Dane County Receives $405,000 Grant to Expand Drug Treatment Court Program

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The Dane County Department of Human Services received more than $400,000 in Federal grant funding to expand the county’s Drug Treatment Court Program, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said Thursday.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued the grant to expand substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support services in existing drug courts. The project will also focus on increasing behavioral equity and access to culturally and gender-relevant services for the county’s diverse population, Parisi noted.

“We need an all hands on deck approach in our community to address the ongoing opioid crisis and related behavioral health challenges like addiction,” said Parisi.

“Through these funds, our Drug Court participants will have access to increased support and services that reduce barriers to obtaining and maintaining recovery,” Parisi added.

According to Dane County officials, project objectives include serving the needs of participants with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, supporting service connection to community-based recovery services, increasing access to housing that supports recovery, and resolving transportation related barriers to program engagement.

Officials also noted a mental health professional will be contracted to better serve the needs of participants with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

“This professional will provide services including mental health screening, intervention, clinical support, and group counseling—ultimately reducing system barriers to accessing mental health treatment in a timely manner,” officials said.

A Peer Support Specialist, with relevant lived experience, will also be contracted to support service connection, Dane County officials added.

Recovery housing and transportation assistance will also be provided to ensure participants have access to housing supportive of recovery, and reliable transportation to appointments associated with the program.

Since 1986, Dane County has been operating a Drug Court to provide prosecution and sentencing alternatives to the criminal justice system for persons with substance abuse problems. The court serves Dane County residents who are referred on felony non-violent drug driven charges who are at medium or high risk to re-offend. Graduates of this year-long program can have charges reduced or dismissed and have periods of incarceration reduced or eliminated, officials noted.

A resolution to accept SAMHSA’s $405,000 grant will be introduced at Thurday’s Dane County Board meeting.