Federal Funds For Juvenile Drug Courts

The Bristol County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday that they have received $400,000 in federal funds to boost the Juvenile Drug Court.

The grant, from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, will be dispersed over two years and will be used to pay fort a full-time Family Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, a Case Manager, and a half-time Research Assistant.

Representatives of Bristol County's criminal justice and social service agencies will hold an event on Monday to discuss how the funds will be implemented and announce the launch of "Families First: Improving Outcomes for Youth in Juvenile Drug Court Project."

The introductory meeting will include the Chief Justice of the Trial Court Paula M. Carey, First Justice John S. Spinale of the Bristol County Juvenile Drug Court, and Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson.

Officials says as a result of the grant Juvenile Drug Court programs will now be implemented in three courts in Bristol County: Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton/Attleboro.

The event will take place 3 p.m. Monday at the Taunton District Court Jury Room at 40 Broadway in Taunton.

The public is invited to attend.