A significant step forward in juvenile mental health services was taken at the Josephine County Administration Workshop on September 9, 2025. The county commissioners approved a contract with Kairos for backup mental health services aimed at juveniles in their Turning Point residential program and district facilities. This decision comes in response to Oregon administrative rules mandating mental health services for youth in custody, ensuring that immediate care is available, especially in critical situations involving potential suicidality.

Commissioner Eric highlighted the importance of having a reliable backup provider, stating, "It’s much safer to bring their services to our facility than us attempting to transport a youth." The contract, which is set for one year, is expected to incur minimal costs, with previous expenditures on backup services totaling just $4,200 over two years.

In addition to the Kairos agreement, the meeting also addressed an extension of an existing intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for local mental health services. This extension is crucial as OHA restructures its contracts, allowing for continued client coverage through local providers until new agreements are finalized.

The commissioners unanimously approved both the Kairos contract and the IGA extension, with a motion to grant signing authority to Prevention Manager Sean Martinez for the ongoing management of these contracts. This streamlined approach aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that the county remains responsive to the mental health needs of its youth.

These developments underscore Josephine County's commitment to improving mental health resources for juveniles, reflecting a proactive stance in addressing critical health issues within the community.