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County presenters report 75 jail participants in IOP; commissioners discuss funding gap
Summary
A provider told the Benton County Commission that an in-jail intensive outpatient program served 75 inmates with seven recorded graduates; commissioners discussed possible local funding to replace lost state/federal support but took no formal action.
Sean Jones, a program representative, told the Benton County Commission that a jail-based IOP program referred 75 inmates and recorded seven graduates before the county’s contract ended in July. He said some participants were released before completing the course and that several later connected with outpatient services. Amanda Wood, who ran the in-jail sessions, was introduced as the program facilitator.
Commissioners asked questions about cost and continuity. Commissioner Price said the county had previously provided or discussed about $53,090 to support the district’s portion of the program and expressed support for continuing the service. A program representative explained that the figures in the packet reflect a 24-hours-per-week staffing model at $50 per hour as described in the memorandum of understanding; because the program started partway through the year, billed amounts were lower than the annual estimate on the sheet. The presenter said the county was billed only for the period staff were on site and that the full-year number in the packet represented what the cost would be if the program ran 24 hours per week for 12 months.
Speakers discussed program design changes to reduce cost while retaining intensity. The provider said sessions could be reduced for men to twice a week instead of three times and that the program team could be flexible about scheduling. Commissioners also noted the program’s operational strengths, including consistent corrections staff assignments that helped attendance.
No formal motion or budget appropriation was made during the meeting. Commissioners indicated interest in attempting to fill a funding gap locally if state and federal support remained reduced, but they did not commit county funds during this session.
Questions remain about the county share for a full 12-month model versus the portion actually billed for the partial year. The presenter recommended flexibility in scheduling and confirmed that some participants continued care after release via outpatient connections and online services.
