DATE:
March 24, 2026
28
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
RECEIVE THE UPDATE ON CREATING A CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND TRANSITION AGE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONTINUUM FRAMEWORK FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTY; AUTHORIZE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENTS FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES; DIRECT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DATA-SHARING AGREEMENTS AMONG COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO DEPARTMENTS; AND DIRECT FORMAL DISCUSSION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF DATA-SHARING AGREEMENTS AMONG LOCAL HOSPITALS AND MANAGED CARE PLANS TO IMPROVE CARE COORDINATION FOR YOUTH IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
To address the serious public health concern of declining mental health among our youth, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved action on September 24, 2024 (12) to create a behavioral health continuum framework for children, youth, and transition age youth (TAY) focused on promoting resiliency and well-being amidst increasing challenges of anxiety, depression, bullying, suicide risk, and social media influences. Using national and local data, including input from key stakeholders, this framework seeks to expand access, improve engagement, and achieve ideal capacity across the youth continuum of care. As part of this action, the Board directed staff to report back in six months with an outline of strategies, and a return in 18 months with a final report to include prioritized recommendations for action and investment, contingent upon the approval of resourcing and funding.
The County of San Diego (County) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) presented a memorandum to the Board on March 24, 2025, outlining strategies tailored to the distinct needs of youth and introduced the Youth Optimal Care Pathways (Youth OCP) model which informs future capacity needed to best serve children, youth, and TAY. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement, the Youth OCP model reflects community priorities and aligns with recent policy changes under the Behavioral Health Services Act.
Today's upd...
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