Pubdate: Thu, 31 Jul 2003 Source: Kentucky Post (KY) Copyright: 2003 Kentucky Post Contact: http://www.kypost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/661 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/states/ky/ (Kentucky) CAMPBELL, KENTON DRUG COURTS TO GET STATE FUNDS The Kentucky Drug Court program in Campbell and Kenton counties will receive part of $1.3 million in state grant money to continue offering alternative sentencing and other services to select drug offenders. Sixteen counties were selected to receive a portion of the Kentucky Justice Cabinet's Edward Byrne Memorial Grant Fund this year. The funds will be used to pay salaries, treatment and operational costs for the program. Kentucky's Drug Court program began in 1993 and operates in 41 counties. Select drug offenders admitted into the program receive customized treatment plans, counseling, drug testing and job training instead of jail time, allowing them to stay employed as they put their lives back together. "Our war on drug abuse gains new momentum every time we secure new funding for Drug Court," said Joseph E. Lambert, chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, who oversees the state's Drug Court program. Since 1996, Kentucky Drug Court programs have received more than $9 million in Byrne Grant funds, which must be applied for annually. Drug Court judges in Campbell and Kenton counties are Chief Regional Circuit Judge William Wehr and Circuit Judge Gregory Bartlett. Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts oversees the program statewide. - --- MAP posted-by: Thunder