Community Connections Mental Health Court Project

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 Greater Nashua Mental Health Center (GNMHC) will expand and evaluate their Community Connections Mental Health Court Project (CCMHCP). The award will allow the CCMHCP to achieve its goal of reducing recidivism and improving community safety through strengthening of court-mental health relationships; developing specialized training and outreach; designing and implementing an evaluation protocol; and establishing cost-effective policies and procedures for the program.

NCA/NCF