York County hears plan for juvenile diversion, youth mental-health grants totaling roughly $1.1–1.3 million

York County commissioners were briefed on two federal grants that county staff say could bring roughly $1.0–1.3 million in programming and planning funds for juvenile diversion and youth mental-health services.

Tristan Perry, the county’s diversion coordinator, told the board the county has applied for multiple grants and expects formal award decisions to be announced within “two to three weeks.” Perry introduced the documents and said the county must accept awards on JustGrants within a 45-day window; presenters noted a target acceptance date of Nov. 7.

Presenters described three related figures during the discussion: a youth-justice/mental-health solicitation of up to $650,000 over three years that carries a 20% match requirement; a Juvenile Justice Institute (JJI) award of about $425,000 for 18 months focused on planning, evaluation and technical assistance; and an adult diversion figure referenced at about $1.3 million over three years. The presenters said the first grant includes a 6-month planning period with $50,000 allocated for planning and that some of the 20% match could be provided as in-kind contributions such as staff time, subject to final grant guidance.

County Attorney Gary Olson and Perry said the county would assign a grant administrator and work with the JustGrants grant specialist to set roles and access in the grants portal. Olson said budget decisions — including whether funds would be subawarded or spent entirely in-county — would be made during the 6-month planning period; presenters repeatedly said the money would be spent in York County, though neighboring counties could send residents to participate in services delivered locally.

Commissioners pressed for specifics. One commissioner requested a line-item spending plan and clearer identification of the 20% match sources, noting the board must ensure budget authority and capacity to administer new programs. Another commissioner said workload and capacity concerns are real: “I don’t have the physical capability, the bandwidth to manage all three of these jobs and the 15 other hats I have to wear,” the county attorney said, describing the need for a dedicated hire to handle invoicing and compliance if the county accepts multiple grants.

Presenters responded that a grant worker will guide compliance and that staff plan to pull in finance and other county staff for planning. Perry offered to circulate the proposal narrative and budget to commissioners by email ahead of the next meeting.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to return with the proposal narrative, the detailed budget, clarifications on match (in-kind vs. cash) and a staffing plan showing whether the county would need to hire grant administrators or coordinators before formally accepting awards. No formal acceptance vote was recorded at the meeting.