Commissioners split child-safety fees between Bridge services and Amarillo Area CASA

Two county service providers described use of child-safety fee funds and requested allocation for 2026. Shelly, representing the regional forensic-interview program often called "the Bridge," told commissioners the program conducted about 288 forensic interviews in Potter County in 2025, with 80 forensic medical exams and 95 counseling referrals. "It costs us about $1,500 per child to receive those full-rate services," Shelly said, listing forensic interviews, Play It Safe prevention education, medical exams and counseling as components of the full service package.