Jan. 16: Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee, Cuyahoga County Council
Covered by Documenters Marcy Clark (notes) and Stésià Swain (live-tweets)
Community service as alternative to jail and fines
Cuyahoga County Council’s Public Safety and Justice Affairs Committee teed up legislation for the full council to review, including a contract costing up to $555,000 with Court Community Service Inc. Founded in 1985, the nonprofit works with the court to monitor adults who are sentenced to community service instead of jail time or fines.
The cost of the contract hasn’t changed in 14 years, according to Linda Lagunzad from the Cuyahoga County Corrections Planning Board. The contract would span three years at $185,000 per year. It would allow the nonprofit to deliver placement and supervision services.
Re-entry services for court-involved adults
The committee also advanced a contract up to $10,000 with the Salvation Army to continue its Community Corrections Program. The program helps people exiting incarceration re-enter society through its community residential center, addiction treatment and electronic monitoring at other residences.
Diversion efforts for youth
A contract with Applewood Centers Inc. for emergency respite and crisis bed services for youth is poised for an extension. The committee approved an amendment that would extend service through June 30 and cost an additional $849,511.
This is part of a program that gives young people charged with low-level misdemeanors access to mental health services and other support as a diversion from the juvenile justice system.
