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10/03/2006

MHLP Selected to Evaluate Federally Funded Dependency Drug Court Grant

 

It was announced that USF-FMHI Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, in partnership with the 13th Judicial Circuit Court and Goodwill-Industries, Inc. will evaluate a new, three-year, SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Dependency Drug Court Grant in Hillsborough County.  The Administrative Office of the Court, Tampa, will receive $399,854 for the Tampa Dependency Drug Court (DDC) Program, to provide enhanced services to parents alleged to have neglected their children as a result of alcohol or drug use. Florida is one of only two states to receive the three year award. MHLP faculty, Kathleen Moore, Ph.D., will conduct the evaluation of the Dependency Drug Court program.

Hillsborough County has identified a gap in treatment for dependency drug cases that require more intensive substance abuse services and more structured referral services to adequately address the issues of the clients in the dependency drug court. Due to the specialized needs of this population, an assertive treatment modality is necessary to effectively respond to the increasing population of caregivers and their dependents that are affected by substance abuse issues. The purpose of the Tampa DDC program is to (1) provide enhanced services to parents alleged to have neglected their children as a result of alcohol or other drug use, (2) ensure the safety and well-being of children, and (3) family reunification.

In recent years, significant research, training and consensus building activities in the Tampa Bay region has laid the groundwork for this project. This initiative provides a framework for enhancing the current Tampa Dependency Drug Court through a more structured approach utilizing the collaborative efforts of the partners in this initiative. Other key members who have agreed to participate in this effort include: Hillsborough Kids Inc., Florida Department of Children and Families, Office of the Attorney General, and local agencies providing an array of services (e.g., mental health, medical, vocational, etc.). This program will provide an integrated system of care and use evidence-based practices as a model program for the region in the provision of integrated services for 40 families involved in the dependency drug court program per year for 3 years.