County Approves $155,587 to Expand Incarcerated Parents Program

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a $155,587 contract expanding the Common Pleas Court Children of Incarcerated Parents Initiative from one courtroom to seven. 

Funded through a federal Second Chance Act grant, the expansion adds a full-time case manager through the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services. The case manager will be assigned to the Family Stabilization Unit to identify families affected by parental incarceration, conduct needs assessments, provide supportive services, and participate in the program's advisory committee. 

Brandon Curry, Deputy Director for the Office of Justice Policy and Programs, presented the resolution at the April 28 General Session. The contract runs from January 2026 through June 2027. 

The expansion was approved during Second Chance Month and reflects the county's broader investment in supporting children and families navigating the effects of incarceration.