Substance Abuse

Through funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Altarum is working with a broad cross-section of community-based organizations to integrate peer recovery support services into a variety of criminal justice programs and settings. Strong social supports, including peers who have personally experienced addiction and recovery, can improve outcomes for those struggling with substance use disorders.

The National Institute of Corrections and the Bureau of Justice Assistance have partnered with the Justice Programs Office (JPO) to develop and administer training and technical assistance (TTA) for specialized screening, assessment, and case planning tools for veterans treatment courts (VTCs).

Chief Judge Abby Abinanti, Anthony Trombetti, and Jolanda Ingram-Obie of the Yurok Tribal Court presented an overview of the collaborative court that administers the Yurok Wellness Program. They explained that the wellness program began in 2009 with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Yurok Wellness Program provides outpatient and residential treatment to tribal members who have substance abuse problems. The program incorporates cultural awareness by encouraging and supporting tribal members, who are recovering or recovered, to attend community and cultural events.