Strafford County approves 2026 adult drug court grant; county highlights 60% success rate

Strafford County Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the 2026 state grant that continues the county’s adult drug court program. County officials and program staff described the grant as primarily state-funded and credited local partnerships with the county attorney and public defender’s offices for the program’s outcomes.

Carol Lee, present for the discussion, summarized recent program data: "last year we had 13 full completions in our program... if we're doing it right, success rate is 60% and we're right in that number." She said Strafford County had the most pleas into its program last year in the state and typically maintains a caseload of about 60 participants.

Commissioners praised the program’s approach as an alternative to incarceration and noted long-term cost savings: officials said alternative sentencing programs yield sizeable savings to property taxpayers compared with incarceration. The board recognized the program’s evolution from earlier federal funding to a state direct grant, which has allowed modest expansion of eligibility (including some misdemeanors) compared with earlier federal rules.

The motion to approve the grant was made and seconded, and commissioners voted unanimously to accept the 2026 award. Staff said the grant will support program operations and asserted the county intends to continue monitoring outcomes and compliance with grant conditions.

The county will incorporate the grant into its upcoming budget and noted that staff members who drafted the application reviewed and refined the budget numbers prior to submission.