The Harnett County Veterans Treatment Court in Judicial District 11A, located at the Harnett County Courthouse, has received official notification from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and BJA (Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice) that the court has been approved federal grant funding in the amount of $1.37 million over the next three years beginning October 2016. The title of the joint federal grant is Joint Adult Drug Court Solicitation to Enhance Services, Coordination and Treatment.

Chief District Court Judge Jacquelyn L. Lee, who presides over the Veterans Treatment Court, was notified of the award recently from the federal agencies.

"This will open up many resources for the Veterans Treatment Court to treat veterans," said Judge Lee. "Previously, we were handicapped because of lack of resources. Now we can give the veterans the resources they need to have success."

The goal of the grant is to enhance the Veterans Treatment Court to assist nonviolent offenders with successful rehabilitation from mental health issues and the use of drugs and/or alcohol. The population to be served is veterans from this judicial district and adjoining counties who seek mental health and substance use treatment as a result of their association and involvement while serving our country in harm's way. These funds will allow participants in the Veterans Treatment Court to receive much needed mental health and substance use treatment from community providers.

"Every member of our Veterans Treatment Court team has worked exceptionally hard over the last three years to serve the veterans and interest of justice," said District Attorney Vernon Stewart. "Receipt of this grant is a product of this hard work and commitment to success. These funds will allow our court to grow and reach its maximum potential."

"The unity, persistence and dedication of the treatment court team has proven on a state and national level that the Harnett County Veterans Treatment Court is providing quality treatment and services to veterans in need who find themselves in the court system," stated Clerk of Superior Court Marsha Johnson.