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Naples, Fl – David Lawrence Centers, Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health and addiction recovery treatment center serving children, adults and families, is pleased to announce that the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded the Collier County Housing, Human and Veteran Services Department a three-year $360,000 discretionary grant for the Collier County Adult Drug Court program for which David Lawrence Centers is the treatment provider. The Center partnered with the County on the grant submission and will provide the required matching funds of $163,380.

The grant will be used to expand and enhance the Drug Court services. The goal of the grant is to increase the likelihood of successful rehabilitation for non-violent offenders who are at risk of failing in less intensive programs by increasing access to dedicated treatment services, including the full-range of medication-assisted treatment options.

The Adult Drug Court Program diverts offenders with substance use and drug-related criminal activity from the criminal justice system by offering them an opportunity to proactively deal with their substance use disorder rather than face punitive alternatives. This more effective form of treatment combines one to two years’ worth of mandatory drug testing, psychoeducational group therapy, case management, regular participation at 12-step meetings, and routine probationary and judicial reviews. Many local agencies collaborate with the Drug Court program including the David Lawrence Centers, Office of the State Attorney, The 20th Judicial Circuit, Public Defender’s Office and the Department of Corrections.

The grant will be used to expand Drug Court services to an average of 70 participants per month, thus increasing accessing access to case management, drug testing, treatment services and incidental funds. It will also fund clinical trainings for the Drug Court treatment team members. Grant funding for drug testing services will improve the Drug Court team’s ability to monitor treatment progress and provide immediate, objective feedback needed for an effective treatment relationship. Additional dedicated case management services will help increase the overall treatment capacity of the program and improve upon the time it takes to screen potential candidates waiting in jail. Case managers will have more time to spend with clients to address complex issues such as physical and co-occurring mental health problems that many participants face that can hinder the recovery process. Case managers will provide resource coordination and referrals for additional treatment services including individual, family or group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, residential treatment and intensive outpatient services. A portion of the funds will be used to provide therapeutic and behaviorally effective token rewards designed to positively influence treatment retention and motivate clients to continue their success and maintain their sobriety.

David Lawrence Centers President and CEO Scott Burgess states, “Drug Courts are proven, cost effective investments made by a collaboration of all three branches of government and the private sector that reduce crime, restore families, and save lives. David Lawrence Centers is proud to partner with Collier County on this important program that has been changing the lives of individuals struggling with addiction since 1999.”

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers is a national leader in providing world-class mental health and addiction recovery solutions for children, adolescents and adults. The Center’s innovative, integrated treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, David Lawrence Centers creates life-changing wellness for more than 9,000 people through over 220,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 491-7602 or visit www.DavidLawrenceCenter.org.

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