Clallam County officials discuss TrueStar expansion for juvenile and adult services

On May 19, 2025, Clallam County officials convened for a critical work session focused on juvenile services and the integration of behavioral health programs within the county's justice system. The discussions highlighted the innovative TrueStar model, which has been a cornerstone of juvenile services in the county for 27 years, providing essential mental health support to youth in crisis.

The sheriff's office expressed strong support for the TrueStar model, emphasizing its potential to maximize resources and generate reimbursement for the county's general fund. The sheriff's representative noted that the model effectively combines the strengths of both juvenile and adult services, aiming to address the pressing needs of youth in the community. However, concerns were raised about the challenges of implementing this model, particularly regarding the potential impact on existing outpatient services.

TrueStar's unique position as a licensed behavioral health program under county governance allows it to offer barrier-free services to youth in crisis. This capability is particularly crucial as the county faces increasing demands for mental health and substance use disorder treatment among its youth population. Officials acknowledged that many young people require intensive outpatient care, which is currently not adequately met by other providers in the area.

The meeting also revealed apprehensions about the future of outpatient services if the focus shifts solely to jail-based programs. Participants voiced concerns that a lack of clarity regarding which services would continue could lead to gaps in care for youth who do not enter the juvenile justice system. The importance of maintaining a comprehensive approach to juvenile services was underscored, with calls for further discussions to ensure that the needs of all youth in Clallam County are met.

As the county moves forward with plans to expand services through the HCA grant, the discussions highlighted the need for a collaborative approach that integrates various service providers while ensuring that existing programs are not compromised. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring the implications of the proposed model and to prioritize the well-being of the youth served by these critical programs.