Commissioners approve youth services agreements, documents

County commissioners approved several Child and Youth Services (CYS) requests during last month's meeting, including contracts with service providers, a state data-sharing agreement and the department’s annual needs-based planning narrative.

Commissioners approved a list of potential contracted providers for the 2026-27 fiscal year, covering the period through June 30, 2027.

CYS officials said the list includes 35 contracts, with 23 providers offering placement services and 12 providing individual services. The list includes several additions that were approved throughout the past year and is intended to encompass all anticipated providers for the upcoming contract period. Officials noted that if additional providers are needed during the year, those contracts will be brought before the commissioners for approval before being added to future provider lists.

Commissioners also approved the department’s annual Child Welfare Information System data-sharing agreement with the state.

A representative from Warren's CYS program explained that the agreement is required each year as part of the department’s needs-based budget process and allows CYS to continue participating in the state’s electronic data-sharing system. The system is used to receive referrals from the state and report case outcomes. Department representatives clarified that there is no cost associated with the agreement.

In addition, commissioners approved the narrative portion of the department’s annual needs-based plan, contingent upon a final review before submission.

Department officials said the narrative must be submitted in advance of the commissioners’ next scheduled meeting to meet state deadlines. The document was to be published for public review beginning July 24, followed by a one-week public comment period. A public hearing on the narrative is scheduled for today at the CYS office.

Officials said they will return to the commissioners at a later meeting to present the financial portion of the needs-based budget for approval.

All three motions passed unanimously