Youth justice staff outline new truancy position, rising juvenile use of fentanyl and referrals to in‑home services

Youth justice staff told the CJCC that juvenile substance use is growing more serious than previously recognized and that the county is expanding alternatives and early-intervention supports.

Staff reported detection of fentanyl and other illicit pill use among juveniles in addition to marijuana, noting these changes require expanded Alcohol and Other Drug (AODA) services for youth. “We are really starting to recognize that the juveniles we’re working with… they’re using fentanyl. They’re taking God knows what kind of pills,” the youth justice presenter said.

The county announced it has hired a truancy worker, Melinda Ollos, who is expected to begin June 1. In the interim, the county will use a contracted provider (Sirona) to receive referrals and begin intake work. Sirona’s in‑home program will work with families on communication, parental empowerment, and practical strategies such as consequences and rewards; staff said referrals will be made from youth justice and the new truancy program.

Staff also said they will refer families to existing local resources — including the county’s CST program, Northwest Connections, and a program called Good Life operated by Bajiki — and will incorporate parenting classes and in‑home supports into informal agreements as part of diversion and truancy responses. The presenter emphasized that if families fail to follow informal agreements, cases may be referred for formal court orders.

CJCC members asked for more reporting on alcohol use in juveniles; staff confirmed alcohol remains a significant contributor to juvenile arrests and risky behavior and agreed to provide additional details in future reports.