Williamson County seeks juvenile justice grants for equipment and in‑house treatment

Williamson County juvenile services officials told commissioners on July 14 they will apply for two grants through the Texas Juvenile Justice Department — one to purchase equipment and another to contract in‑house substance‑use treatment counselors for detained youth.

Scott Matthew, identified in the meeting as director of juvenile services, said the equipment grant covers a body scanner and would not fund personnel, while the second grant would pay for contracted counselors to provide early‑intervention substance‑abuse treatment inside county juvenile facilities. "It is just for our kids," Matthew said, confirming the grant would serve Williamson County juveniles.

Commissioners clarified that the treatment grant would apply to youth in the county's detention facility who have not yet been adjudicated into residential programs, and that the county intends to contract with counselors to provide services early to keep some youths out of longer‑term placements. The court approved both applications unanimously.

County officials also noted progress on construction of the new juvenile facility and thanked staff for their work on the project. The juvenile services items were approved 4–0; staff will return with grant application details and implementation plans if awards are received.