AUGUSTA – The state Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services’ Office of Substance Abuse will receive $177,911 in federal money designed to enhance Maine’s drug courts. The grant was among 94 U.S. Justice Department grants totaling $34.2 million for agencies to plan, establish or improve drug courts for nonviolent, substance-abusing adult and juvenile offenders in 31 states and two territories. The money comes from the federal department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Drug court participants take frequent drug tests and meet regularly with judges. The courts monitor the offenders’ treatment regimens and impose graduated sanctions, including imprisonment, on those who do not comply. Offenders who graduate from the drug court may have their charges dismissed or sentences reduced.

For information detailing how Maine will use the funds, visit www.ojp.usdoj.gov/dcpo.