How are Washington drug courts funded?
Washington Drug courts rely on an assorted mix of federal, state, local, and private funding. In 1994 congress authorized the Department of Justice to award grants for drug courts. If a federal grant request is approved the funding cycle is typically three years. The first year is planning followed by implementation and enhancement. Unfortunately, the longest operation drug court programs in Washington, among them the programs in Pierce, King, and Spokane counties, have exhausted these grant eligibilitys and must find other sources of support to continue providing services. While the Northwest HIDTA supports drug court programs within the HIDTA region, and Byrne Grant funds have been allocated for support of drug courts, these funds are limited in scope and time and do not contribute resources adequate to sustain full operating levels. It is hoped that on-going efforts to derive funding support from the Washington State Legislature will succeed, achieving the recognition deserved by dr
