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Laredo, Texas – Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) on Wednesday announced the awarding of $975,000 in federal funds to Webb County’s Juvenile Treatment Drug Court Program, which is designed to help juveniles dealing with drug-related problems acquire the necessary assistance and intervention to help get them back on the path to success.

These much-needed federal funds come from the Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and will be used to expand the existing Juvenile Treatment Drug Court Program, which is operated by the Webb County Court at Law II in collaboration with Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN).

At least 250 participants will benefit from this program through its three-year implementation period from September 9, 2014 to September 29, 2017.

The Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Program provides outpatient services to adolescents experiencing life problems related to the use of alcohol or illicit substances. The target population is adolescents with drug use disorders of abuse or dependence and who are in the pre and/or post adjudication process within the legal system.

This intervention program focuses on teaching adolescents how to either enhance or find new reinforcers for staying substance-free, how to use existing community resources, and how to develop a positive support system within the family.

“This grant helps to continue the excellent treatment services that Webb County and SCAN provide our community. One of my top priorities is to see that the people in the district I represent receive adequate funding for these great programs that help families in South Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “I thank Judge Garza for his hard work and dedication to our community as well as the full staff of SAMHSA for their dedication and exemplary service.”

“We are greatly pleased and excited to have been selected to receive this grant award. This will further enhance our existing Juvenile Drug Court Program and allow us to serve many more children and adolescents that struggle with addiction,” said Hon. Jesus “Chuy” Garza of Webb County Court-at-Law II.

“We congratulate Judge Jesus Garza and his team for obtaining the SAMHSA grant and we are ready to collaborate with them to meet the substance abuse treatment needs of young people participating in the Webb County’s Juvenile Drug Court,” said SCAN CEO Isela Dabdoub.

These federal funds are an investment in the families of Webb County as they will help keep young people out of jail and provide them with the counseling and skills they need to break the cycle of dependency.