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Caddo board weighs MOU with Brentwood Hospital to expand outpatient student mental‑health services
Summary
The board considered an MOU to let Brentwood Hospital provide evening outpatient services at an off‑site hub for referred students; officials said participation would be voluntary, require parental consent, and aim to reduce stigma associated with inpatient referrals.
The Caddo Parish School Board executive committee reviewed a memorandum of understanding with Brentwood Hospital on Nov. 18 that would allow the hospital to offer evening outpatient services to students referred by the district’s Behavioral Health Department.
Superintendent Matt Burton said the MOU is intended to expand outpatient options for students with high‑acuity needs who decline inpatient referrals to Brentwood. Under the proposal, Brentwood clinicians would provide services at a designated community hub (the Harbor) three evenings per week so families would not need to travel to the hospital for outpatient care.
Board members pressed staff to add explicit language guaranteeing that families have a choice and that any clinical services require parental consent. Attorney Abrams and staff confirmed existing law and district policy require written parental authorization before a non‑emergency behavioral health provider may treat a student; staff volunteered to include a clear opt‑out clause in the MOU language.
Members also asked whether the MOU creates a preferred‑vendor dynamic; staff replied families may choose any qualified provider that meets district standards, and that Brentwood is one additional option for cases requiring higher levels of clinical care.
Administrators said the MOU does not alter district processes for determining eligibility for services. The proposed MOU was scheduled for board consideration; staff said the agreement was vetted by Brentwood’s counsel and that minor language changes could return to the board for final approval.
No vote on the MOU was taken during the executive committee work session; the proposal was placed on the full‑board agenda for Nov. 18.
