Reno County approves $78,000 juvenile substance‑abuse contract with SAC

The Reno County Commission voted to approve a contract between Reno County Community Corrections and the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas (SAC) to provide juvenile substance‑abuse counseling and mentoring services.

County staff said the contract—funded with juvenile justice reinvestment grant money—will place a licensed addictions counselor and a part‑time peer mentor into community‑based services aimed at reducing out‑of‑home placements. "This contract, what it'll do is it's gonna use that reinvestment money," said Randy, a county staff member presenting the item, noting the program mirrors services the county has used in adult behavioral‑health work.

The contract amount presented to the commission was approximately $78,000 on an annual basis, or $6,458.33 per month. Staff described the cost breakdown as roughly $55,000 for the licensed addictions counselor and $22,500 for mentoring services. Staff said the initial term runs from Dec. 1 through June 30, with the Department of Corrections indicating an expectation that the grant will be renewed for a full July 1–June 30 year in the next cycle.

Commissioners asked about aftercare and follow‑up. Randy described a typical step‑down continuum—assessment, inpatient or intensive outpatient where needed, regular outpatient and aftercare programs— and said mentoring can serve as pre‑treatment support and be available post‑treatment as needed.

A commissioner moved to approve the contract and the motion carried after roll call. The county will implement the contract as described and monitor outcomes through the Community Corrections program; staff said the timeline and grant renewal expectations make continuation beyond June 30 possible.

Next steps: the contract starts Dec. 1; staff will proceed with onboarding SAC and will report back to the commission as required by grant and county reporting practices.