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CYNTHIA L. COX CIRCUIT JUDGE Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida COUNTIES OF MARTIN, ST. LUCIE, INDIAN RIVER AND OKEECHOBEE 2000 -16th Avenue, Suite 383 Vero Beach, FL 32960 goxo0s.ircuit19.orq April 3, 2019 TO: INDIAN RIVER COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 4/9/19 Havely White Combe JUDICIAL ASSISTANT (772) 770-6231 FAX (772) 770-5335 whltehitWcutt19.orq RE: BJA Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program FY 2019 To address the opioid and drug epidemic and assess new and emerging practices in criminal justice for cost-effectiveness, public safety and diversion from jails, we are interested in BJA's 2019 Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant (Category 2: Enhancement). Specifically, we would like to apply for up to $500,000 over 36 months for treatment and testing. This would entice and allow more participants to seek substance abuse treatment through our Drug Court. Drug Courts enjoy support from the Florida Legislature and Florida Supreme Court, both of whom have recognized the benefits and tax savings to our citizens. In the future, judges and court staff will be armed with information to approach legislators to seek local and state budgets creating financial stability; will seek out and leverage other federal funding sources such as SAMSHA's Access To Recovery; will engage in vigorous grant writing activities; will work with our Managing Entity to realign state resources to support treatment for the criminal justice involved population and will partner with our many community based organizations. Most importantly, the individuals rehabilitated, families reunited, public safety increased, jail bed days decreased, taxpayer savings and the lives saved will lessen the burden of the drug epidemic on our entire community and will enlighten public and elected officials to see the value in assuming funding. We will be using the 25% match from the State salaries of our Drug Court Team (Judge, State Attorney, PD, Probation, Court Administration). The deadline is April 12, 2019 and we intend to prepare a draft of the Grant for review within the next week if approved. I have attached a copy of the Grant Announcement hereto, along with our Program Abstract and our proposed Budget (estimated). We would like to gain approval to apply for up to $500,000 of the Grant and authorize either the Chair of the County Commission or County Administrator to execute any documents necessary for filing and acting as the Fiscal Agent. Thank you again for your time and consideration. cc: Judge Steven Levin, Administrative Drug Court Judge Chief Judge Elizabeth Metzger Wendy Parent, Problem Solving Court Manager 113