Central Region’s Collaborative May 19, 2014.

Attendees included:

Teams from the 3 collaborative counties….Fresno, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo

Kern County

Merced County

Madera County

Tulare County

Stanislaus County

Calaveras County

Mariposa County

CSU Fresno

CCTA

Reps from DHCS

DHCS provided an update from the state. They are in the process of working on several documents that are going through their management before being approved and sent to counties. They continue to update the website with new information. 50 counties have submitted their semi-annual updates.

We first had a panel comprised of 4 Parent Partners and a Social Work Supervisor from Fresno County. The panelists spoke of their involvement in the child welfare system and mental health. The adult panelists all clearly made the point that good communication is essential to creating a good working relationship.

We next had a panel consisting of three young men from various region CYC groups who were asked questions by Hector Cerda of the regional CYC office. The young men all had experienced multiple placements while in foster care and some time in group home care. They all had mental health issues. One young man stated that it was a mental health clinician whom he felt really listened to him. The young persons also stated that while in care they sometimes experienced delays in obtaining treatment.

Fresno County shared several documents used for screening/assessment. They also introduced some new staff hired to work in mental health with this population.

San Luis Obispo County shared their data base system they have developed that will allow for tracking of persons served. They shared screenshots of this data base. They also shared that their county counsel had approved of agreement that allows for communication between child welfare and mental health. They also have co-location of staff.

Santa Barbara County shared that mental health staff are dong brief assessments on all referrals. CALM-agency does all assessments for those 0-5. They will begin training staff in June. They are working on policy and procedures and are starting ITFC.

Other counties present shared what they are doing. Counties also provided input into a request to review potential agenda topics for the August 21 state leadership meeting in Sacramento.

Discussed plans for our next convening.