Fulton County Drug Court

The Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program is designed to assist states, state courts, local courts, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments in developing and establishing drug courts for substance-abusing adult and juvenile offenders. Drug court programs funded by the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program are required by law to target nonviolent offenders. The program supports the following activities: adult drug court implementation, single jurisdiction drug court enhancement, statewide drug court enhancement, and planning efforts.

Fulton County will utilize FY 2009 Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program funds to enhance existing operations of its Drug Court in order to reduce chemical abuse and criminal recidivism among program participants. Through the grant, the salaries of two part time Sheriff's Investigators will be supported. The investigators will conduct random and frequent home-based urine and breathalyzer testing and curfew checks. Additional drug testing kits will also be purchased. Remaining funds will be applied towards travel costs associated with staff attendance to state and national drug court conferences. The conferences will assist the court in addressing participant needs in a more efficient manner through discussions of new initiatives and best practice models. First time felony or misdemeanor offenders are eligible for participation. The program encompasses three years for felony offenders and one year for misdemeanor offenders. Offenses include DWI and DUI convictions, possession charges, and burglaries, if the offense was committed in order to obtain drugs. Once a person is deemed eligible, they are referred to a treatment facility for inpatient or outpatient services. Additional services, to include job placement and training, are also made available. A 10-year outcome evaluation will be conducted to review and assess program results.

CA/NCF