MIFFLINTOWN — Human Services Director for Mifflin and Juniata County, Melissa Stewart, and Bob Henry from Juniata Valley Behavioral Health Services were present during the Juniata County Commissioners meeting Tuesday to discuss the County Human Services Plan, budget, and Assurance of Compliance for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

“We have a homeless assistance program for individuals experiencing homelessness or risk of homelessness as well as the HFDS dollars which not only helps us coordinate with other human service agencies but there is funding that the board approves of that goes to other human service agencies within the community. And, that is all a part of this block grant,” said Stewart.

The funding that goes toward behavioral health covers services for individuals that are uninsured or underinsured. Some insurances will not cover certain services, so this funding comes in handy for those that may need an extra little help.

“We have contracts with agencies to provide outpatient services, and those funds are for folks who do not have insurance,” added Henry.

Henry tells commissioners that the majority of the funding that was intended for treatment goes toward housing.

Commissioners approved this action, and…

• Approved the resignation of Abraham David from his position as a Children & Youth Services full-time Social Services Aide effective as of the end of business on Aug. 9, 2024.

• Approved an agreement between Juniata County, CYS Director Ashley Baxter, and the University of Pittsburgh for Baxter to attend the Child Welfare Education for Leadership Program on a part-time basis at no cost to the county. This program gives staff the ability to earn their Masters Degree in Social Work, part time after work hours. It is beneficial for the community because it keeps Children and Youth staffed, and they have a time commitment after receiving their degree.

• Approved the purchase of service agreements between Juniata County Children and Youth Services, the Juniata County Probation Department and the National Mentor Healthcare, LLC. as well as The Children’s Aid Society of Franklin County.

• Accepted the Juniata County Intermediate Punishment Funds grant in the amount of $61,247 as per the Subgrant Award Notification as recommended by Michelle Beaver, Chief Probation Officer.

• Approved the assessment reports for July 2024 as well as the Juniata County probation’s monthly activities report, the sheriff’s monthly report and the treasurer’s report.

• Approved the payment of checks in the amount of $14,382.86 and the amount of $60,581.69.

• Approved the hiring of Ashley Campbell as a Juniata County Children and Youth Services caseworker effective Aug. 19, 2024, as recommended by Ashley Baxter, Children & Youth Director. Campbell replaces Cynthia Clagett who resigned effective as of the end of business on Nov. 8, 2023. Campbell is a current caseworker at another location therefore she starts fully trained.