Subject:
Title
Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice for the Fiscal Year 2023 Adult Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program in Partnership with the Sixth Judicial Circuit
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of the Fiscal Year 2023 Adult Drug Court Discretionary grant award for the Pinellas County Adult Treatment Court Aurora Expansion Project.
• The Aurora Project Expansion is a collaborative partnership between Pinellas County, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, and its treatment provider, Center for Rational Living.
• The goal of the Aurora Expansion Project is to address gaps in services for non-violent offenders who have suffered and struggle with past trauma (i.e., sexual, childhood abuse, abusive relationships, military trauma, death, etc.).
• As a client-centered therapeutic program, this project proposed to serve 135 nonviolent offenders for treatment of substance use and trauma related issues over the life of the grant.
• The grant award is in the amount of $778,932.00 over four (4) years, from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2027.
• A combination of in-kind and cash match in the amount of $262,489.00 will be provided by the Sixth Judicial Circuit and Center for Rational Living.
• Funding for this grant was not anticipated in the FY24 budget and may require a budget resolution to recognize the unanticipated grant revenue and appropriate the expenditures for this program.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Pinellas County is receiving grant funds in the amount of $778,932.00 over four (4) years to continue and expand the current Aurora Project, which enhances the capacity of the Sixth Judicial Circuit's Adult Drug Court program. This expansion will enable the Sixth Judicial Circuit, in partnership with its treatment provider, Center for Rational Living, to improve its ability to effectively provide meaningful therapeutic services to the target high risk population of individuals participating in the Pinellas Drug Court who have suffered and struggle with past trauma (i.e., sexual, childhood abuse, abusive relationships, military trauma, death, etc.).
During the four-year grant period, 2023-2027, the Aurora Project Expansion grant will look to serve 135 clients (30 in year 1, 40 each in years 2 & 3, and 25 in year 4). By improving services provided to the target population, the Sixth Judicial Circuit will continue to build on reducing crime and substance abuse among high-risk/high-need, non-violent offenders who are diagnosed with substance use disorders. The goal of the proposed program is to address the needs of this population, which is currently underserved, and provide an effective client-centered therapeutic program addressing both substance use and trauma-related issues. The program will use a combination of group and individual therapy utilizing a drop-down treatment schedule. Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing will be offered to clients with the goal to lessen symptoms of PTSD and reduce substance abuse, while increasing overall quality of life.
Background/Explanation:
Established in 2001, the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Adult Drug Court of Pinellas County assists non-violent offenders in achieving successful rehabilitation from the use of drugs and/or alcohol.
The current Aurora Project is funded by a $500,000.00 U.S. Department of Justice grant that ends on 9/30/2023. As of 6/30/2023, 93 clients have been served. The continuation and expansion of this program will allow for a greater reach to target the high-risk population of individuals participating in the Pinellas Drug Court who have suffered and struggle with past trauma (i.e., sexual, childhood abuse, abusive relationships, military trauma, death, etc.).
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in the amount of $778,932.00 is provided over four (4) years by the Fiscal Year 2023 U.S. Department of Justice Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program. A total in-kind and cash match of $262,489.00 will be provided by the Sixth Judicial Circuit and the Center for Rational Living. Funding for this grant was not anticipated in the FY24 budget and may require a budget resolution to recognize the unanticipated grant revenue and appropriate the expenditures for this program.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Notice of Award is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
U.S. Department of Justice
Sixth Judicial Circuit Court
Center for Rational Living
Attachments:
Grant Award Package
Budget
Program Narrative
Memorandum of Understanding
Grant Management Form