Lawrence County Juvenile Court under the Family Engagement Program Awarded Grant

The Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs has awarded a $450,000, three-year grant to Lawrence County Juvenile Court under the Family Engagement Program. The prize is being given to six counties throughout the state, including Lawrence County. The goal of the program, called Structure for Success, is to help kids who end up in juvenile court have better long-term results. It will assist young people create better lives now, as adults, and eventually as parents by addressing needs that haven’t been met before. Out of the 13 counties in South Central Tennessee, the largest percentage of foster children reside in Lawrence County. The program Structure for Success aims to change those numbers. Grant finances will cover 2,425 hours of therapy over three years to assist young people develop sound decision-making skills and address any trauma in their history. Within ten days following their initial encounter with Juvenile Court, the minor and maybe their parent or guardian are expected to have a mental health evaluation and start therapy. The grant application received support from Lawrence County Schools, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department and Lawrenceburg Police Department, General Sessions Judge Mike Harris, and the Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.