Centre officials recognize child protection, domestic violence awareness months

Approve human services contracts

BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Board of Commissioners recognized October as Centre County Protects Kids Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month Tuesday while approving several human services contracts and other county business.

The board adopted proclamations recognizing both observances during its Oct. 6 meeting at the Willowbank Office Building.

Stephanie Smith of Better 2gether Collaborative, who serves as the Centre County Children and Youth Agency liaison, provided an update on investigations involving children and youth in the county.

"From January through August of this year, children and youth have investigated 878 GPS reports and 172 CPS reports, averaging at 117 new investigations each month," Smith said.

The board also recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting the challenges victims can face when deciding whether to seek help.

"It's a very tough situation. People have their lives to consider--children, pets, relationships. It's really, really difficult to come forward," Chair Mark Higgins said.

The commissioners approved several contracts through the county's human services departments.

The largest was a $1.869 million renewal with Strawberry Fields Inc. for mental health services, including community residential services, targeted case management and housing support. The contract runs through June 30, 2027, with $1,782,839 in state funding and $86,161 in county matching funds.

The board also approved a $413,000 renewal with Strawberry Fields for early intervention services, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, special instruction and speech pathology. The contract includes $393,961 in state funding and $19,039 in county matching funds.

A $103,700 contract renewal with The Arc of Centre County was approved for intellectual disability services, while a $59,300 contract with Abound Health PA LLC was approved for additional intellectual disability services.

The board also approved amendments increasing Strawberry Fields' maximum allocations by $11,960 for targeted case management and $47,000 for early intervention services.

Drug and alcohol services were also included in Tuesday's approvals. The board renewed a $292,000 contract with Crossroads Counseling Inc. for screening and assessment, outpatient services, case management, recovery housing and medication-assisted treatment. An additional $24,759 was approved to expand outpatient, intensive outpatient and medication-assisted treatment services.

Other contracts approved included $233,629 with Eagle Ridge Personal Care Home LLC for enhanced mental health support, $179,184 with Oasis Lifecare LLC for mental health services, $63,000 with Peerstar LLC for peer support services and $50,000 with Center for Community Resources for mental health services, including crisis intervention.

Outside of human services, the commissioners approved the purchase of three ballot drop boxes from America Security Cabinets for $12,875.90. The boxes will be placed at new locations throughout Centre County.

"I am asking for your approval to purchase three new ballot drop boxes to be used in new locations in the county," an Elections Department spokesperson said.

The board also approved a $2,061 contract with Verizon Wireless to transfer nine POTS lines, with the price locked at $229 per line through September 2028.

The commissioners approved a $300,205 modification to the county's Indigent Defense Grant through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The modification will adjust existing grant line items to better align spending.

The board also approved up to $13,125 for RBA Professional Data Systems to implement eRecording with Hopdox in the Recorder of Deeds Office. The project will be funded through Records Improvement funds and remains subject to final solicitor review.

Ahead of the November general election, the commissioners also received a voter registration report. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19 at 5 p.m., while the deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.