Commissioners authorize submission of recidivism‑reduction grant application to GOCAP

Kent County commissioners voted April 8 to approve submission of a grant application to the Governor’s Office of Crime Intervention and Policy (GOCAP) to reestablish a recidivism‑reduction program run out of the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Joanne McNamara, grants program administrator for Kent County, told commissioners the county previously received a GOCAP recidivism grant that funded two staff members and workshops at the detention center; the program referred more than 200 people and enrolled more than 100 participants when it operated. “The rate at Kent County was a 3 year recidivism rate of 38.1 percent,” McNamara said, citing the most recent comparable county data published in 2022.

The proposed grant budget requests funding to support two dedicated staff members, contracts with community organizations for behavioral‑health and workforce services, an intern to assist program coordination, and modest direct client supports such as transportation or assistance obtaining identification or driver’s licenses. McNamara told the board that GOCAP caps fringe benefit reimbursement at 30% of salary costs; the county requested the maximum allowable indirect rate (15%) to create an approximate $30,000 cushion in the budget should actual benefits exceed the reimbursement cap.

Commissioners discussed county budget timing and whether the county would be prepared to accept grant funds if awarded. The board approved submitting the application; commissioners said final acceptance would depend on budget review and confirmation of any county cost exposure once positions are filled and benefit elections are known.

Action taken: the board unanimously approved submission of the GOCAP recidivism grant application. County staff will proceed with the application and return with budget details if the grant is awarded.