Kate Berg

The meeting included a budget update, which noted that the MDOC and the Governor had recommended maintaining Community Corrections funding for FY 2023. The administrator's report covered felony dispositions, the impact of the pandemic on counties, and the introduction of a pretrial module. Public comment included discussion of Public Act 511, the importance of including returning citizens in advisory boards, and the implementation of a reentry/mentoring program. The meeting also involved a review and approval of three state board policies. Significant discussion centered around the elimination of the Gate Keeper program, concerns about its impact on smaller counties, and the need for improved communication and collaboration between MDOC agents and county staff.

The meeting covered key topics including a budget update, which highlighted the optimism for a finalized state budget before October 1st and the recommendation for initial allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. The board approved the comprehensive plans and service funds. Discussions also included the adoption of target populations and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the State Community Corrections Advisory Board, along with the adoption of evidence-based practices. A key point of discussion was the need to track data related to race, ethnicity, and gender to address inequities within the corrections system. Finally, FY22 meeting dates were proposed and approved.

The meeting covered key updates on the budget, which was described as challenging due to a potential state deficit. Discussions included the impact of this on community corrections programs and the need to advocate for continued funding. Reports were given on grant applications, bid responses for residential services, and program effectiveness data, including prison commitment and recidivism rates. A presentation on the impact of bias and organizational culture change was given by a guest speaker, followed by a Q&A session. The board also reviewed and approved the meeting schedule for 2021, and public comments were received from representatives of Oakland and Livingston Counties.

The meeting covered key updates on the budget, including the restoration of funding to previous year levels. A review of dispositional data for FY19 was presented, showing a decrease in prison commitment rates for counties with approved comprehensive plans. Discussions included jail utilization, OUIL 3rd felony dispositions, and probation violator recidivism rates. The meeting also addressed the transition of funds from MDOC to PIHP for substance use disorder treatment, highlighting challenges in contract language and timelines for implementation. A significant donation to Berrien County's jail reentry programs was announced.

The meeting focused on reviewing the goals and objectives of the Office of Community Corrections (OCC), addressing changes in the Governor's office and local board, and discussing funding challenges. A review of 2018-2019 numbers was presented, along with updates on county board approvals and the introduction of a new PRS Liaison. Key discussion points included changes in the approach for MDOC, concerns about funding for Saginaw County programs, and the need for improved communication and data sharing regarding offender reentry. The recidivism rate and its calculation were also discussed, with concerns raised about the accuracy of the current methodology. Finally, the meeting included a discussion about the realignment of community corrections and offender success programs.