Board hears program changes: CST discontinued; new Credible Minds Matter resource and social-media strategy discussed

Carrie and other staff told the board that the county will discontinue the coordinated services team (CST) program because state rules no longer allow the previous in-kind match and continuing the program would require a $12,000 county match to secure $60,000 in funding. Staff said the program had only four children enrolled at the start of 2025 and that three of them were already receiving services through existing programs (CLTS or CCS), so the county will move families to other service streams and keep the same case managers where possible.

Liz described the new Credible Minds Matter website, a one-stop, free community resource that links more than 10,000 evidence-based mental-health resources and local service referrals. Staff said registered users who complete the initial assessment by Feb. 27 can enter to win a $100 gift card.

Board members discussed outreach and public visibility. Terry and others recommended improved website formatting and social-media posting; staff confirmed the department maintains a Facebook page but, on legal advice, does not allow comments because posted communications could become public record and subject to seven-year archiving requirements. The board also discussed limits on the department’s use of artificial intelligence: staff said the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Health Services require strict review and approval before any AI tool is used for casework because of privacy and permanence concerns.

George Busse suggested the county could take credit for eliminating programs that duplicate services; others urged attention to youth services and longer-term funding stability.