Discussion and possible action to accept a FY 25 Truancy Prevention and Intervention Program grant in the amount of $22,962.26 from the Office of the Governor as developed, prepared, written, and submitted by the Justice of the Peace, Pct.4 in conjunction with the Webb County Sheriff's Office Grant Writer to continue to pay the grant-funded salary and fringe benefits for the Juvenile Case Manager in order to continue to divert-at-risk truant juveniles from entering into the criminal justice system, and designating the Webb County Judge as the authorized official; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires no matching and/or in-kind requirements; and, furthermore, the difference in salary and fringe benefits of $37,140.74 will be paid from Account #2014-2180-001-410000 (Juvenile Case Manager fund). Thus, there is no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent to the Economic Development Department and were found in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Judge Jose R. Salinas, Justice of the Peace, Pct.4; Grant Account #2734]

Issue: Truancy can be considered a gateway to juvenile delinquency and is a nationwide problem that negatively affects not only the deliquenct 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 currently grant-funded truancy case manager in order to continue to provide prevention, diversion, and intervention strategies 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 the juvenile and criminal justice system.

The purpose of this grant is to develop effective prevention, diversion, and intervention strategies in the area of juvenile delinquency at and through the efforts of the court of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4.   

The Webb County Commissioners' Court authorized the submission of this grant on January 11,2021 Fiscal impact. This grant is applied for on a yearly basis.