RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - A $679,000 grant from the federal Justice Department will allow for expansion of a mental health program through the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.

“This pilot program holds the promise of reducing substance use and recidivism,” Gov. McCrory said in a statement. “This program will train probation and parole officers to better handle clients with mental health challenges and connect them to community programs that will help them lead productive lives.”

 The majority of funding from the grant will be used to provide specialized training and clinical supervision to probation officers carrying caseloads of offenders with mental illnesses.