Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced a $730,000 award from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will go towards expanding Luzerne County’s Juvenile Wellness Court.

The federal funds from the DOJ’s Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention will help expedite mental health and drug and alcohol services to more area children and young adults - and their families - to avoid further involvement with Luzerne County’s juvenile justice system.  

“The Luzerne County Juvenile Wellness Court is tackling tough problems and providing services to those who need it most. I am grateful for the work they do for our community and excited that this federal funding will help expand their reach and impact,” said Rep. Cartwright, who is the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, where he oversees more than $80 billion in annual federal spending, including the budget for the DOJ.

“As an Appropriator, I will continue working down in Washington to ensure Northeast Pennsylvania receives ample federal funding so we can build a future where our children can grow up safely and those battling addiction can rebuild their lives with dignity.”

The Luzerne County Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention establishes consistent treatment routines to encourage long-term success in managing diagnoses with the potential to reduce recidivism. Young people engaged with the program will receive intervention from a probation officer and a licensed mental health and substance use treatment provider. These professionals will provide participants an intensive team approach to the appropriate services that are trauma informed, culturally competent, client centered and evidence based.