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Supervisors renew contract with CHOC for inpatient youth mental-health services amid pleas for reimbursement support
Summary
The board approved Amendment 3 to a contract with Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC/TRAC Children’s) to provide inpatient mental-health beds for children and adolescents, after CHOC staff and partners described rising need, unique services for children under 12 and urged county staff to maximize Medi-Cal participation.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors on May 20 approved Amendment 3 to a contract with Children’s Hospital of Orange County (doing business as TRAC Children’s) to continue inpatient mental-health services for youth. Dr. Heather Hussey, chief psychologist at CHOC, and community partners told the board the hospital provides a unique county facility that serves children ages 4–18, including a quarter of patients younger than 12.
Why it matters: Speakers stressed that untreated childhood mental illness can lead to homelessness, substance use disorders and incarceration later in life, and that CHOC’s unit offers features not found elsewhere in the county — such as private rooms and 24/7 parental visitation. Community advocates asked the Health Care Agency to work with CHOC to maximize state (Medi-Cal) reimbursement so the program remains financially sustainable.
What officials said: CHOC representatives and partners described rising admissions of very young children and more severe diagnoses since the unit opened in 2018. Jenna Jensen (CHALK) said the program’s first patient had been a 5‑year‑old and that the facility is increasingly strained. Supervisor Nguyen and others thanked CHOC and asked staff to review contract reductions and future funding priorities.
Board action: Following public comment and supervisory discussion, the board approved the amendment by motion. Supervisors emphasized the importance of maintaining the inpatient capacity and asked staff to monitor contract funding, reimbursement and program sustainability.
Numbers and specifics: Dr. Hussey said CHOC serves children ages 4–18 and that about 25% of patients are under 12. The board heard that the unit provides services unique in the county; details of the amendment (dollar amounts) were in the staff report and not read aloud in the public comment record.
Next steps: County staff indicated they will continue to evaluate reimbursement strategies and contract funding to support CHOC’s inpatient capacity and asked the Health Care Agency to report back as needed.
