FINANCIAL BUSINESS REQUEST (FBR)
Motion/Request:
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* MOTION to appropriate $90,888 to the Child and Family Agency to provide Clinicians at the Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School for one year, from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding designated for Youth Mental Health Clinicians.
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Background:
Finance Committee Meeting 7/17/2024 :
The $190,000 that was earmarked to provide mental health services to the youth in our community was not being used at rate that it would be fully committed by the December 31, 2024 ARPA deadline. However, there was a need for mental health services, noting the Clinicians at the elementary schools had full caseloads of ten students, and there were kids on a waiting list for services.
At the Finance Committee's July 17, 2024 meeting they learned that Clinician Pat Frost, who took over from Kate Sikorski-Maynard, was providing services for both the High School and Middle School students, but that she was not comfortable with administering services to younger age children.
In addition, the Finance Committee learned that although the State of Connecticut Child and Family Agency provided funding to support the School Based Health Progrm, which included Mental Health Services, for the upcoming school year (2024/2025) at the High School, Middle School, and Gallup Hill School, that funding was not provided to continue the same level of mental health services at the Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School.
Based on their discussion Mr. Hartling contacted the Child and Family Agency to find out how much it would cost to provide a Clinician at the Juliet W. Long School and Gales Ferry School. The salaries including fringe benefits was $90,885.
August 13, 2024 email Board of Education Chairman Anthony Favry encouraged the Town Council to consider providing funding for these services. (see attached)
Department Comment/Recommendation:
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Finance Director Comment/Recommendation:
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