Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to execute a grant agreement with The Ohio State University (OSU), a non-profit entity, in an amount up to $2,390.97, to create opportunities for healing with a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention with justice-involved Black girls and their parents and caregivers, and to allow for the reimbursement of expenses incurred before the purchase order date, starting August 1, 2024.
Prior Ordinances relevant to this OSU-MBSR program;
1435-2021 06/14/2021 PO293529;
Ordinance 1435-2021, passed by City Council on June 14, 2021, authorized the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with OSU-CoSW for the MBSR program in amount up to $27,968.00. The agreement was executed with an agreement end date of December 31, 2022 (PO293529).
0591-2023 03/13/2023 PO293529;
Because of issues related to COVID, the program was not implemented as planned and Council approved a second ordinance, Ord. 0591-2023, on March 13, 2023 for the not-for-profit service contract. A contract modification to extend the agreement was not executed prior to the end of the contract term on December 31, 2024.
In light of the tragic death of Ma'Khia Bryant in 2021, there continues to be an urgent need to provide specific, targeted support for criminal justice system-involved and at-risk Black girls. These girls are experiencing more stress due to the coronavirus and its effect on their mothers (parents/caregivers), with 57% noting that their mental health was worse due to the virus and its affects. In partnership with the Columbus City Council (CCC), Franklin County Juvenile Court (FCJC) FCJC staff will refer interested parent/caregiver-dyads to the OSU program. This intervention will help reduce stress among all participants and promote restoration and healing that will reduce the potential for law-breaking behavior.
The targeted constituents include court-in...
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