County to renew personal-services agreement for juvenile diversion seminar program

Clallam County staff asked commissioners on Aug. 25 to approve renewal of a personal‑services agreement with the Municipal Dispute Resolution Center to deliver the county’s ‘‘We’re In This Together’’ coordination of services program for low‑risk juvenile offenders. Program details: County staff described the program as a 12‑hour, evidence‑based weekend seminar for youth referred via probation or diversion and an accompanying parent or connected adult. The program runs four times a year, typically serving 8–12 families per session with a target of roughly 45 families annually. Sessions cover topics such as social media safety (delivered by Port Angeles Police Department), effective communication, substance‑use information and community resource connection; the county conducts risk assessments and manages registration, monthly reporting and quality assurance. Funding and block grant context: Staff said the seminar is funded from the state evidence‑based expansion funds (a separate grant carve‑out from the county’s criminal justice block grant) and that the county is exploring other block grant carve‑outs such as Employment and Education Training (EET) for higher‑risk youth. Staff clarified that the evidence‑based expansion dollars are separate from the county’s criminal justice block grant and that some block‑grant components are reimbursement‑based tied to risk assessment counts. Next steps: Staff said a renewal of the personal‑services agreement will be scheduled for the board’s regular meeting. Commissioners asked questions about cohort sizes, grant rules and how the program fits into the county’s broader juvenile services; staff said the program is evidence‑based and well‑received by participants. Ending: Commissioners indicated they would place the contract renewal on the next regular meeting agenda for formal approval.