The Williamson County commissioners on Tuesday approved funding for its felony diversion program grant for the third year in a row.
The grant for the Transformative Justice Program is funded through the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and requires a 60% cash match from the county next fiscal year totaling $250,607. The grant will require an 80% match in the program's fourth year, but Scott Matthews, the county's director for juvenile services, said they hope to apply to other grants by that time.
The program helps those ages 17- to 24 who have been convicted of low-level felony offenses to find education, housing and employment opportunities while participating in community service projects. If they graduate from the program, their records could be expunged. Matthews said there are 12 active participants, 12 who have graduated and five who were not successful in completing the program.