A special meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday in the courthouse courtroom regarding establishment of a Community Resource Panel for Marion County.
The Eighth Judicial District Community Corrections agency is creating the new program to allow community members to help address concerns with offenders sentenced to probation by the district court.
Members will be appointed by district judges. The panel will meet with offenders who are struggling to meet conditions of probation, those who are doing well on supervision, and those who are in need of additional resources.
The panel also will assist the agency in educating citizens of Marion County on the roles and purpose of intensive supervision.
Community Corrections values the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions — both the positive and negative choices they make.
“We believe with the additional community involvement, the chances of successful changes in offenders’ lives are increased,” said Jo Olsen, intensive supervision officer for Marion County.
The goal of the Community Resources Panel is to ensure all resources have been exhausted to assist the offender in making a change before a prison term is requested. Successful intervention saves taxpayer dollars while providing public safety.
Caring citizens of Marion County are invited to attend Monday’s meeting. Agency staff will be present to share more information and to answer any questions.
To apply for a role on the panel, contact Olsen at (620) 382-2104. Applications also will be available at the meeting.