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Local social‑work proposal seeks county support for a pretrial/diversion position; commissioners ask for plan and data
Summary
A social‑work team presented a proposal to establish a county‑hosted social‑worker position to provide diversion, case management and coordinated services in the criminal-justice system. Commissioners expressed openness but asked proponents to return with a detailed plan, funding sources and data before formal consideration.
A social‑work team asked Vermillion County commissioners for support to establish a social‑worker position to provide case management, diversion and reentry support within the county criminal‑justice system.
Nicole Poole described a proposed role to assist people with substance‑use, mental‑health and housing needs at multiple stages of the justice process, including pre‑booking diversion, in‑custody programming and post‑release referrals. Poole said she was not seeking county funding at the meeting but requested an official host agency or administrative home so she can pursue grants and other funding sources; she suggested the position could operate under the judge’s office, the sheriff, or another county host depending on local priorities.
Speakers with experience in other counties and clinical social work described how similar positions coordinate among police, jail, probation and treatment providers to reduce repeat involvement with the justice system. Commissioners said they were not opposed in principle but requested a detailed plan, supporting data, proposed host agency, and a budget request if the position is to be considered for county funding. Commissioners noted budget calendars and asked proponents to return with materials in time for budget deliberations.
No county action or funding was committed at the meeting; commissioners encouraged proponents to confer with the judge, sheriff and probation and to prepare a grant‑ready proposal for future consideration.
