Judge Reddy asked Vigo County commissioners to consider using opioid-settlement funds to sustain a family‑court early‑intervention program that he said reduces later incarceration and court involvement.

"What we've been doing for decades isn't working," Judge Reddy told the commissioners, urging early intervention for parents and children through counseling, co‑parenting classes and anger‑management programs. He cited studies and cost comparisons to argue that investing in children now can lower later corrections costs.

Candace Brown, the county's family court navigator, described the program's operations and results. Brown said the office has handled nearly 400 cases, with about 144 currently open, and that more participants are completing prescribed therapy and not returning to court as frequently. Brown said the program uses a CATS assessment (Childhood Adverse Trauma Screening) to guide individualized treatment and that providers supply written recommendations to the family court.

Brown credited a prior grant of roughly $300,000 from the Department of Mental Health and Addictions and matching contributions — $25,000 from the county council and $25,000 from a community foundation — for establishing the navigator role. Judge Reddy said the county provided $200,000 for 2025; he asked the commissioners to consider opioid‑settlement dollars to avoid suspending services while a longer funding plan is developed.

Commissioners and public commenters broadly praised the program but differed on funding sources. Commissioner Schweitzer (named during the discussion) said such services are general‑fund priorities and urged the county to show sustained financial commitment so state grantors see the program as county‑backed. Other commissioners suggested meeting with city leaders and the council to explore matches and committed to further discussion next week. Judge Reddy said he will present a formal request to the county council next month for opioid‑settlement funds.

No formal expenditure from opioid‑settlement funds was approved at the meeting; commissioners agreed to pursue follow‑up conversations and to consider a longer‑term general‑fund commitment when the council meets.