Freeborn County approves $1,500 grant for juvenile Decision Points cognitive-skills program

Probation staff asked the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 18 to accept a $1,500 grant to offer the Decision Points cognitive-behavioral program to juvenile clients. The director described the program as an extension of existing adult services and said the county is required to provide cognitive-skills programming under supervision policy.

"This is a program we have offered in the past for adults. This would be a new program for juveniles," the director said while asking the board to accept the grant. Staff told the board that one of the primary goals is to reduce out-of-home placements, which can cost "over $12,000 a month" for each youth. Commissioners asked whether the program was budgeted; staff said most costs would be absorbed as staff time and that materials are largely in hand.

Commissioner Ekstrom entered the resolution to accept the grant and Commissioner Casa seconded it. After discussion about mandates, budget lines, and staff time, the clerk called the roll and the board approved the resolution.