Program troubled youth to start here in January

Region 2 – which includes Iberville parish – is one of four regions in the state selected to begin implementation in January of a new program for youth with behavioral problems.

The Coordinated System of Care is a statewide initiative to establish family and youth-driven care to keep children under the age of 22 years with significant behavioral health challenges or co-occurring disorders at home and in school, and out of the child welfare and juvenile justice system.

The program involves collaboration across agencies, families and youth to improve access to an expanded array of services that will promote a high quality of life for families served.

The project is an initiative of Governor Bobby Jindal and is being led by executives of the Office of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Health and Hospitals, and the Department of Education in partnership with regional agencies and families.

The new model of care includes Medicaid services management functions by a statewide management organization and coordinating councils with representation by family members.

Capital Area Human Services District (CAHSD) facilitated the planning process with stakeholders including family members to develop a regional plan to implement the CSoC.

In Region 2, care planning and management services (called Wraparound services) will be provided by NHS Human Services and family support services will be provided by Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge.