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Lawrence County OKs final application for Alternatives to Detention grant
Summary
Commissioners authorized the chair to sign a third-year application for the Alternatives to Detention grant after hearing that the program reduced placements to juvenile facilities and expanded conditional releases across three counties.
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners voted to approve and authorize the chair to sign the county's application for a third year of the state Alternatives to Detention grant, a program county staff said helps keep youth out of juvenile secure custody facilities.
Alexia, the presenter for the program, told commissioners the initiative is in its third year and "we're so busy and things are so great," while noting operational strains and adjustments. She reported program metrics comparing 2024 with 2023: 46 “rays” completed in 2024 versus 57 in 2023, a 28% decrease in placements to ARISE and the juvenile secure center, and 16 conditional releases across the three counties served. Alexia also said the program saw an increase in average length of stay for the cases that did require placement, and that state funding per successfully diverted case rose from $250 to $750 in the recent legislative change, improving the program's financial outlook.
Commissioner (speaker 7) moved to approve the grant application and authorize the chair to sign; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The presenter said the grant application is due at the end of the month and requested timely signature.
Why it matters: County officials described the program as an alternative to placing youth in custody and said it reduces unnecessary out‑of‑county placements while offering conditional-release and diversion case management. Commissioners asked about case severity, long-term funding prospects and whether neighboring counties are contributing; staff said they are pursuing additional intercounty funding and other grant sources to sustain services.
Next steps: The county will sign and submit the application before the deadline and continue to seek supplementary funding to maintain and expand diversion and conditional‑release services.
