Juvenile facility: STD testing paused; mental-health services voluntary unless court-ordered

Lynn Duke, who presented the juvenile facility's report, told commissioners the facility's STD testing program is temporarily suspended while the health department completes administrative changes. The facility is not accepting urine specimens for testing during the pause, and staff said they expect the program to resume when the health department finalizes procedures. Duke also addressed questions about mental-health services for youth in detention. She said the facility has voluntary behavioral-health services provided by Volunteer Behavioral Health Systems twice weekly, part-time chaplain services and medical staff who provide emotional support. Duke said the county can use mobile crisis services for urgent situations, such as active suicidal ideation; otherwise, counseling participation must be voluntary unless a juvenile court orders treatment. She noted the facility can accept referrals from parents, attorneys or third parties and add youth to lists for services. Commissioners expressed concern about access to mental-health services; Duke reiterated that court-ordered treatment changes the facility's ability to mandate participation. The committee approved the juvenile facility report by voice vote.