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Franklin County funds pilot to bring batterers intervention program into municipal court
Summary
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners authorized a $496,952 memorandum of understanding to pilot an in‑house batterers intervention program run by the municipal court, with judges and county staff saying the change aims to reduce barriers, improve evidence‑based practices and lower recidivism.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted March 25 to authorize a memorandum of understanding that will fund a pilot program bringing batterers intervention services into the municipal court.
Melissa Pearson of the county Office of Justice Policy and Programs told the board the agreement would commit the county to fund 50% of the pilot’s costs for 2025 and 2026, totaling $496,952. ‘‘By entering into this agreement, the county is committing to support 50% of the pilot program for the cost for 2025 and 2026,’’ Pearson said.
Judge Eileen Paley, chair of the municipal court finance and probation committees, said placing the program inside the court will allow staff to tailor services, remove barriers to completion and evaluate outcomes more closely. ‘‘The batterers intervention program is an intervention tool that requires abusers to attend a series of educational courses that examines and helps identify the root causes about why they engage in domestic violence,’’ Paley said. She described the program as focused on restorative treatment to reduce recidivism and ‘‘return abusers to a healthy lifestyle and healthy relationships.’’
Commissioner Boyse, who described a family history of domestic violence, urged support for both victims and for rehabilitation of perpetrators. ‘‘My father was murdered when I was 7 years old,’’ Boyse said, explaining why the issue is personally important and why the county should back programs that stabilize families.
Deputy County Administrator Joy Bivens and county staff urged coordination between the pilot and an upcoming county mental‑health summit on May 19, suggesting the summit could help connect participants to supportive services. Paley and Pearson said they would provide program impact information back to commissioners once the pilot generates outcome data.
The resolution passed after the presentation and discussion. Commissioners approved the MOU authorization by voice vote.
Next steps: county staff will execute the memorandum of understanding, staff said, and the municipal court will begin operating the pilot with promised reporting on participation and effectiveness to the board.
