Scott County Council approves $129K from Restricted Opioid Fund to launch youth programs

The Scott County Council voted at a recent meeting to approve Ordinance 2025-2A, allocating $129,811.92 from the county’s restricted opioid settlement fund to CEASE (Coalition to Eliminate the Abuse of Substances of Everykind). The funds will be used to support three new youth-focused programs aimed at early intervention and recovery support.

The appropriation, broken down into $110,817.50 for personal services, $18,494.42 for supplies, and $500 for other services, will provide one year of supplemental support for a youth day reporting program, a behavioral health initiative, and a youth mentoring effort. The programs are being launched alongside $251,220.16 in grant funding already awarded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

A central concern voiced by council members was long-term sustainability. CEASE representative assured the council that the new positions funded under this ordinance would not become the county’s responsibility if funding ran out. CEASE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is actively pursuing Medicaid certification, which will allow billing for youth services and transportation in the future.

“This is seed funding to get us launched,” CEASE said. “Much like our bereavement support program, which received startup funds last year, these new programs are intended to become self-sustaining.”