Grant money will help problem-solving courts

A federal grant will help pay for treatment and recovery support services for participants in three specialty courts in Norfolk, including a “re-entry court” aimed at offenders returning home after a period of incarceration.

The Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk’s office will get $324,876 under the Aug. 1 grant and could be eligible for an additional $600,000 over the course of a three-year project, according to a news release.

The enhanced services will help persons with behavioral health disorders participating in Norfolk’s Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Re-entry Dockets, the release said. The specialty courts serve an average of 120 defendants per year, according to the clerk’s office.