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Forest‑Warren advisory board flags service‑capacity strains, considers ACT team as 302s rise
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Forest‑Warren ATOD/MH/DD/CYS Advisory Board discussed persistent waitlists for youth and inpatient care, an uptick in involuntary commitments (302s), and a proposal to pursue an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team to address gaps in care; staff also reported executed DDAP grant funding and provider transitions requiring relocations.
The Forest‑Warren County ATOD/MH/DD/CYS Advisory Board met May 5, 2026, and heard staff reports that local behavioral‑health services are strained by waitlists, provider transitions and an increase in crisis commitments.
Board members and staff said Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and Family Based services currently have openings — MST Psych is expected to have two openings in June — but STAR has six people on its waitlist. Staff reported there are few children currently in residential treatment facilities (RTF) and four children are expected to be discharged in June. The board also noted delays for jail competency evaluations at Torrence and an existing waitlist for Warren State Hospital, which staff described as a bottleneck for inpatient and forensic care.
Advisory members discussed pursuing an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team to provide intensive, community‑based services for people with serious mental illness. Staff also described an uptick in 302 involuntary commitments and subsequent 303 follow‑ups; many cases involved repeat individuals and staff noted a rise in new adolescents presenting for services.
On substance‑use treatment, SCA staff reported 18 Level‑of‑Care assessments in March (18 in Warren County, 0 in Forest County). Of those, seven were recommended for no treatment, seven for outpatient care and four for inpatient care. The ATOD report said alcohol remains the most common substance, referrals primarily come from courts or law enforcement, and the largest client age group is 31–55.
Staff told the board the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) grant agreement is fully executed and payments to providers can begin; provider monitoring of Deerfield and Family Services revealed no concerns. Separately, Barber closed its mental‑health programs and is transitioning services to LECOMM while retaining intellectual‑disability services, a change that will require relocation or reassignment of some clients. The Forest‑Warren Mental Wellness Association contract will add an Enhanced House Support position to support people exiting congregate settings.
Board members and staff identified next steps: utilization and placement‑denial data will be presented at the next meeting to clarify demand; Jan Martin and Julie Lacki will attend a training with the Warren County Police Department and crisis providers to discuss 302 procedures; and staff continue work on a Treatment Needs Assessment and contract updates.
The advisory board did not take formal votes on these items at the May meeting; several topics — including the ACT team proposal and relocation plans for Fairweather Lodge residents — were described as ongoing work requiring further study.
