Jay Sullivan, director of Youth Alternatives, presented the department's FY2026 budget request and described a large increase in demand for crisis assessments and counseling services among local youth.

"We provided services to 43 youth and families this past year" in court services, and the department completed substantially more crisis assessments in 2024 than in 2023, Sullivan said.

Data and services:

- FY2026 requested general fund budget: $539,382, an increase of $22,387 over FY2025, primarily driven by the employee compensation study and insurance cost increases.
- Crisis assessments: Youth Alternatives completed 310 suicidal ideation assessments and 30 homicidal ideation assessments in the past year, compared with 150 suicidal assessments and 11 homicidal assessments in 2023; Sullivan characterized these as increases of 207% and 273%, respectively.
- Calls and counseling: In 2024 the department responded to 637 calls for service and provided family counseling to 489 individuals.
- Age trend: Sullivan told council the average age for recent assessments is between 9 and 11 years.

Program funding risks and facilities:

- AmeriCorps funding: Sullivan said the department receives roughly $368,000 in AmeriCorps funding currently and that the program was awaiting word from AmeriCorps amid broader federal reviews; he said AmeriCorps staff had been placed on administrative leave while the agency performs its analysis.
- Ropes course: The department has scheduled ropes-course repairs of about $7,800 and said annual inspections and certifications average $5,000 to $6,000 per year. The ropes course generates some earned revenue (fees referenced by staff and located on page 236 of the budget book).

Why it matters: The large increases in crisis assessments and lower ages for those cases are indicators of growing mental-health demand on city-funded youth services. Sullivan and councilmembers discussed professional development and licensure needs for clinical staff.

Process and next steps: Youth Alternatives will continue contingency planning in case AmeriCorps funding is reduced and pursue alternate funding sources; the council did not take formal action at the session.

Ending: Councilmembers thanked the department for its service and asked for clarification on professional development and ropes-course revenue projections; Sullivan indicated the department is pursuing alternate funding if AmeriCorps grants are curtailed.