Special to the Enquirer  

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $429,491 to support 11 programs across the state that aim to prevent youth crime and recidivism – including one in Morgan County. 

The grants will help fund programs that provide mentoring and counseling to youth and their parents who have been referred through the juvenile justice system, with a goal of reducing further involvement in the judicial system. 

“Youth who are at-risk of further involvement with the criminal justice system need good mentors and educational programs to help them find ways to be more productive and contributing members of our society,” Ivey said. “I commend these organizations for working with youth and families to help them find a path to a better future.” 

The Morgan County System of Services is among 11 local agencies and municipalities across the state that provide direct services to youth and their families. The local grant funds, totaling $33,000, will be used to divert juveniles from further encounters with the justice system.  

The Morgan County System of Services also works with juveniles who have been placed in out-of-home arrangements and helps them bridge the gap between placement and reentry into the community. 

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds, which are made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.