December 17, 2008

 

 

Milwaukee County alternative court program to grow

Taylor applauds action funding “Treatment Instead of Prison” Program

 

(MADISON)  Senator Lena C Taylor (D-Milwaukee) today applauded action by the Joint Committee on Finance to approve funding for the AIM court program and treatments and diversion program for Milwaukee County.  The committee approved the release of $500,000 in supplemental funding for Milwaukee County’s Assess, Inform and Measure (AIM) program and for the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program.

“I am excited that Milwaukee County can continue with alternative sentencing and assessments with this funding,” Taylor said after the committee vote.  “AIM Courts are working throughout Wisconsin to do proper assessments and Milwaukee County can finally step into this program.”

With expectations of 3,500 offender assessments, the hope is to identify individuals who may be eligible for diversion or deferred prosecution programs through the AIM program. The committee also sent $187,000 to the Treatment Alternatives & Diversion Program to fund Milwaukee County’s Deferred Prosecution and Diversion program. 

“Since the inception of Milwaukee County’s TAD program, over 750 people have received a diversion agreement and over 700 people have been admitted to AODA services.”  Taylor noted.  “The success of this program, in its small scale, speaks for itself.  Further funding will be needed in the future, but for now, this important work can continue.”

Taylor commended the committee, the administration, county leaders-including Chief Judge Jeffrey Kremers, Justice 2000, Inc., and the faith-based organization WISDOM for their advocacy of treatment alternatives and diversions.