Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2024, $1,000,000)
The current project seeks federal funds for the enhancement of the 20th Drug Court Treatment Program in Faulkner County, Arkansas. The Treatment Court program is a post-adjudication court that targets high risk, high need individuals who are charged with a felony and have a substance use disorder that requires treatment. Individuals within the jurisdiction have access to medication-assisted therapy services through local behavioral health providers. The program began operations in November 2003 and the program is a minimum of 16 months. The current project seeks to enhance the court by: increasing program capacity by creating multiple tracks for low, moderate, and high-risk/need clients; hiring two licensed clinical social workers to serve additional clients and to provide mental health, trauma, and culturally proficient treatment to participants; providing training on best practices in drug treatment courts; engaging in strategic planning with the team to increase adherence to the 10 Key Components and Adult Treatment Court Best Practices; providing comprehensive drug and alcohol testing; and addressing racial disparities in the treatment court by conducting a disparity analysis using program data and survey data from participants, participating in equity and inclusion training, and implementing a culturally proficient, evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatment.