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The Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded the Collier County Housing, Human and Veteran Services Department a two year $197,614 enhancement grant for the Collier County Adult Drug Court program for which David Lawrence Center (DLC) is the treatment provider. The Center partnered with the County on the grant submission which will be used to expand services and enhance the operations of the Drug Court program.
The Adult Drug Court Program diverts offenders with substance abuse and drug related criminal activity from the criminal justice system by offering them an opportunity to proactively deal with their dependence rather than face punitive alternatives. This more effective form of treatment combines one to two year's worth of mandatory drug testing, psychoeducational group therapy, case management, regular participation at 12-step meetings, and routine probationary and judicial reviews. Many local agencies collaborate on the Drug Court program including the DLC, Office of the State Attorney, The 20th Judicial Circuit, Public Defenders Office and the Department of Corrections.
The grant will be used to expand the Drug Court services by increasing drug testing and case management services and implementing a new compliance reward program. The remaining portion will be used to enhance the Drug Court through the completion of team member training and an extensive program evaluation. The goal of the grant is to increase the probability of successful rehabilitation of participants and improve efficiencies and effectiveness of the program operations.
David Lawrence Center CEO David Schimmel states, "The injury, illness, crime, and other adverse events related to alcohol and drug abuse cost Florida more than $43 billion a year -the equivalent of a third of the state's budget. Drug Courts are proven, cost effective investments that reduce crime, restore families and save lives. DLC is proud to partner with Collier County on this important program that has been changing the lives of individuals struggling with addiction since 1999."
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