Commission ratifies (recorded as ratification request) $900,000 corrections grant; administrator details jail- and community-based programs

The commission considered a request to ratify the chair's exigent approval of a one-year grant from the Michigan Department of Corrections for $900,000 with no county match.

Lester Thomas, administrator of Del Community Corrections, explained the programs covered by the grant: a jail-based cognitive behavioral therapy program for felony offenders, associated community-based domestic-violence programs, violence-prevention services, and trauma-informed care that addresses needs of women and men who have experienced trauma. “We have a jail based cognitive behavior therapy program that works in the jail…we work in conjunction with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department in identifying those offenders that would benefit from that program,” Thomas said.

Thomas described program duration ranges: some jail-based modules run roughly 20 days, while certain community programs—such as violence-prevention—can extend up to nine months depending on the particular program and individual needs. He said the grant aims to reduce recidivism by addressing assaultive behaviors and gun-related charges and that both jail- and community-based services are part of the overall approach.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about program timing and scope; the clerk recorded the item for approval and the motion carried in the board’s action on the committee report.