Commissioners approve seven Children and Youth Services provider renewals, largely as backup placements

Lawrence County commissioners on July 15 approved seven contract renewals for Children and Youth Services (CYS), covering in‑home, foster care and group‑home providers. County staff told the board most contracts serve as backup placement options and the county has not recently used several of the listed providers.

Mike Bridal, introduced as representing Children and Youth Services, walked the commissioners through the renewals (Resolutions 176–182). The renewals include the Children’s Advocacy Center (now fee‑for‑service rather than program funded), Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County (foster care; a 4% rate increase from last year), Diversified Treatment Alternatives Centers (backup; no recent placements), Twin Pines Family Services (backup), MHY Family Services (in‑home services; noted a 24% increase but staff said Medicaid often pays), City Mission–Livingstone’s Inc. (backup), and Hoffman Homes Inc. (group home; backup placement).

Bridal told the board that many of the vendors are long‑time providers and that some contracts were converted to fee‑for‑service this year; he noted record‑keeping and supporting documents were somewhat disordered in the packet but the contracts were renewals. Several contracts were described as seldom used backups intended to give the department placement options in time‑sensitive situations.

The board approved Resolutions 176–182 in a single motion and recorded unanimous yes votes from commissioners present.

No additional conditions, amendments or direction to staff were recorded in the meeting minutes for these CYS renewals.