Local nonprofit Safe Connections urges county funding; commissioners point to contract option and competitive process

Safe Connections’ executive director Shannon O’Connor urged Okaloosa County commissioners June 10 to consider continuing local funding for the nonprofit’s court-aligned supervised visitation and safe-exchange services, telling the board the program “protects children and strengthens families.”

O’Connor said Safe Connections provides supervised visits and exchanges ordered by the courts and that local funding is essential because the nonprofit sometimes cannot qualify for state or federal grants. “Every safe visit we provide is a moment of prevention. Every supervised exchange diffuses potential conflict,” she said.

Commissioners responded that the board has been moving away from choosing charities for taxpayer funding and noted two pathways for stabilization: (1) pursue a contract for services so the organization is paid for an essential government function, or (2) document how the program is an essential county function to be considered during the budget process. County staff and commissioners suggested meeting with County Administrator John Hofstead (budget officer) and exploring competitive procurement as a more sustainable funding model.

Background: Commenters at the meeting said the First Judicial Circuit previously and the county once provided a combined $100,000 annual line for visitation services in earlier years; Safe Connections currently receives no direct funding from the county or First Circuit, according to public speakers.

Next steps: Commissioners encouraged Safe Connections to meet with the county administrator and to consider submitting a proposal through the county’s contracting or competitive process if the services meet criteria for essential governmental functions. No formal appropriation or contract was made at the meeting.