No Wrong Door

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.

Alachua County will use the Congressionally Selected Award to provide individuals with chemical dependency disorders, mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders in supervision and treatment programs with the appropriate resources to meet their specific needs. The grant will fund case management and supportive services such as psychiatric services, medications and transitional or supportive housing which are essential to achieving stabilization and long-term success for this population. This project will provide contracted psychiatric services enabling program participants to receive services after release from custody. Funds would be available to purchase necessary psychotropic and other medications and obtain transitional and supportive housing for those persons who cannot afford them. A partnership will be established with the Alachua County Housing Authority to maximize available funds and achieve sustainable housing. A case manager will coordinate clients' transitional services such as housing, transportation, and medications to ensure seamless services. The case manager will communicate clients' progress and needs and assist clients in successfully transitioning out of the program through family involvement, work participation, SSI/SSDI benefits or other available resources. Training will be provided to court services staff to increase their knowledge and skills in utilizing evidence based techniques to assist clients.

NCA/NCF