Tuscaloosa drug treatment program in financial straits | News

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- FOX6 News has learned that a Tuscaloosa County drug treatment program isn't accepting new clients because of financial problems.

This pre-trial diversion program is for first time, non-violent criminal defendants arrested on drug charges.

In an email to the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association, District Attorney Tommy Smith says no more defendants are being admitted to the program due to a funding issue with Bradford Health Services. Bradford employees drug test people in the program and provide other services.

A lawyer who has enrolled defendants in the program explains why the problem impacts more than drug offenders.

"If somebody is in jail and they can't get out of jail and they can't get into a diversion type program or clean program, then they're going to sit there a little longer. That costs tax payers, comes out of the sheriff's budget, costs the county money," attorney Jason Neff said.

Tuscaloosa county District Attorney Tommy Smith hasn't returned our calls on the matter.

Nearly 700 people are currently enrolled and those already in the program are being allowed to complete it.

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