Douglas County approves $1,000‑per‑youth contract for new juvenile diversion provider

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners on June 3 approved a contract putting a framework in place for the Juvenile Assessment Center to refer youth to a community provider that offers mentoring, curriculum and job‑readiness services.

Miss Johnson, representing the Juvenile Assessment Center, told commissioners the contract with Heart of a Champion, doing business as 1 Heart Project, establishes a per‑participant payment rate rather than a guaranteed referral volume. “There is an amount. There’s an established amount that we would pay per youth, which is a thousand dollars,” she said.

Commissioners asked for clarity on program scope, duration and budget. County officials said the county has not budgeted a guaranteed referral volume and has made no commitment to send a set number of youths. Marcos San Martin of County Administration confirmed the contract term runs from the effective date through Aug. 30, 2025, with a potential extension through Dec. 30, 2025, and additional renewal only by written agreement. Commissioner Morgan asked that staff return in December with usage data and a program report if the county continues the contract; Miss Johnson responded, “I’d be glad to do that.”

The contract was placed on the consent agenda and approved as part of the board’s consent vote. County staff said the Juvenile Assessment Center will make referrals if and when appropriate; the contract sets the payment terms for each youth served at $1,000 and is intended to give the center an option to place youths with a community provider that has operated curricula within youth correction facilities.