County Commission Approves Community Solutions Contract for Corrections Quality Assurance

The Saline County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a two-year contract with Community Solutions, Inc. to provide quality assurance services for the county's adult corrections program.

Michelle Callam, Community Corrections Director, presented the agreement, explaining that the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) already funds similar services for juvenile corrections programs statewide.

"In an effort to keep my office congruent and on the same page, I have budgeted some money from this fiscal year and next fiscal year to cover the same services for my adult staff," Callam told commissioners.

The contract will provide quality assurance for risk needs assessments, appointments, and cognitive behavioral programs.

Staff will receive 12 hours of coaching and feedback annually, delivered via Zoom to minimize downtime.

"Each year they'll get about an hour a month just to help them increase their skills," Callam said. "What you practice helps you grow and you get better as time goes on."

The agreement includes a 30-day termination clause. Callam noted that Reno County has successfully used Community Solutions' services for several years.

The cost of the services will be funded through the Kansas Department of Corrections budget for the adult division.

Callam reported that KDOC recently confirmed flat funding through FY28, which will cover most of the contract period.