The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on May 19, 2025, where they discussed significant initiatives aimed at improving justice services and community support. The primary focus was on the proposed pilot project for the START program, which stands for Substance Treatment Advocacy and Recovery to Thrive. This initiative aims to enhance coordination among various specialty treatment courts, including mental health and human trafficking courts, to better serve individuals with substance use and mental health disorders.

Assistant County Manager Heather Skinks and Justice Services Director Courtney McCullough presented the START program, emphasizing its goal to reduce recidivism and drug dependency among both adults and juveniles. The program seeks to streamline service delivery and improve outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system by providing effective tools and resources. The proposal includes a budget amendment requesting $430,000 annually for two years to support the personnel and operations of the new courts.

Commissioners expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues within the community. They discussed the potential impact of the program on reducing the number of individuals cycling through the detention center without receiving adequate treatment. The board also acknowledged the need for a formal evaluation of the program's effectiveness after 18 to 20 months.

In addition to the START program, the meeting included discussions about the Community Impact Grant program, which received 97 applications for funding totaling over $3 million. The board reviewed recommendations from the American Rescue Plan Committee to allocate approximately $1.5 million to various nonprofit organizations across five categories, including health services and public safety.

The commissioners voted to approve the funding for the START program and the Community Impact Grant program, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in supporting the community and addressing critical issues related to mental health and substance use. The board plans to continue monitoring the effectiveness of these programs and explore additional funding opportunities in the future.