FAYETTEVILLE—U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) announced today that the Washington/Madison County Adult Drug Treatment Court (WMCADTC) will receive a $325,000 grant for a service enhancement and expansion project. 

The Department of Health and Human Services, which issued the grant, said the funds will be used to improve and expand the treatment and recovery services available to WMCADTC participants and their families and to expand the Court’s capacity.  Specifically, the project will target individuals with substance use disorders in the criminal justice system, such as repeat offenders and individuals with serious mental illnesses, who are less likely to succeed in traditional outpatient and probation services.

“Drug courts are a critical component of today’s criminal justice system,” Pryor said. “By improving treatment and recovery services and increasing the Court’s capacity, these funds will help drug offenders overcome their addictions and become more productive members of society.”

“Drug courts have proven to be an effective alternative to jail for individuals convicted of nonviolent drug charges and I am proud to support their work,” Boozman said.“These funds will continue to help this tool of the justice system play a vital part in building partnerships between public agencies, judicial systems, families and communities to help reduce drug abuse in a cost effective manner.”

“Substance abusers and the mentally ill have continually challenged our criminal justice system,” Womack said. “I commend the Washington/Madison County Adult Drug Treatment Court for its commitment to addressing the underlying problems that contribute to criminal behavior and for using this funding to expand services for individuals who are least likely to become productive citizens with traditional outpatient and probation services alone.”