To: Board of Supervisors
From: Family & Human Services Committee
Report Title: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Update
☐Recommendation of the County Administrator ☒ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ACCEPT the report from the Behavioral Health Division of the Contra Costa Health Department on efforts to support the mental health needs of children and adolescents, as recommended by the Family and Human Services Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
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.
On August 4, 2023, Contra Costa Health Services presented the most recent status update to the Family and Human Services Committee. The Committee accepted the attached presentation and directed staff to forward it to the Board of Supervisors for its information.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
This report will not be received.