The Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs has announced a significant grant of $450,000, designated for a three-year period, to support the Lawrence County Juvenile Court through the Family Engagement Program. This funding is part of a broader initiative that will benefit six counties across the state, with Lawrence County being one of the selected recipients. The initiative, known as Structure for Success, is designed to improve long-term outcomes for youth who find themselves involved in the juvenile court system.
The primary objective of this program is to empower young individuals to build better futures for themselves, both as they transition into adulthood and as they eventually take on parental roles. By focusing on unmet needs, the program seeks to create a positive impact on the lives of these children. Notably, Lawrence County has the highest percentage of foster children among the 13 counties in South Central Tennessee, and Structure for Success aims to address this concerning statistic.
The grant will fund an impressive 2,425 hours of therapeutic services over the next three years, which will help young people enhance their decision-making abilities and confront any past traumas they may have experienced. Following their first interaction with the Juvenile Court, it is expected that the youth, along with a parent or guardian, will undergo a mental health evaluation and commence therapy within ten days.
The successful grant application was bolstered by the collaborative efforts of various local entities, including Lawrence County Schools, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the Lawrenceburg Police Department, General Sessions Judge Mike Harris, and the Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. This collective support underscores the community’s commitment to fostering a more supportive environment for its youth.