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AMI Kids representatives tell commissioners state contract changes removed day-treatment funding
Summary
Local AMI Kids leaders told the board that the Department of Juvenile Justice pulled day-treatment contracts statewide; they said local programming continues with Children's Trust support and that they are seeking replacement funding and partnerships to sustain vocational and educational services for youth.
Representatives from AMI Kids told the board their state Department of Juvenile Justice contract for day-treatment programming was pulled statewide as the state "moved in a different direction," affecting seven programs including the local site. Carlos Valdez (home office) and Jasmine Hall (local director) described work the local program provides and said they are pursuing alternate funding while continuing vocational and educational services.
Commissioners asked whether AMI Kids had coordinated with potential partners and funders. The AMI Kids representatives said the organization receives a $200,000 award from the Children’s Trust for several months of programming and that they are pursuing federal or foundation funding and grant opportunities. Commissioners suggested connections with CareerSource and the county’s gun-violence advisory efforts and offered to provide letters of support for grant applications.
AMI Kids described services that include vocational certifications (OSHA 10, ServSafe), GED prep, and other workforce training for youth, and explained that some participants enter via probation referrals or as court sanctions. The organization said historically it operated as a DJJ-contracted provider and that it now must secure new sustainable funding to expand partnerships such as school-site programs.
