The provincial government is renewing its support of the Calgary Drug Treatment Court program with a $463,000 grant.

The program is a court monitored recovery initiative to help get drug addicted criminal offenders out of jail, off the streets, and on the right track.

The 12 to 18 month program sees up to 40 participants annually through the court system. Day treatment programs, drug screenings, community supervision through a probation officer, as well as housing, employment, and financial assistance are all provided through the program.

Minister of Justice Jonathan Denis says the success stories are what helps the program continue.

“I’ve met some people who have come to talk to me before and said, ‘I’ve got a job for the first time in many years; I’m starting to pay taxes again,’ and that builds a stronger Calgary,” he says.

To be eligible for the program, offenders must be over 18, and supporting their chronic drug use with non-violent criminal behaviour.