Youth justice staff report rise in youth substance complexity; new truancy worker hired from local middle school

A youth justice representative told the council that juvenile substance use in the county now includes fentanyl and a wider array of pills and stimulants, not only marijuana. "We're finding they're using fentanyl. They're taking God knows what kind of pills," the youth justice presenter said, and urged more AODA (alcohol and other drug) services for youth. The presenter said residential placements can teach coping and life skills, but returning youth often return to the same peers and family environments, limiting the long-term effect of out‑of‑county placements.

The youth justice speaker announced a new truancy position and diversion services that will begin with a contracted intake next week and a permanent worker starting June 1: "We have hired for our truancy position ... Melinda Ollos from the middle school ... she does great work with some of our hardest kids," the presenter said. In the interim, a contracted provider (Sirona) will begin handling referrals. The presenter said the program will prioritize in-home, intensive family work and referrals to local supports (Bijiki's Good Life program, county CST, Northwest Connections) and that staff will make referrals part of informal agreements with families when appropriate.

The council discussed alcohol's role among youth and the need to report more on alcohol use; staff said some juveniles present with full-blown alcoholism and require treatment. The youth justice presenter also noted statewide hotlines and resources from a CIP training that staff can now share with families as part of case work.