Catoosa County Board hears reboot plan for Local Interagency Planning Team to expand youth behavioral supports
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Summary
District staff announced a reboot of the Local Interagency Planning Team (LIPT) under Georgia law to coordinate mandated partners and address rising adolescent behavioral needs, citing a 35% increase in diagnosed behavioral conditions and gaps in service access.
District staff told the board the Catoosa County Local Interagency Planning Team has been reconstituted to coordinate community partners serving youth with significant emotional and behavioral needs. An LIPT presenter said the team's purpose is “to improve and facilitate the coordination of services to youth with significant emotional or behavioral needs” and noted Marcela Navarro agreed to chair the local effort.
Presenters listed mandated partner agencies, including the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), the Catoosa County Health Department, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Bridge Health, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and Catoosa County Public Schools, and cited state law as the statutory basis. A presenter referenced the statute by number, stating, "this came from Georgia code 49 dash 5 dash 2 2 5," and framed the LIPT as a coordinated system-of-care.
Speakers described local data and service gaps: the presenter said diagnosed adolescent behavioral conditions rose about 35% between 2016 and 2023 and estimated that only about 20% of children needing mental-health services receive appropriate professional help. The team identified common barriers—insurance and transportation—and described practical supports such as gas vouchers or rides, three-month follow-ups with families and voluntary recommendations rather than mandates.
Board members asked about partner attendance and potential coordination with the Catoosa Collaborative; presenters said mandated partners attended the initial meeting, additional service providers are engaged, and they plan to publicly announce the reboot and request broader participation. The board recorded no formal vote on the LIPT establishment; the presentation outlined implementation steps and planned follow-up meetings.
