Pulaski County has gotten funding to continue its Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative programs. Pulaski Circuit Court recently got a $52,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Correction, according to JDAI Coordinator Dr. Natalie Tucker. She says in a press release that over $40,000 is being used for youth mentoring and truancy programs at both Winamac and West Central high schools.
Judge Mary Welker says a big goal is making sure children have the chance to finish high school, since individuals without a high school diploma may not even be considered for certain jobs. Tucker also notes that the JDAI saves taxpayers money, since putting kids in secure detention can cost the county $240 or more per day.
Pulaski County plans to continue developing its JDAI programs to give youth the chance to learn from their life situations and, in some cases, avoid the justice system.
