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A resolution approving an application from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County General Sessions Court for a Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, to improve the General Sessions Court Competency Docket Program.
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WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice is accepting applications for a Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant, for the General Sessions Court to improve the Competency Docket Program by assessing cases promptly, prioritizing mental health and safety, and decreasing unnecessary incarceration by linking individuals to community care and housing, aiming to prevent justice system and hospital interactions; and,
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County General Sessions Court is eligible to participate in this grant program; and,
WHEREAS, the General Sessions Court prepared a grant application to improve the Competency Docket Program for Nashville and Davidson County, with the General Sessions Court committing to cover the $283,334 in matching funds required over the three year period of the grant; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice required the General Sessions Court to submit the grant application by May 14, 2024; and,
WHEREAS, in order to meet the grant application deadline, a staff member of the General Sessions Court had to submit the grant application on May 13, 2024, without first being able to obtain conditional Mayoral approval or Council approval; and,
WHEREAS, the General Sessions Court has discussed this situation with the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Justice has agreed to hold evaluation of the grant application until Council has approved the application; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Metropolitan Code of Laws § 5.04.075(A), Davidson County General Sessions Court requests that the Metropolitan Council approve the grant application as submitted; and,
WHEREAS, it is to the benefit of the citizens of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that this grant application be approved and submitted.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County General Sessions Court’s application for a Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved as submitted on May 13, 2024.
Section 2. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This resolution approves an application from General Sessions Court for a Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The application is for a grant of $550,000 with a required cash match of $229,167. If the grant is awarded, the funds would be used to improve the Competency Docket Program by assessing case promptly, prioritizing mental health and safety, and decreasing unnecessary incarceration by linking individuals to community care and housing, aiming to prevent justice system and hospital interactions.