County authorizes applications for state grants to fund probation programs

County probation staff asked the board for permission to apply for state grant funding to support intermediate punishment and adult probation services.

John Schott of the Office of Probation Services requested authorization to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for funding that covers supervision, treatment and case management for the county’s intermediate punishment programs. Schott said the announcement arrived after the state adopted a new budget and that the application will be completed and submitted by the Dec. 18 deadline. He emphasized that the PCCD program requires no local match.

Separately, a county staff member presented a Continuing County Adult Probation funding opportunity. That presentation noted the county’s allocation would rise from $97,711 this fiscal year to $111,049 next year; commissioners voted to support the application. The funds are intended to offset department personnel expenses for the adult probation and parole unit.

Both requests were moved, seconded and approved by the board.