Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Austin Municipal Court Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund (Ordinance No. 20260812-007) to accept and appropriate $1,000,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative and authorize one full-time equivalent, grant-funded position for the Austin Community Court Rebuilding Families and Communities Initiative, a kinship-based reentry housing program. Funding: $1,000,000 is available from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance through the FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative. A City funding match is not required.
De
Lead Department
Austin Community Court
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $1,000,000 is available from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance through the FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative. A City funding match is not required.
For More Information:
Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Austin Community Court, Robert.Kingham@austintexas,gov
Additional Backup Information:
This action will accept $1,000,000 in grant funds from U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative and amend the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Austin Municipal Court Operating Budget Special Revenue Fund (Ordinance No. 20260812-007) to appropriate $1,000,000 and authorize one full-time equivalent, grant-funded position for the Rebuilding Families and Communities Initiative, a kinship-based reentry housing program, for the grant period of October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031.
The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative supports efforts to improve outcomes for individuals returning to the community after incarceration. Austin Community Court’s Rebuilding Families and Communities Initiative aims to improve housing stability and reduce recidivism by connecting individuals exiting incarceration to housing with family members or other kin.
Austin Community Court will provide individual case management to people exiting incarceration and oversee implementation of the kinship-based reentry housing program. Through a nonprofit partner, the program will provide family-focused case management, housing inspections, stabilization services, and $500 monthly housing stipends for up to 12 months. The initiative aims to serve up to 60 individuals and their families by supporting access to stable housing, strengthening family connections, and reducing recidivism.
The General Fund will not be required to contribute additional funds beyond those currently budgeted to this grant or to the funding of the position. When the grant funds expire, the department’s need for the position will be evaluated and the position may be eliminated.