Implementing a Community Court in Van Buren County (MI)

Van Buren County Courts is seeking funding in Category 1 to implement the Van Buren County Community Court. The purpose is to enhance public safety and build trust between the criminal justice system and the community in Van Buren County, Michigan. This project is projected to serve at least 200 individuals scoring low-risk/high-need or low-risk/low-need over the 48-month grant period. Participant project activities include screening and assessment for substance use disorder, mental health, co-occurring disorder; criminogenic risk/need, case management, clinical treatment services, recovery support services, judicial supervision, drug/alcohol testing; and appropriate sanctions, incentives, and service adjustments. Van Buren County Courts is seeking priority consideration under areas: 1A, 2, and 3. Van Buren County has been designated as a rural community and will contract with a research partner for this project. The research topic will be on early identification, referral, screening, and enrollment of eligible individuals in the program (area 3). Subrecipient activities include providing clinical treatment, as well as contracting with research partner/evaluator to conduct an annual evaluation of the program that includes an equity and inclusion assessment.