The 45th Circuit Court, 3B District Court, and St. Joseph County Community Corrections, St. Joseph County, Michigan, received $458,596 in grant funding to bolster problem-solving courts and community corrections programs.
The grants, provided by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) and the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), aim to reduce recidivism, enhance public safety, and offer rehabilitation opportunities for participants.
The most significant grant, $130,000, was awarded to the 45th Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Court through the Michigan Drug Court Grant Program. This funding will support the court’s ongoing efforts to provide structured treatment, rehabilitation, and alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Another substantial grant, $180,000, went to the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program (SSSPP) at the 45th Circuit Court. This program focuses on holding probationers accountable through swift and consistent sanctions, aiming to guide them towards rehabilitation and reduce unnecessary incarceration.
Additional grants include $16,000 for the 3B District Court DWI Sobriety Court, which provides targeted intervention for individuals charged with driving while intoxicated. St. Joseph County Community Corrections also received $132,596 from the MDOC to support local programs that reduce prison admissions, such as pretrial supervision, electronic monitoring, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and risk assessments.
“These grants are essential in helping us offer comprehensive supervision and treatment programs that benefit individuals and the community,” Community Corrections Director Melissa Bliss said. “Addressing the root causes of criminal behavior can improve public safety while giving participants the tools they need to rebuild their lives.”
Courts in St. Joseph County, including the Adult Drug Treatment Court, SSSPP, and DWI Sobriety Court, emphasize reducing recidivism by addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. These courts combine supervision, accountability, and rehabilitation to provide participants with alternatives to incarceration and support lasting recovery.
The St. Joseph County Community Corrections program offers a range of alternatives to incarceration, including pretrial supervision, electronic monitoring, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These programs help individuals stay in the community while addressing their needs and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
