NEWPORT-Cocke County has received a $166,971 grant to support a Prevent Use and Abuse Program for juveniles in the county.

Cocke County Finance Director Anne Williams made the Landfill Committee members (who are all members of the Cocke County Legislative Body) aware of the grant during a meeting Tuesday evening.

Williams said the grant is from stimulus money provided through the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs. She added the grant, which will provide $83,486 each year, requires no local match.

Cocke County had applied for the grant, which will be administered through the Cocke County Juvenile Court.

Lead Youth Services Officer Jennifer Shelton had approached the Finance Committee earlier this month to get a budget transfer to start the program.

"There are no juvenile programs here," Shelton told the Finance Committee. "They've been having to go with adults. With this program, they'll be going with other kids. I'm asking for $35,000 to start the program.

"We have to screen the juveniles about every three days to make sure they have no drugs in their system. This isn't something where they just come for a few visits. It will take about four months for them to complete the program."