Judges and court administrators briefed the Finance Committee on a proposal from Justice Benefits Incorporated (JBI) to pursue federal funding and grants to reimburse county costs tied to juvenile court matters.

The presentation — led by a court representative who said Judge Phil Draper, Judge Ackert and Fifteenth Circuit Trial Court Administrator Leslie Deaver had met with JBI — described the vendor’s role as a liaison that seeks federal reimbursement sources and files claims on the county’s behalf. JBI would be paid a fee only if funds are recovered; the court representative told the committee the vendor "doesn't receive any money unless they find funding reimbursement for the county."

Court staff said the amount recoverable depends on available federal or grant sources and that the county must identify a local facilitator or manager to oversee any engagement with JBI. Committee members said they would review contract language and assigned staff to evaluate the agreement further; no board action was requested at the meeting.

What happens next: administration staff will coordinate contract review and identify a county contact to manage the program if the board proceeds.