The state Department of Justice is reaching out to counties that are interested in creating new Treatment Alternatives and Diversion programs for their residents.
The state already has nine counties with TAD programs in place, which are designed to provide alternatives to jail and prison sentences for non-violent offenders with drug and alcohol problems. Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says those programs, such as drug courts, have helped the state save $12 million over the past four years by keeping offenders out of prison.
The recently enacted state budget included $1 million to expand TAD projects to additional counties, while another $500,000 is available specifically for establishing new drug courts. The DOJ is now accepting applications from counties interested in grants to start those programs.
AUDIO: Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen (:15)
Van Hollen says existing programs have already proven very successful in helping offenders and he hopes to see them to continue to grow statewide in the coming years. The attorney general says more successes in reducing spending in the criminal justice system should translate to more money for TAD programs, which can help “keep people out of the criminal justice system and reduce victimization.”
Counties have until October 17th to apply for the grants.