Committee approves submission of Community Corrections comprehensive plan and PA 511 grant application

The Community Health and Safety Committee voted to recommend that the Kent County Board of Commissioners approve the annual Community Corrections comprehensive plan and grant application under Public Act 511 of 1988.

Jenny (staff) introduced the agenda item and Heather Blodgett, representing the local Office of Community Corrections under the seventeenth Circuit Court, summarized the request and the program portfolio. Blodgett said the funds support 14 programs that provide alternatives to incarceration and address criminogenic needs such as substance abuse, mental health and family and criminality factors.

Blodgett said the office requested funding from the state for community corrections programs for the coming year; exact county‑level awarded amounts will be determined by the state later in the summer. She described program funding as subject to year‑to‑year variation based on enrollments and judicial or probation referrals, and said the state Office of Community Corrections does not appear to be increasing overall funding significantly, though it continues to add boards in other counties.

Commissioner Michelle LeGrand moved to adopt the resolution recommending plan submission and funding application; Commissioner Hennessy seconded. The committee chair called for the vote: “All those in favor, say aye.” The motion carried with no recorded opposition.

The committee’s vote forwards the plan and application to the full Board of Commissioners for final approval and submission to the state; staff will notify the committee when the state announces allocation amounts.