Mid-Hudson Valley Drug Court Enhancement Project

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Fund for the City of New York, Center for Court Innovation, will use the Congressionally Selected Awards Program funding to support the Mid-Hudson Valley Drug Court Enhancement Project that aims to reunite children with their parents by helping them achieve safe, sober, and stable home environments. Through the grant, the salary of a full-time community resource coordinator (CRC) will be supported. The CRC will be responsible for strengthening the delivery of supportive services to young adult participants, build a vocational and educational support system targeted for this population, and train staff in proven intervention practices. Region-wide training for substance abuse prevention providers will also be funded. Grant funded tasks will be tracked through the project period, assisted by a customized computer application designed by the state that records participants' progress throughout the drug court process, to include assessment and services received, treatment and court recommendations, and drug testing results.

NCA/NCF