Cowlitz County commissioners approved the county contract with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for developmental disabilities services and authorized pass-through agreements with local providers.

Gina James of Health and Human Services described the contract as providing funding for child development services (birth–age 3), adult employment and day programs that connect individuals with activities and workplace supports. "This contract provides funding for specific services, related to developmental disabilities. So it provides for child development services, just services for children, birth to age 3," James said.

Nut graf: The board approved items 14–17, which HHS listed as pass-throughs to local providers that deliver early intervention, day services and supported employment. Commissioners and members of the public noted strong employment rates and community benefits, and asked for ongoing reporting and fiscal accountability.

James said about 155 individuals participate in the adult programs countywide and that employment rates for program participants were circa 84% for those in the employment program. She described that historically the county receives reimbursement-based funding: the state makes an "up to" allocation and reimburses the county for eligible costs. She said last year's DSHS contract was roughly $2.5 million and expenditures ran about $2.0 million.

Pass-through contracts approved at the meeting included agreements with LifeWorks and Compass Career Solutions for adult employment services and the Progress Center for child development services; Goodwill and Employers Overload were listed as providers to appear at future meetings. James said the county typically retains up to 10% of the allocation for administrative costs and may hold a small buffer for client movement between providers.

Ending: Commissioners expressed support for programs that place individuals in paid work and noted the intangible community benefits of inclusive employment. The board approved items 14–17 by voice vote; HHS will return if additional pass-throughs or allocation changes are needed.