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Juvenile services budget trimmed as caseloads decline; staff warn of reduced program capacity
Summary
Benton Countys juvenile department presented a $6.76 million current-service-level budget seeking to protect prevention services amid declining caseloads.
The juvenile department told the Budget Committee its 25-27 current-service-level request totals about $6.76 million, up about 17.4% from the prior adopted biennium primarily because of personnel costs (PERS and health insurance). County staff recommended adjustments that reduce the proposed increase to about 10.3%.
Why it matters: The juvenile department supervises youth on formal probation or accountability agreements, runs a work-crew and diversion programs and provides a mental-health screening and short-term counseling capacity. Reductions in staffing or program support can reduce preventive services and increase the chance that youth re-enter the juvenile justice system.
What presenters said - Caseload trends: Juvenile staff said referrals and managed caseloads have declined over several years (referrals…
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