Carbon County is hoping to secure $250,000 to help in treating those moving through the criminal justice system who have an addiction problem.

During the county commissioners’ meeting on Thursday, the board approved a grant application to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the 2024-2025 Justice Assistance Grant Local Initiatives funding. The two-year grant would be used to hire a certified recovery specialist, as well as a part-time sentencing guideline technician. It also would help the program focus on the utilization of evidence-based decision making during bail and sentencing decisions.

Tammy Recker, representing Judge Joseph Matika’s office, said that this move “is a step in the right direction.”

She noted that it will help the county meet the needs of more people in the prison system who are in need of treatment rather than incarceration.

“We’re missing some people and there is a gap so this will able us to outreach more,” she said.

Carbon County has two specialty courts to try and help individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, as well as mental health problems get the treatment they need while fulfilling their requirements in the court system.

Becker said that in May, Carbon County will graduate eight individuals from drug treatment court. The program is an intensive program that encompasses several areas of the person’s life to help beat their addiction, while rebuilding their life.

Commissioner Wayne Nothstein said that this would provide more services to the individuals who need them, whether it be placement, rehab or other treatment options.

Commissioners’ Chairman Michael Sofranko said that the two positions the grant would fund are ones the county currently doesn’t have.