LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved a grant application request from the Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO) Nov. 18.
Distributed by the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant aims to reduce recidivism rates.
The Sheriff”s Office is applying for the grant in cooperation with the probation department, the Lake County District Attorney”s Office, Workforce Lake, Behavioral Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services, as well as the Office of Education.
“This is another continuing change in the justice system,” LCSO Undersheriff Chris Macedo said. “This is related to proposition 47 and AB109.”
A total of up to $220,000 will be awarded annually, if the application is accepted, Macedo said.
No matching funds are required.
“Due to AB109 and the changing priorities of funding provided by the State, funding for these two departments will no longer be available through existing sources,” Macedo added.
A steering committee was established because of grant requirements and consists of members from the participating agencies, which is in the process of determining community needs and establishing goals and objectives to meet grant purposes
Grant purposes include crime prevention and education, law enforcement and prosecution, courts and defense.
Program objectives will include, to name a few, moral recognition training, outpatient substance abuse training, employment readiness, life skills, anger management, parenting, literacy, and educational training designed on evidence based practices.
The deadline to apply for the grant was Monday. However, many counties requested time extensions, Macedo said.
The grant replaces the current Anti-Drug Abuse grant, which partially funds a prosecutor for the District Attorney”s office and provides funding to the Sheriff”s office.
The board approved the application with a 4-0 vote, with District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington being absent.
Reach J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
