Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) today announced a $974,118 grant for the 406^th Judicial District Adult Drug Court Program. The funds, which come from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will be used to expand and enhance the existing drug court treatment services for adult male and female defendants.

Specifically, the funds will enhance current treatment services by integrating and implementing Motivational Enhancement Therapy for residential and outpatient clients.

The goal of the adult drug court program is to break the cycle of alcohol and drug related crimes through court intervention, education and treatment by introducing substance abusing & dependent individuals into a positive, drug-free and healthy lifestyle. In addition, the drug court program also aims to increase public awareness on the many issues surrounding substance abuse & dependence, including its effects on the individual, the family and the community.

“I commend Judge Oscar Hale for his vision in continuing with the adult drug court program. Many times, the doors are shut on these offenders, but Judge Hale continues to find a way to help them out and reintegrate them into society,” said Congressman Cuellar. “It is programs like these that truly make a difference in the community. Once sober, it is a lot easier for these individuals to enter the workforce and find a job, thus contributing to the overall well-being of our community.”

"The 406th Drug Court Program is on the front line of the war on drugs -- but our war is focused on eliminating the demand for drugs by treating one addiction at a time,” said 406^th District Court Judge Oscar J. Hale, Jr. “The harsh reality is that the children in our community are being targeted as potential drug users and we must join together to educate them and prevent new addictions from forming and thus eliminating the demand for drugs."

Currently, the program services Webb County residents over the age of 17 who have a history of drug abuse and/or drug-related crimes, and who are not felony assault offenders or violent offenders and who no have weapon offenses.

Program specific objectives include: 1.) promote self-sufficiency by reducing drug abuse through drug court treatment; 2.) provide an integrated program of drug treatment, drug abuse education, and rehabilitation services; 3.) promote public safety by reducing recidivism; 4.) improve mental health status for drug court participants as well as prevention and treatment of infectious diseases; and 5.) evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the program and to promote future funding and development of the program with diversified funds.