Commission approves Justice Assistance Grant modification to pay for specialized evaluations

County staff requested and the Board of Commissioners approved a project modification March 28 to the county’s Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The modification reallocates just over $7,000 annually from previously budgeted supportive services (cell phone costs, childcare, clothing) to pay for evaluations — psychological, psychiatric and neuropsychological — for clients who lack insurance or providers that accept cash payments.

Carrie, who presented the item, said the JAG supports a public defender caseworker position that began this fiscal year and explained that real-world needs differ from initial budget assumptions once services begin. The grant runs through Sept. 30, 2026, and the total award was reported as a little over $220,000. Commissioners moved and seconded approval; the motion carried by voice vote.

The board discussed that evaluations are sometimes necessary and costly when providers do not accept insurance; the modification is intended to spend down the award in ways that address service needs identified by the public defender’s office and county staff.