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COE approves $7.1M Proposition 47 grant to launch countywide youth diversion program
Summary
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education board approved Resolution 24‑42 to participate in a $7,100,000 Proposition 47 grant, funding Project Ascend — a countywide juvenile diversion program modeled on Watsonville’s Camino's program that offers behavioral health, mentoring and restorative services to youth ages 12–18.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education board voted to participate in a Proposition 47 grant that will fund Project Ascend, a countywide juvenile diversion program modeled on Watsonville’s Camino’s program.
Superintendent Dr. Spall told the board the grant will cover four years of program costs. “The grant is a $7,100,000 grant over 4 years,” she said, and described partnerships with Encompass, PBPSA and local law enforcement to provide case management, behavioral‑health services, mentoring, restorative practices and community‑service opportunities.
The program will be voluntary for youths ages 12–18 who are contacted by law enforcement and, in qualifying cases, will be offered diversion instead of referral to the district attorney. “When they’re contacted by law enforcement before forwarding the case to the district attorney ... the students are certain in certain cases are given the opportunity to be a part of a diversion program,” Spall said, describing the model.
Board members asked about eligibility criteria and checks against favoritism. The superintendent said the district attorney and participating law‑enforcement agencies must agree to objective criteria and that the COE plans training, checks and a secure referral system as the program scales countywide. The Watsonville Camino’s program — the model for Ascend — has run about 12 years and reports substantially lower short‑term recidivism, the superintendent said.
The board approved Resolution 24‑42 by roll call. The resolution authorizes COE participation and the implementation steps needed to stand up Project Ascend with local partners. Officials expect a phased hiring and training period through March and an official launch in April.
