Keeping you and your neighbors out of jail and into programming to address their addiction and mental health concerns is the goal of a new program being developed in Kewaunee County. On Tuesday, the Kewaunee County Board approved the acceptance of the $226,808 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Justice to establish a deflection outreach program like what is seen in the City of Superior and the counties of Sauk and Door. While Door County was able to establish a full-time position to administer their deflection outreach program, Kewaunee County will take on a more team-approach with personnel volunteering to assist in facilitating wellness check-ins based on internal and external referrals. The hope is that by connecting with these individuals and addressing the barriers that may be impacting their recovery or mental health stability that they are able to reduce recidivism in the Kewaunee County justice system. Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says they have always had better luck with offenders if they aim for prevention rather than reaction.

Joski says the grant funding will go towards supporting overtime wages for existing staff who assist the Kewaunee County Deflection Program. He hopes after some site visits with other departments with deflection programs like Door County that they will be able launch their own in early 2026.