City Council approves funding for drug court, treatment center

A local drug court and residential treatment center for women is a step closer to becoming reality.

The ASAP Board requested help from local officials to fund the Fresh Start Recovery Center. The center is a residential treatment program for pregnant women and women with young children. The board is recommending the city of Columbus and Bartholomew County split a one-time $200,000 payment to get the program established. City Council gave final approval for $100,000 in funding out of Substance Abuse Non-Reverting Fund during it’s meeting Tuesday night.

The ASAP Board also recommended that the city and county split the cost of an Adult Drug Recovery Court. The court is designed to integrate substance abuse and mental health treatment, drug testing, sanctions and incentives. The hope is to reduce recidivism, as well as offer hope and opportunity for those in the system. The city and county split funding $92,603 to get the court established, with final approval from the city coming Tuesday night.

The Bartholomew County Council gave its approval last week to fund both programs.

Judge Kelly Benjamin, who will preside over the drug court, says the hope is to start the program in April. The hope is for the recovery center to be operational, with 22 beds to start, by the end of this summer.