Big Sky Times

BILLINGS, Mont. – Joined by treatment court advocates, Governor Greg Gianforte on May 10 announced permanent funding for eight treatment courts across Montana which are losing federal funding.

“Together, we share a common goal: to get more Montanans clean, sober, healthy, and on the path to reaching their full potential,” Gov. Gianforte said. “That’s why I’m proud to announce we’re funding another eight drug treatment courts in Montana to serve those struggling and make our communities and state stronger.”

Costing a fraction of incarceration, treatment courts help non-violent offenders rebuild their lives through treatment, recovery, counseling, education, and job placement services.

The governor proposed in his Budget for Montana Families and secured from the legislature funding for eight treatment courts losing federal funding.

These courts are the Veterans Treatment Court in Missoula County, the Fourth Judicial District Treatment Court in Missoula County, the Sixth Judicial District Adult Treatment Court in Park County, the 12th Judicial District Drug Court in Hill County, the 19th Adult Drug Treatment Court in Lincoln County, the Ravalli County Adult Drug Treatment Court, the 13th Judicial District Indian Child Welfare Act Family Drug Court in Yellowstone County, and the 13th Judicial District SOAR Court Pre-Plea in Yellowstone County.

The governor made the announcement at a recognition ceremony for the STEER (Sobriety, Treatment, Education, Excellence, Rehabilitation) DUI Court in Billings, over which District Court Judge Mary Jane Knisely presides. Seven state court teams and two tribal court teams were in attendance.

“Treatment courts provide Montanans struggling with addiction with hope and opportunity as they get clean, sober, and healthy. They reduce recidivism and create better outcomes for more Montanans,” the governor said to the group. “But I know I don’t need to tell you how important treatment courts are – you see the results every day through your work.”

In 2021, the governor proposed and secured funding for five treatment courts across the state.

Original source can be found here.