Title
Resolution to Accept and Appropriate Fiscal Year 2018 Grant Funding for the Virginia Drug Treatment Court Grant Program Awarded by the Virginia Supreme Court, Office of the Executive Secretary to Continue the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this resolution is to accept and appropriate state grant funds to permit the continuance of the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia
Discussion:
The City contracts with the Hampton - Newport News Community Services Board to provide substance abuse education, treatment, case management services, and community supervision through the operation of the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program (the "Drug Court Program"). The mission of the Drug Court Program is to reduce crime and recidivism by eliminating substance abuse. The community benefits greatly from the services provided by that program.
Since its inception the Drug Court Program has treated 229 individuals. It has a retention rate of 70%, which is far higher than average substance abuse programs. The Drug Court Program achieves this by offering 1) substance abuse treatment services ranging from 4 - 20 hours per week; 2) life skills education; 3) case management; and 4) gender specific treatment. In addition, through collaborative partnerships with other agencies, participants receive: 1) mental health treatment and/or medication management; 2) free or reduced healthcare; 3) GED education or tuition payments for technical school or college; 4) employment placement; and 5) rental assistance for independent housing. Other benefits to the community include: the birth of drug free babies; financial savings to jails, community corrections and courts, as a result of reduced crime and recidivism.
The Drug Court Program is funded primarily through this annually-awarded grant from the Supreme Court of Virginia. The annual funding amount varies and is based on the yearly program census; however the current award of $165,000 is consistent with the amount awarded for Fiscal Year 2017 (See Hampton City Council File No. 16-0248; Resolution adopted July 13, 2016). The City provides in-kind support through building space at the City's Human Services Building. In addition, through the adoption of the City Manager's Fiscal Year 2018 General Fund Budget, a total sum of $124,500 was appropriated, with $30,000 of that amount specifically designated to support the Veteran's Court, a court which will provide an alternative to jail time to address certain special needs of veterans.
The Hampton - Newport News Community Services Board provides funding for Drug Court Program needs that are not covered by this grant or other City funding. No federal funds are received.
Impact:
State grant funds in the amount of $165,000; Local in-kind Match of $124,500 previously appropriated through the City Manager's General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2018.
Recommendation:
Approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the City, through the Hampton - Newport News Community Services Board, applied for and and has been awarded grant funds through the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia for the continued operation of the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program for the Eighth Judicial Circuit; and
WHEREAS, the current award for the period of July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018 is in the amount of $165,000.00, and is matched with $124,500.00 in previously appropriated local funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia accepts and appropriates the Fiscal Year 2018 Virginia Drug Treatment Court Grant in the amount of $165,000.00, and any related supplemental funding that may be awarded by the Supreme Court of Virginia in accordance with that grant program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia authorizes the City Manager or her designee to take any and all necessary actions to implement this grant award.