Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia's Participation in and Appropriation of the 2017 Virginia Drug Treatment Court Program Grant through the Supreme Court of Virginia
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Due to an overwhelming demand to provide an alternative to traditional court processing of felony nonviolent drug addicted offenders, the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program was developed and implemented in February 2003. The first participants were enrolled in June of 2003. The program has been very successful and has been widely accepted by the Hampton Community. Through community collaboration, this program has become a successful joint venture.
Discussion:
The mission of the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program is to reduce crime and recidivism by eliminating substance abuse. The community has benefited greatly from the services that are provided by the program.
Since its inception the Hampton Drug Treatment Court Program has treated 229 individuals. It has a retention rate of 70%, which is far higher than the average substance abuse program. The program offers the following services: 1) Substance abuse treatment services ranging from 4 - 20 hours per week; 2) Life skills education; 3) case management; and 4) gender specific treatment. Through collaborative partnerships 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.
Funding for the program comes primarily through a grant from the Supreme Court of Virginia. This grant is continued annually; however, the funding amount varies and is based on the yearly program census. The current amount available to the program is $165,000. The City of Hampton provides annual funding in the amount of $94,500, as well as, in-kind. The in-kind consist of building space. The program is located in the Cities Department of Human Services Building. The Hampton Newport News Community Services Board provides funding for all program needs that are not covered by the grant or City funding.
Impact:
By accepting this grant, the program can continue operating and producing tax-paying, productive citizens.
Recommendation:
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of Virginia has awarded a 2017 Virginia Drug Treatment Court Grant to the City of Hampton in the amount of $165,000 for a total grant amount of $165,000; and
WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia accepts and appropriates the 2017 Virginia Drug Treatment Court Grant in the amount of $165,000, and any related supplemental funding, by the Supreme Court of Virginia in accordance with the grant agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take the necessary steps to implement this grant award.