Cherokee accepts state funds for justice services

Cherokee County is accepting more than $700,000 in state funding for the county’s accountability courts and Juvenile Court. AJC FILE

Cherokee County is accepting more than $700,000 in state funding for the county’s accountability courts and Juvenile Court. AJC FILE

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has approved accepting more than $700,000 in state funds for the county’s drug and alcohol accountability courts and Juvenile Court.

Commissioners approved accepting state funds amounting to $319,742 to pay for a new, full-time case manager in the Drug Accountability Court; and $90,498 to help offset operational costs in the DUI/Drug Accountability Court, according to staff reports to the commissioners. Both grants require 10 percent local matching funds.

Another $167,270 would go to the Juvenile Court to support evidence-based Multi-Systemic Therapy Services for eligible juvenile offenders, staff said. No local match is required.

Also, Cherokee will accept $141,719 to help create a full-time position at the Treatment Accountability Court, staff said. Currently, one part-time position handles both court coordinator and case management services. A 10 percent local match is required. This court has 27 participants and plans to expand to 40 during the next grant term.