The 92nd District Court announced Wednesday that it has received a $419,292 grant from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance. The 92nd District Court serves Luce and Mackinac Counties in Michigan. The funding is targeted to support efforts by state, local, and federally recognized American Indian tribal governments to establish and enhance community courts in their jurisdictions. Community courts are neighborhood-focused programs that combine the power of the community and the justice system to address local problems. They connect persons committing less serious crimes — often misdemeanor cases — to judicially-supervised substance use disorder treatment, alternative sanctions, and other community-based services.
“This award is exciting for us. Our communities are extremely disadvantaged. We are looking forward to assisting our very deserving community members,” said 92nd District Court Chief Judge Beth Gibson. “With regards to funding allocations, we are exploring ways to enhance our current treatment court. Also, we envision enhancing oversight of Defendants that are at a higher risk of committing another crime due to the lack of oversight once they are bound over to circuit court. Pretrial monitoring will be offered to those at risk, particularly those with prior misdemeanors.”
Details of the proposal are described in the grant application:
“The 92nd District Community Court program will be a court ordered, and community-based resource for those with low-level misdemeanor crimes. Our main focus is community engagement, introducing resources to further education, job-training or employment depending on the needs of our participants. Also, ensuring equal access to SUD and mental health treatment, relationship building and reducing recidivism in local and outlying communities. The program will work with the local and surrounding communities to combine resources and join efforts to minimize duplicate efforts, enhance consistency, and increase outcomes.”
More than 20 percent of the residents of Mackinac County and 10 percent of Luce County are indigenous people, with the state average at .05 percent. Poverty and crime are ongoing and increasing concerns. With limited access to internet services and transportation barriers, both communities have failed to thrive in the increasingly digital world, causing negative repercussions affecting everyone.
Additionally, due to increased crime in both communities, duplicate efforts, and inconsistent processes, individuals cannot receive and maintain healthy and productive lifestyles. To address these challenges, the 92nd District Community Court will develop guidelines and protocols that all agencies can use to improve program quality and ensure success of all participants.
“Our goal is to strengthen and expand our existing programs with this new opportunity through a collaborative approach that includes neighboring and outlying communities, local agencies, and program sustainability efforts far beyond the proposed duration,” said Gibson.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance program awarded $5,351,575 to community courts across the United States this year. For additional information about eligibility requirements, visit bja.ojp.gov/funding.
