Office of Juvenile Affairs

PROJECT PURPOSE

Incentive to recruit and retain Therapists in areas where qualified professionals are scarce.

EVIDENCE

We hear from most of our contract partners that competition for licensed counselors among other states and private entities means that without competitive wages, there will continue to be shortages. This funding will alleviate a gap in treatment that has been escalated due to COVID issues.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

there are many youth throughout the state that need counseling and therapy. Without this, they may continue down a difficult and costly path that could lead to more extensive and expensive treatment. This is particularly acute in rural areas. COVID-19 has lead to wait times as long as 3 to 4 months. Most of these needs are immediate.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

This has been implemented with success but with limited funding we are only able to fund approximately 40 such positions. With our network of 37 youth service agencies throughout the state we can reach many more youth with qualified counselors. In conjunction with request ARPA-YY000810, this will provide incentive for licensed counselors to treat youth in need of such service. Success will be tracked through OJA's JOLTS system which will measure the increased volume of treatment sessions.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma