Probate court seeks approval for Peterson Research contract tied to juvenile justice reforms; board amends termination language

Steve Kress, representing the juvenile court, asked the board to approve two contract items related to Peterson Research Consultants: payment for services completed under a prior, unsigned contract and authorization of the 2025–2026 contract for assessment, training and program evaluation work required by statewide juvenile justice reform. Kress said the services are reimbursable through the child care fund and that Peterson's contract is structured to be paid at 75% reimbursement for community‑based services.

Kress described the work as implementing evidence‑based screening and needs assessment tools (including a validated risk/needs assessment and a mental‑health screener) and providing training, quality assurance and program evaluation to comply with the state's juvenile justice reform (he referenced an effective date of 10/01/2025). Commissioners questioned whether the assessment is algorithmic or human‑assessed and whether competitive bids were solicited; Kress said staff administer the instruments and Peterson provides staff training and quality assurance.

Commissioner McMahon raised concerns about predictive screening tools; Kress and others explained scoring ranges and that the state detention screening tool is mandated. Commissioner Kemp flagged confusing termination language in the draft contract (a clause saying the contract "shall terminate on 09/30/2026" and another allowing termination on 30 days' notice), and moved to amend the contract to remove the contradictory sentence. The amendment was supported and the board approved the contracts and payment authorization by voice vote.

Next steps: the juvenile court will finalize contract language consistent with the amendment, process payment for past invoices through the child care fund, and continue implementing the assessment, training and evaluation work under the approved contract.