Subject:
Title
Grant Application in Partnership with the Sixth Judicial Circuit for the U.S. Department of Justice Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant application, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and grant-related documents for the U.S. Department of Justice Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant program.
• The proposed “Aurora Project Expansion,” is a collaborative partnership between Pinellas County, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court (Court), and its treatment provider, Center for Rational Living (CRL).
• The project aims to expand and enhance the capacity of the Adult Drug Court 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.).
• The County is seeking $700,000.00 over four years ($175,000.00/year).
• A 25% match ($233,334.00) is required. The Court and CRL will provide this match through in-kind services.
• If awarded, the project will begin 10/01/2023 and conclude 9/30/2027.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Summary:
Pinellas County is requesting BJA grant funds in the amount of $700,000 ($175,000 per year for up to four 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 150 clients (30 year 1, 40 per year 2, 3 and 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 12/31/2022, 76 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 an amount not to exceed $700,000.00 over a four-year period ($175,000.00 per year) will be provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program. Match totaling $233,334.00 will be provided by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court and Center for Rational Living through in-kind services.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this application and MOU is granted under Code Sections 2-62 (a)(1) and (a)(4).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Center for Rational Living
U.S. Department of Justice
Attachments:
Aurora Project Expansion MOU
SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
DOJ Certified Standard Assurances
DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension
Intent to Apply Approval
FY23 Adult Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Solicitation