive any grant funding from the Office of Justice Programs or have participated in the Drug Court Planning Initiative.

The Cameron County Divert Court was established in 2009 and has operated for the past 13 years. There is a need and demand to provide more drug treatment services to a growing population of young adults. Cameron County has a population of 425,111 and a 34.5% below poverty rate.  According to a report dated January 12, 2022, the caseload of the Cameron County Adult Probation Department was over 600 cases alcohol related, 665 drug related and our Drug Court had 46% using Marijuana, 22% using cocaine, and 17% benzodiazepines.   Our goals and objectives are as follows: Goal 1: Reduce criminal justice recidivism. Objective/Measure 1.1: Reduce arrests. 1.2 Reduced the number of re-incarcerations. 1.3: Reduced number of re-convictions.  Goal2: Improve the psycho-social well-being of drug participants. Objective/Measure 2.1: Pre and post testing will show a decrease in positive testing. 2.2: Participants will complete educational and vocational training. 2.3: Program graduates will be in school and/or have a job. 2.4: Participants will experience housing stability upon graduation from the program. Goal 3: Reduce short term and long term costs for Drug Court participants. Objective/Measure 3.1: Reduced number of jail bed days at $50/day. 3.2 Participants will improve access to third-party payers (i.e. Medicaid or TANF) by reducing cost to local and state government. 3.3: Participants will offset the costs of participation with a $1,000 fee. Upon completion of the treatment, the participants will effectively manage employment, housing stability and personal affairs.  Cameron County affirms the key components of a drug court will be met and implemented.