Juanita Holmes
0:45:57
Programs are essential to DOP, essential to our clients naturally.
0:46:04
I think what's more essential is getting it right, right.
0:46:08
So I don't think having numerous programs means that it's working.
0:46:14
So like I said earlier when I spoke about we're requiring more information from them which is part of the contract and that information is being assessed.
0:46:24
So we this information allows us to have real time knowledge of how many slots are there.
0:46:31
So if a probation officer is going to make a referral to a particular program, that program is not fully occupied, right?
0:46:38
Or if it isn't, they know okay I have two more slots here, I can refer my client.
0:46:42
If not, I pivot to the next program.
0:46:45
Programs are very essential and we have really pulled back on a lot of our programs including let's speak to the AIM program because there was this misconception that there was an AIM light.
0:46:56
That was some language used in the previous administration.
0:46:59
No formal contract, maybe it was a handshake, I don't know what it meant.
0:47:02
But I think that was in place because probation officers didn't realize we can make referrals to AIM.
0:47:10
It was always perceived because it was considered an alternative placement that only judges can place kids in AIM.
0:47:17
From the day I walked in that's what I was told.
0:47:20
When you peel back the contract from 2019 and you look at it, it's not only judges.
0:47:25
We can also refer them to AIM.
0:47:28
So I think that's why they felt they needed a AIM light because they weren't aware that if we feel the AIM program would benefit our client, the probation officer has the autonomy and authority to refer that young person to AIM.
0:47:42
It's not an alternative placement so the numbers are captured differently.
0:47:45
The numbers are captured aim alternative to placement and then aim non alternative to placement, but just that what they're providing would better help our, you know, our young clients.
0:47:57
So that misconception has been ironed out.
0:48:00
AIM has not stopped.
0:48:02
AIM is full throttle.
0:48:03
AIM is expected to expire end of fiscal year.
0:48:07
However, we extended it by a year so it will end next fiscal year and then be open to you know bidding subject to bidding as well.
