Grant County reports rapid growth in pre-trial home detention program

Grant County staff told the Community Corrections Board that the county's pre-trial home detention program has moved quickly from pilot to operating status. Melissa, who oversees the program, said staff screened about 164 incarcerated people and had "As of Friday we had 20 people already in the program and that's really quick to stand up a program and get people in." The board heard that one person has completed the program and one returned to jail after significant violations.

The presentation stressed that the program is built around services and not only relocation from jail. Melissa said participants receive case planning and referrals, with "about average referrals" of five community resources for those completing the program. Judges and board members discussed capacity limits (the current cap is about 30), scheduling of 90-day review hearings and the possible need for a wait list if demand continues. Judge Spitzer called it a major local initiative: "I've been a judge for over 12 years and this is the most exciting program that I've been aware of since I've been a judicial officer." The board discussed funding and staffing needs if the county decides to scale the effort beyond the current cap.