By Rhys Baker

Two Clay Countians have been reappointed to the Riley County Joint Community Corrections Board. USD 379 Communications Coordinator Matt Weller and School, Family, and Community Connections Counselor Lisa Last will continue to serve on both the juvenile and adult committees. Last says “We have so many problems in our systems that support people, in our state and in our country and I think it’s a big issue. I’m an advocate for trying to be part of the change to help things in some very small way… But at least I can be aware of what’s happening and advocate for change.”

In the 21st judicial district, Clay and Riley County Community Corrections combine to provide a cost-effective means of promoting public safety through balancing both adult and juvenile offender accountability and improving offenders’ ability to live productively within the community.  

The community corrections practices, interventions, and referrals are developed using evidence-based practices, or methods that have been proven through research. Their largest expense and resource is their trained employees. Training for all staff members includes motivational interviewing, case plan development, and cognitive behavioral interventions. While funding is always a concern in any human services organization it’s not the only concern for the community corrections board, Last says “There have been many changes on the juvenile side of things over the last several years. Including struggles with beds at state hospitals, because mental health is a big part of that, of why people enter the corrections system.” 

In addition to supervision and accountability for adult and juvenile offenders, Riley and Clay Counties, Juvenile Intake and Assessment (or JIA) conduct assessments on juvenile offenders and/or children in need of care who are brought into custody by law enforcement.