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Public Health Department recommending the Board approve, in concept, the submission of a proposal to the California Administrative Office of the Courts for a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Court grant in the total amount of $156,500 for the term August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2009 to establish a Driving Under the Influence Court in El Dorado County to help reduce the rate of drunk driving recidivism among DUI offenders.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
FUNDING: California Administrative Office of the Courts for DUI Court Grant.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: There is no fiscal impact or net County cost associated with this item.
Background: Public Health, on behalf of the Superior Court of El Dorado County, submitted a proposal for a DUI Court grant from the California Administrative Office of the Courts, which would establish a DUI Court in the County. The Court, in keeping with its mission, believes that a DUI Court would be highly effective in reducing the rate of drunk driving recidivism among DUI offenders. Long term goals include improved public safety and reduction in deaths, injury, property damage, crime, and costs to taxpayers. The model would focus on repeat offenders as having the most negative impact on the community. The target population for this DUI court is multiple DUI offenders, with a minimum of two (2) DUIs in five (5) years, or three (3) in a lifetime.
Reason for Recommendation: Past studies have revealed that habitual offenders need more than educational rehabilitation to prevent repeat DUI offenses from occuring. Offenders who are sentenced to and participate in DUI Court will receive treatment that focuses on alcohol use as a chronic disease. Therefore, this treatment will be intensive in nature. Professional addiction specialists will ensure that rehabilitation comes in the form of disease management and care.
The total request is for $78,250 per year for a total of two years or $156,500.00. The te...
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