Superior Court to accept $6,500 in AOC grants to support "Protein for All" and family reunification events

Superior Court staff asked the Board of Commissioners on March 17 to approve Amendment 2 to the county's Family and Juvenile Court Improvement Plan grant from the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The amendment would add a $5,500 allocation for a "Protein for All" initiative and $1,000 for a Family Reunification Day celebration. Staff said the grant-funded coordinator position supports dependency-case families and juvenile dockets.

Why it matters: The added funding will supply protein-rich snacks and limited family-reunification supports aimed at improving parents' and children's ability to participate effectively in court and dependency services.

Christine Sportsman, the Family Court Improvement Plan (FJCIP) coordinator for Superior Court, told the board Protein for All provides protein-rich snacks at court and specialty dockets so parents and youth have food available before hearings and services. She said the AOC funds include $5,500 for Protein for All, $1,000 for Family Reunification Day and an existing $4,000 budgeted for a one-time in-person retreat for dependency case supports. Sportsman described uses ranging from nutritious snacks in the courtroom to diapers, wipes and small items to help families engage in court proceedings.

Commissioners voiced support and asked about program timing and workflow; Sportsman said the programs are ongoing and the FJCIP coordinator will manage distribution to dependency dockets, juvenile services and other specialty calendars.

Outcome: The board agreed to proceed with signing Amendment 2 to accept the AOC funds and incorporate the $6,500 in new grant support into FJCIP operations. Staff noted the position supporting the program is 100% grant funded.

Next steps: Superior Court staff will finalize the amendment documents and return them for signatures per county contract procedures.