Acceptance of Juvenile Truancy Prevention Grant Award
Submitted for:
Martin Cuellar, Sheriff
Submitted By:
Anita Guerra
Department:
Sheriff
Subject:
Discussion and possible action to approve the acceptance of a Truancy Prevention Grant Program award in the amount of $50,000 to continue to pay the grant-funded salary and fringe benefits for a juvenile truancy case manager in order to continue to divert at-risk truant juveniles from entering the juvenile justice system in Laredo/Webb County; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any cash match.
Issue: Studies have shown that, if not addressed correctly, juvenile truancy functions as stepping stone to more serious juvenile delinquency problems. Furthermore, juvenile delinquency and truancy are nationwide problems that negatively affect not only the delinquent youth and their families but also adversely impacts schools, neighborhoods, and the local community at large. In addition, youth at-risk for juvenile delinquency who enter into the juvenile justice system tend to face limited future career, educational, and other socio-economic prospects, especially in the South Texas area.
Solution: Grant award to continue to fund a current grant-funded case manager in order to continue to provide prevention, diversion, and intervention strategies for truancy through the court of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 in Laredo/Webb County area.
Result: Increased focus on diversion strategies to steer at-risk juveniles from truancy and the juvenile and criminal justice system.
Background:
The purpose of this grant is to develop effective prevention, diversion, and intervention strategies in the area of juvenile truancy at and through the efforts of the court of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4.
Previous Court Action:
The grant application to fund the case manager was authorized for submission on 01/09/2017.
Fiscal Impact
Budget Account Number:
To Be Determined
Funding Source:
Grant Revenue
Balance:
Not Applicable
Financial Impact:
$50,000 grant revenue
Therefore, there will no impact to the general fund.