Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into contract with Alvis, Inc. for emergency temporary housing for Unleashing Potential (UP) participants. The program will have five beds available everyday all year.
The UP program will provide transformative justice for at potential emerging adults who have come into contact with our justice system and are at risk for continued criminal behavior due to lack of resources and a support system.
Emerging adults, defined as individuals transitioning from childhood to adulthood between the ages of 18 and 25, are in an age category where cognitive skills and emotional intelligence continues to develop. While emerging adults make up ten percent of the U.S. population, in Ohio, emerging adults represented 18% of total arrests in 2016. Nationwide, emerging adults represent 29% of arrests.
Individuals in this age bracket can naturally age out of criminal activities as their cognitive skills develop when they are provided the support and opportunities necessary to become independent, productive members of their communities.
UP is intended for justice-involved individuals’ age 18-25 years, with a moderate-high risk of recidivism and high level of criminogenic needs. Eligibility will be based on the nature and type of charges filed, as well as that defendant’s prior criminal history. Charges generally must be non-violent in nature, but cases will be considered on a case by case basis. The program would provide health and behavioral health services/trauma informed care, parenting services/support, successful navigation of public assistance programs, drivers licensing and transportation assistance, education and workforce development utilizing AMP (Achieve More & Prosper), safe stable, affordable housing, and family/community support.
Participation in the program is usually one year or longer, depending on the individual’s needs and progress. To successfully graduate the participants must demonstrate adherence to their action plans. Upon graduation, the case will be resolved pursuant to the negotiated agreement (either reduction of the charge or dismissal of the charge) between the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney and the court.
The goals of UP court program are to ensure public safety and reduce recidivism, increase the assets of young adults to help them transform their lives, provide justice involved young adults with a meaningful path to reducing/eliminating their criminal record, and to increase collaboration.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funds are available in the 2025 IDAT funds.
Title
To authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into contract with Alvis, Inc. for emergency temporary housing for Unleashing Potential (UP) participants; to authorize the expenditure of up to $78,475.00 for housing services from the IDAT funds. ($78,475.00)
Body
WHEREAS, $78,475.00 is needed to provide for emergency temporary housing ; and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Municipal Court is in need of emergency temporary housing from Alvis; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary in the usual daily operation of the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges to authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into contract with Alvis, Inc. thereby preserving the public peace, property, health, safety, and welfare; Now, Therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the Administrating and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Alvis, Inc. for emergency temporary housing services through the period ending March 31, 2026
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $78,475.00 or as much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized from the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges' IDAT fund budget, according to the account codes in the attached.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.