Judge McLaughlin gets commission OK to apply for two Community Bridge grants for JCAP programming

Judge Shelly McLaughlin told the Dearborn County Board of Commissioners she sought approval to apply for two Community Bridge grants to continue and expand the county’s JCAP (Juvenile Court Alternative Programs) services. The board voted to allow the applications and authorized the commission president to sign the grant paperwork once it is complete.

McLaughlin said the primary purpose of the grants is to assist staffing for JCAP and to start a new program that promotes parenting skills for women in JCAP who have children. She described a second grant as funding an outreach program that began with JCAP families and will expand to other families affected when a relative is arrested or who want more information about substance abuse issues.

Commissioners discussed timing and paperwork but did not raise objections to applying. McLaughlin and her staff said the paperwork can be completed outside the meeting and that Community Bridge has funds available for distribution. The motion to allow the applications and to permit the commission president to sign the grant documents passed by voice vote.

The action authorizes only the applications and signature authority; any award of grant funds and subsequent budget or staffing changes would require further administrative steps and any council appropriation required by county policy.

No specific award amounts, application deadlines, or detailed budget line items were presented during the discussion.

The board’s approval came during the meeting’s Old Business portion and was followed by routine agenda items.