The Kosciusko County Community Corrections Advisory Board appears to be on track to receive state funding for a community corrections program. This program will provide alternatives to imprisonment not currently offered in the county.
Kosciusko County was one of eight counties in the state not participating in the state-wide community corrections alternatives.
Kristen Banschbach, an official with Indiana Association of Community Corrections for Northern Indiana, will be in Warsaw today (Tuesday) to meet with the local director, Barry Andrew, and other interested individuals, to go over any last minute questions, program plans and any issues prior to the county’s 4 p.m. May 11 grant review hearing in Indianapolis.
Andrew stated it appears the county has received funding for a community based corrections program, however, it will not be known for certain until after the May hearing. Andrew additionally explained should the funding be received, 25 percent of the funding would be received the first or second week of August. The remainder of the fund would be evenly dispersed. A July 1 start date is expected.
He noted a meeting with judges has been held to iron out some of the details before the program begins. He stated the program will start with current employees of the county’s probation department and drug and alcohol program. It is expected one additional person will be hired and possibly an additional probation officer since Andrew’s salary will be paid through the grant.
Andrew also presented an organizational chart for the program involving judges, probation and Kosciusko County Alcohol and Drug Program staff. The drug court staff will eventually be moved under the leadership of the community corrections program.
Andrew announced the hiring of a new case manager for the drug court. Ron Ousely will begin his job in two weeks. That position is being funded through a federal grant over a three-year period at which time the position will be self sufficient.
Board member Bob Sanders asked for someone to explain the real purpose of the group and who will be reporting to the board. It was noted the various coordinators will be reporting to Andrew who will in turn bring reports and financials to the board.
The community corrections advisory board is comprised of judges, prosecutor, sheriff, Warsaw Police, county attorney, representatives for the public defenders, schools, Work One, probation department, Department of Family Services, Bowen Center, county council and county commissioners and others.
The board meets quarterly with the next meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. July 13 in the multipurpose room in the justice building.