More than $2.5 million in grant money will help Travis County treat substance abuse and work to keep families together.

County leaders Tuesday announced that the Health & Human Services/Veteran Services received a $2.5 million federal grant to support a program -- Parenting in Recovery -- which serves mothers and children in the welfare systems because of a parent's substance dependence.

“Children are best protected when CPS and families work together,” said Joyce James, assistant commissioner, Child Protective Services, in a news release. “We know that children are best raised by families. Being able to keep families together while keeping children safe will result in the better outcomes for the children we serve.”

Officials also said Travis County Civil District Courts received $100,000 from the Governor's Office to establish a family drug treatment court.

"This effort pushes us to work harder, better, smarter and in a more individualized manner for each family in securing child safety, stability and holistic family health and well-being,” stated Darlene Byrne, judge, 126th Judicial District Court, in a news release. “Drug Court is as important to maintaining a client's sobriety, family focus and personal development as any other service provided to the PIR client, including drug treatment.”