The Bradley County Juvenile Court announces it has been awarded a $450,000 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grant. Over the next three years, this funding will enable the court to significantly expand its resources and programs to better serve local youth and families, officials said.
Judge Andrew Morgan, who oversees the Bradley County Juvenile Court, expressed enthusiasm about the grant’s potential impact.
“This grant will allow us to implement meaningful changes to address the challenges faced by at-risk youth and their families. By focusing on early intervention and holistic support prior to Court involvement, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact in our community,” Judge Morgan said.
The grant will fund several key initiatives:
1. Hiring an additional staff member: The court will bring on a new employee dedicated to expanding the Court’s Matrix Visionary Partners program into Campus Court to reach families dealing with excessive absences and providing direct support, referrals and case management to youth and families.
2. Counseling services: A significant portion of the funding will cover counseling costs, offering mental health and emotional support to both juveniles and their families.
3. Tutoring program: To help young people succeed academically, the court will launch a tutoring program designed to address educational gaps and improve outcomes in conjunction with Lee University and Cleveland City Schools.
4. Fishing Program: A unique and therapeutic initiative, the fishing program will provide youth with an opportunity to connect with nature, build social skills and develop positive hobbies through this mentorship opportunity which will be run by Bradley-Polk CASA with Court support.
"The Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program is designed to support communities in reducing juvenile crime and providing targeted assistance to youth and families in need. Bradley County’s proposal was selected for its innovative approach to addressing systemic challenges and creating sustainable solutions," officials said.
For more information about the grant or the programs it will support, contact Director Vickie Towne, Bradley County Juvenile Court, at vtowne@bradleycountytn.gov or 423-728-7081.