Elkhart County accepts two Supreme Court grant awards to support interpreters and an addictions-response position
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Summary
County courts will use a $30,000 interpreter grant and pursue a Justice Partners addictions-response grant that would fund a position beginning Oct. 1; both items were approved to move forward.
Elkhart County commissioners on July 7 approved acceptance of two grants to support court services and addiction response.
Ross Maxwell, court administrator, said the county requested $100,000 for the annual court interpreter grant from the Indiana Supreme Court but was awarded $30,000; the funds help pay for certified interpreters, including sign-language services when required. Maxwell said interpreting services are required by higher courts and the county previously received larger awards; he said the county may seek emergency funds and is exploring hiring part-time, county-employed interpreters and training to expand capacity.
Maxwell also described a Justice Partners addictions-response grant, federal funds administered through the Supreme Court, that would fund a position tied to the drug court beginning Oct. 1 if awarded. He said the county submitted a letter of interest and that the award is not guaranteed.
Commissioners voted to approve acceptance of both grant actions and to forward appropriations to the county council as needed; both motions carried unanimously.
