Various speciality courts in Macomb County, along with 42nd District Court, have been awarded more than $265,000 in state grants for the upcoming 2015 fiscal year, according to court officials.
The individual grant awards are as follows:
• Mental Health Court, $90,535
• Veterans’ Treatment Court, $71,622
• Adult Drug Court, $70,000
• 42nd District Court planning grant, $30,500
• Juvenile Drug Court, $2,500.
The drug court is the longest existing program and began with a juvenile docket in 1999.
Currently, the Juvenile Drug Court docket is shared equally between Judge Mary Chrzanowski and Judge Kathryn Viviano.
In 2003, the Adult Drug Court began and there are currently two Adult Drug Court dockets — one before Judge Diane Druzinski, the other before Judge James Biernat, Jr.
In April 2012, the Veterans’ Treatment Court held its first sessions in Circuit Court before Judge Mark Switalski and in 41B District Court before Judge Carrie Fuca.
The newest problem solving court — the Mental Health Court, — began in November 2013 before Judge Carl Marlinga.
The next addition to Macomb County’s specialized dockets will be a treatment court at the 42-1 District Court in Romeo with Judge Denis LeDuc presiding.
The drug court grant, LeDuc said, “will definitely strengthen the ability of the 42nd District Court to serve the people of northern Macomb County.”
“The drug epidemic being experienced by all of Macomb County is a serious danger to our young citizens, to our communities and to ourselves as parents and local residents,” he said. “We cannot incarcerate our way out of this serious drug crisis. “
The grant, he said, “will substantially enhance the court's ability to provide treatment and rehabilitation, particularly for young, nonviolent offenders.“
LeDuc expressed his appreciation to Macomb County Circuit Court Chief Judge John Foster and Prosecutor Eric Smith for their cooperation, help and encouragement in the project.
Foster said the grant awards were due to “the hard work of the judges and staff who dedicate their time both on work and off work hours to make these programs a success.”
“We would like to thank the State Court Administrator’s Office for their continued funding of our programs as well as the Office of the County Executive and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for their continued support,” he said.
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