Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2010, $250,000)
The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.
The County of Merrimack was awarded a congressionally mandated award in the amount of $250,000 for the Merrimack County Mental Health Court Pilot Program. The purpose of the mental health court is (1) to provide proper treatment and care for non-violent offenders and defendants; (2) reduce costs to the county department of corrections by as much as a million dollars per year, and (3) provide safety for both the pre- and post-trial incarcerated mentally ill. Grant funds will be used to support four trainings for stakeholders to assist with the identification of mental health court candidates and to ensure that protocols are followed. In addition, training will focus on the appropriate handling of individuals exhibiting signs of mental illness.
NCA/NCF