Albany Works! Community Court

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) FY20 National Community Courts Site-based and Training and Technical Assistance Initiative supports efforts by state, local, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments to establish and enhance community courts in their jurisdictions. Community courts enhance public safety by addressing underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior, including substance abuse and behavioral health issues. By engaging communities in planning and operational processes, they provide justice system officials with more effective options in dealing with lower-level offenses, enhance public trust in the conduct of justice, and help to reduce unnecessary incarceration.

The grant recipient has completed a substantial amount of planning and is ready to fully implement a community court or will be enhancing an existing community court. Funding will be used for case management, supervision and treatment services, and/or the provision and coordination of recovery support services. Courts must ensure that participants are tested periodically for the use of controlled substances, including medical marijuana, and that the court conforms to the key community court principles and statutory requirements of the program. CA/NCF