County officials credit prevention programs as out-of-home placements fall, but one costly placement looms

County staff told the board the number of children in out-of-home placement has fallen to 65, down from a high of 195 in November 2017, and that prevention and family-preservation programs helped reduce placements and budgetary pressure. "Right now we have 65 kids in care," Kara Griffin said. "Back in November 2017, we topped out at 195."

Griffin said the out-of-home placement budget came in approximately $1,000,000 under in 2024 but cautioned that a single high-cost placement can quickly consume savings. She described one youth whose placement currently costs roughly $4,000 per day and requires a two-to-one staffing ratio and specialized clinical staff; a commissioner pressed staff on how that cost arises and what happens at age 18. Griffin said the youth will turn 18 this summer, can choose to remain in care if he meets requirements (for example, being substance-free and pursuing education/employment), but has indicated he does not want to continue and will transition to independence; the county will offer community case management if requested.

Board members also discussed redeploying staff into prevention roles and the county's prior SAMHSA grant-funded systemic family therapy program, which staff said helped avoid out-of-state placements. Commissioners noted family preservation is not mandated but is reducing long-term costs; no formal motions followed the discussion.