Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2008, $447,174)
The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.
The Education and Assistance Corporation (EAC) will support a community-based alternative to incarceration program for mentally ill and substance abusing defendants in Queens County, New York. In partnership with the District Attorney's Office and the court system, EAC staff will screen and assess non-violent offenders for possible diversion into treatment. This process will include a comprehensive review of the persons' background involving criminal justice, substance abuse, medical, educational, and employment histories. A full psycho-social assessment with a treatment plan and level of care needed based on motivation and community risk will also be determined. It is anticipated that approximately 120-substance abusing and mentally ill offenders will be diverted from incarceration and placed into identified treatment programs during the grant period.
NCA/NCF