Ten Counties Awarded Funds to Target Juveniles,
At-Risk Youths in Wisconsin Communities

MADISON – Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary Matthew Frank today announced that 10 Wisconsin counties have been awarded $299,480 for early intervention programs designed to improve the chances for success among youths who have entered or are at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

“Effective early intervention programs hold juvenile offenders accountable while providing opportunities for positive change,” Secretary Frank said. “These programs depend on close collaboration between county agencies, schools, law enforcement, prosecutors, the courts and other stakeholders. Funding for these programs increases community safety and reduces juvenile recidivism.”

Early Intervention Program grants are awarded to eligible counties to support or expand existing programs and pilots that center on community-based initiatives that target youths and youthful offenders. These initiatives encompass a variety of areas, including substance abuse treatment, Teen Court systems, life-skills and career-exploration training and Summer Youth Services. Funding for the grants is provided through carryover dollars from the state’s 2005 Youth Aid Program of $88.3 million, which was included in the 2005-07 budget signed by Governor Jim Doyle.

“Governor Doyle is committed to supporting effective programs that invest in children’s futures and protect community safety,” Secretary Frank said. “Through the Department of Corrections participation in the Governor’s KidsFirst Agenda, we are investing early in Wisconsin youth so they can grow up safe, healthy and successful.”

Green County: Green County will receive $20,000 to increase Intensive Supervision Services, such as electronic monitoring, treatment and family involvement. The services are targeted toward keeping juvenile offenders safely in the community, further reducing the use of out-of-home placements.

Jackson County: Jackson County will receive $20,000 to help fund a coordinator position to develop new community service work sites, partner with the county’s Teen Court coordinator and maintain their electronic monitoring programming.

Jefferson County: Jefferson County will receive $32,000 to expand and strengthen the county’s Teen Court. The expansion will now include repeat offenders and felony offenders as allowed by the court. In addition, the funds will help the county implement a School-Based Teen Court program in partnership with county school districts.

Manitowoc County: Manitowoc County will receive $32,000 for gender-specific training in life skills and career exploration for at-risk youth, involving mentors and activities that foster team building and empathy.

Menominee County: Menominee County will receive $20,000 to fund alcohol or other drug abuse (AODA) assessments and outpatient services for juvenile offenders identified as high risk for more serious delinquency.

Milwaukee County: Milwaukee County will receive $83,480 to help support existing services targeted toward youths, aged 10-16, with first-time referrals for delinquent behavior. The needs of each youth are matched to community-based service providers for community education, community service, tracking and apology letter writing, and other identified individualized services.

Price County: Price County will receive $20,000 to fund Cognitive Interventions, emphasizing AODA prevention/intervention, for first-time offenders from the county’s Juvenile Intake system, Teen Court or Juvenile Forfeiture Court. The funds also will cover bi-monthly, five-session groups targeting behaviors, thinking patterns and choices regarding alcohol or other drug use for youths and their parents.

Rusk County: Rusk County will receive $20,000 to support existing community service opportunities, cognitive intervention programming and home detention. These current programs focus on holding youths accountable in the community while helping them develop competency skills.

Shawano County: Shawano County will receive $32,000 to create and present a new curriculum to first-time offenders that emphasizes non-violent problem solving skills, anger management and resistance to bullying. Input for the curriculum will be gathered from local schools, law enforcement and the Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee tribes.

Washburn County: Washburn County will receive $20,000 to support in-school or in-home intensive AODA services to youth whose families cannot transport them from rural areas. The funds also will support Summer Youth Services for at-risk youths aged 10-14.

####

 

11/20/06