Agenda

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FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Meeting Date:	08/04/2023
Subject: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Update
Submitted For:	FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Department:	County Administrator
Referral No.:	115
Referral Name:	Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services
Presenter:	Gerold Loenicker, Child & Adolescent Services Program Chief	Contact:	Danielle Fokkema, (925) 655-2047

Information

Referral History:

On October 30, 2017 the Family and Human Services Committee (FHS) accepted the report from the Health Services Department addressing various mental health service issues and concerns raised by the FHS, the Board of Supervisors, the Mental Health Commission’s White Paper, the Civil Grand Jury, and members of the public. These issues and concerns centered upon the difficulty in accessing mental health care, particularly for children and youth experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Indicative to this lack of access was the 1) increase in Psychiatric Emergency Services visits, 2) long wait times to access care, and 3) shortage of clinical staff, especially psychiatrists. The Health Services Department report addressed these issues and concerns, and reported upon the initiatives and progress made to date.

The FHS asked the Department to provide an update to the Mental Health Commission in six months, and to the FHS annually thereafter. The last status report made to FHS was on July 26, 2021.

Referral Update:

Please see the attached 2023 report on efforts to support the mental health needs of children and adolescents in Contra Costa County.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

ACCEPT the report from the Behavioral Health Division of the Health Services Department on efforts to support the mental health needs of children and adolescents, and forward to the Board of Supervisor for their information.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

There is no fiscal impact.

Attachments
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Presentation