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Steuben County Community Services flags staffing, plans 988 follow-up and AOT policy changes
Summary
Director Lynn Gramley told the subcommittee the agency faces staffing shortages, anticipates increased demand tied to SNAP work rules, plans to route after-hours crisis calls to 988 with a follow-up contract, and is revising assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) policy to meet new state mandates.
Lynn Gramley, DCS, told the Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee on June 16 that staffing pressures remain a top concern and the agency expects community need to grow as SNAP work requirements and mental-health exemptions take effect.
Gramley said that "The crisis after hours will be going to 988" and that Community Services is negotiating a contract with 988 to allow staff to follow up with callers. She said the agency applied for a van grant for PROS and for HAT bus route funding but did not receive the van grant, and that new housing opportunities are available through Catholic Charities.
On court-ordered services, Gramley said the agency has contracted with four psychiatrists to support AOT and 730 evaluations and is revising AOT policy and procedures to comply with "new state mandates for the AOT program." She added that the state has provided funds for SPOA but not yet issued guidance on allowable spending.
The subcommittee did not take formal action on these items; Gramley asked stakeholders to submit input for the local services plan—focusing on respite, housing, transportation, workforce and substance-use services—by phone or email.
