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Birmingham Municipal Court, in partnership with Aletheia House, has been awarded a $2 million grant over five years to support its drug court program. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will provide $400,000 annually to expand substance-use disorder treatment capacity in the Adult and Family Treatment Drug Court.
The Birmingham Municipal Court operates nine specialized courts designed to address the underlying causes that contribute to individuals’ involvement in the criminal justice system. These specialized courts include the Environmental Court, Gun Court, Domestic Violence Court, Driving While Intoxicated Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Bilingual Court, Turning Point Court, HOPE Court, and the Adult Drug Treatment Court.
The Adult Drug Treatment Court offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment and recovery services to non-violent misdemeanor offenders with substance abuse charges and co-occurring disorders. Through its partnership with Aletheia House, the court has expanded its services to include mental health treatment, housing support, and lifestyle training.
“I am proud to say that the City of Birmingham is doing all we can to help our citizens deal with the war on drugs and how it is impacting our families and our friends each and every day,” said Andra Sparks, the Presiding Judge of the Birmingham Municipal Court.
The court first received a similar federal grant in 2008 for $350,000 and has since continued to receive funding. This latest award brings the total funds awarded to more than $7 million for treating substance abuse disorders.
Aletheia House is a community-based organization that provides low-cost substance abuse treatment and prevention services to individuals and their communities. As one of Alabama’s largest providers, Aletheia House offers substance abuse treatment, substance abuse/HIV prevention, employment services, healthcare, and affordable housing.
“We are excited about our continued partnership with Aletheia House,” said Miranda O’Neil, Director of Social Services for the Municipal Court. “We are able to make a tremendous impact with these funds.”
Judge Sparks emphasized the court’s commitment to helping those struggling with substance abuse: “I issue a call out to anyone who believes they may be struggling and need help: If there is something we can do to support them in their struggle with substance abuse disorder or drug addiction, we are glad to do it.”
