BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County legislators have approved budget modifications for the Community Services Department to continue an ongoing assessment of clinic services and to receive state aid for agency clinics.

During the Nov. 4 full board meeting, legislators approved a $32,500 budget modification for the ongoing assessment, which covers the three clinic environments of mental health and substance-use clinic satellite locations, the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program.

"It is critical to carefully monitor and assess operations and evaluate fiscal viability on an ongoing basis," officials say.

The professional services of Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) included an overview of staffing, revenue cycle management and the electronic health record, officials said.

In other action, legislators also signed off on a budget modification to receive funds from OASAS for approved agencies as well.

The Community Services Department received the updated state aid, with the county functions as a pass-through entity for funding community agencies, including salary and fringe support adjustments.

Officials say the funds are 100% pass-through funds for contract agencies.

Seaway Valley Prevention Council will receive an additional one-time funding in the amount of $87,500 for their Recovery Community Center.

The funding is a shift from a State Opioid Response Award to NYS OASAS State Aid passed through Community Services.

A third resolution was also passed, this time for a budget modification for Social Services for the Family Centered Services Program.

According to county officials, the New York State fiscal year 2024-25 budget appropriated additional TANF Funds for Social Services districts to hire appropriately credentialed and experienced staff to provide case management  services for families who are having difficulty stabilizing their households and transitioning toward greater financial security, county officials said.

Additional staff and resources will support "the needs of families whose circumstances require a more intensive level of case management and specialized services," officials wrote in the resolution.

Target populations include households with complex needs, such as mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, substance-use disorders and those experiencing domestic violence.

Officials say the priority of service will be for families experiencing or who may be in danger of experiencing homelessness.

"The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance requested that all districts submit a plan that provided an overview of how the funds would be administered and $208,046 was approved for the St. Lawrence County Family Centered Services Program Plan, and the funds are available for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025," officials said.