Franklin County approves amendment to youth-services grant to add programming and a new provider

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 11 unanimously adopted Resolution 95-25 to amend the county’s 2025 grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Youth Services.

Barb Reeves, finance director for the court, said the amendment increases budgets for four programs to reflect a rise in youth referrals; it expands the juvenile intervention program to add a new service provider and realigns funding for two programs. Reeves said two additional programs were selected through the competitive reclaim process, and the court was awarded a two-year $150,000 grant that will be used to provide additional services for youth.

Grants administrator Daja Owens described the first new program, an "Inner Words Empower" five-week intervention led by Dr. Russell Laday, which focuses on mental-health literacy, resilience and family engagement for incarcerated and at-risk youth and aims to reduce recidivism. Owens also described a racial equity and inclusion direct-service program in partnership with the National Center for Urban Solutions focused on African American male wellness and prevention of behaviors that can lead to recidivism.

Commissioners asked for coordination with county youth-focused events and services. After no extended questions, a commissioner moved approval, another seconded and the board voted yes, adopting Resolution 95-25.

Next steps: the grant amendment will be incorporated into the court’s FY2025 budget and program managers will coordinate outreach and parent engagement activities tied to the new interventions.