WESTMINSTER, MD —
U.S. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today visited the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau (CCYSB) to announce $335,000 in new federal funding that will enable the agency to increase it services for youths.
In the last three years, CCYSB has had to turn away approximately 1,200 clients because of lack of resources.
The CCYSB provides a continuum of community-based mental health services for children, adults and families. It has experienced a 78.7% increase in the number of Carroll County residents served since 2003.
U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) also strongly supported increased funding for CCYSB.
In addition to expanding mental health service programs for youths, the CCYSB is also planning a major expansion with the construction of a new Outpatient Mental Health Clinic.
It is estimated that the new facility will enable the CCYSB to expand services to an additional 1,200 families and individuals a year.
The CCYSB has formed community partnerships to help reach young people in need. These partners include: the Carroll County Public School System, Carroll County Department of Juvenile Justice, Carroll County Department of Social Services and local courts.
As an example of this partnership, the Carroll County School System may identify a population of students they consider at risk for violence following suspensions.
The CCYSB then will assess the students and make recommendations to the school system and to the parents.
“Mental health services for our young people are critical to the health of our overall community,” said Senator Cardin, lead Senate sponsor of this funding.
“I am pleased to announce this new funding because it will also help strengthen the partnership that now exists among Carroll County agencies dealing with young people and it will help ensure that those in need get the counseling they deserve.”
“Mental illness that is left untreated can have a devastating effect on an individual, a family, and a community. The numbers of people requesting mental health services has increased in Carroll County, and one of our greatest challenges is to continue to respond to the needs of the community with appropriate services.
I want to thank Senator Cardin for his announcement of new funding that will help us expand the services we provide,” said Lynn D. Davis, LCPC, Executive Director of CCYSB.
