Workforce Infrastructure #1: Implement strategies to increase recruitment and retention to strengthen the behavioral health professional workforce.
1. Expand Behavioral Health Training Programs 0/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct a statewide analysis of existing behavioral health degree programs | In progress | |
| Identify gaps in internship and residence opportunities | Not started | |
| Partner with training programs and facilities to increase placements and expand the number of trainees | Not started |
2. Strengthen the Peer Support Specialists, Certified Recovery Coaches, Certified Peer Recovery Coaches, and Peer and Family Support Specialists Workforce 0/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct a comprehensive workforce analysis to assess the current state of paraprofessionals Peer Support Specialists, Certified Recovery Coaches, Certified Peer Recovery Coaches, and Peer and Family Support Specialists in Idaho. | In progress | |
| Collaborate with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) to update Idaho statute and rule, ensuring standardized certification and training for paraprofessionals. | In progress | |
| Engage paraprofessionals Peer Support Specialists, Certified Recovery Coaches, Certified Peer Recovery Coaches, and Peer and Family Support Specialists in focus groups to understand workforce challenges, wage compensation, needs, and opportunities for growth. | Not started |
3. Address Rural and Remote Workforce Gaps 0/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gather data from clinics in rural areas to understand barriers to recruitment and retention. | Not started | |
| Conduct an inventory of existing workforce strategies to identify what is working and what needs improvement. | Not started | |
| Develop recommendations to support workforce expansion in underserved areas. | Not started |
Program Awareness and Reduction of Stigma Promotion #1: Develop an outreach and marketing strategy to increase awareness of publicly and privately funded programs and services. Address and reduce behavioral health stigma.
1. Integrate 211 and findhelpidaho.org as the central database of services available, facilitating a no wrong door approach 2/5 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership between DHW and United Way to ensure resource databases for 211 and findhelp.org are up to date and accessible by the general public regardless of how they are accessed | Complete | Ensure callers to 211 are connected to appropriate resources on every call and are made aware of online resources available through findhelp as appropriate. | Complete |
| Utilize existing systems in findhelpidaho to serve individuals searching for resources outside of normal business hours/operation hours for 211. | In progress | |
2. Implement the Sources of Strength Program in Idaho Middle and High Schools Closed
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identify and engage key stakeholders to promote program adoption. Identify a specific school in each area of the state to be the ‘model’ school that can help other local schools with training and implementation. | Closed | The Sources of Strength program is already available through SDE and funding is available through Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation. Structural resource issues are the barrier that prevents schools from adopting the program. This action item is closed. |
| Provide training and onboarding to school staff and peer leaders in each initial participating school. | Closed | |
| Develop a statewide implementation and evaluation plan that includes metrics for adoption, engagement, and effectiveness. | Closed |
3. Education for educators, teachers, and parents 1/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compile a list of all existing mental health related courses already available to teachers. | Complete | |
| Create for-credit professional development courses for teachers, available through ISU’s Albion Center for Professional Development. | Closed | After consultation with the Primary Prevention and Protective Factors implementation team, this action item is closed. |
| Promote existing and newly created courses through social channels, email blasts, and newsletters. | Not started |
4. Recommend educational programs tailored for rural Idahoans to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and improve understanding of mental health. 0/4 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Channel Outreach – Targeted media approach and outreach – statewide. | In progress | |
| Storytelling & Lived Experience Integration – Develop a path to normalized conversations and peer to peer programs. | In progress | |
| Skills-Based Training – Develop a plan to implement mental health training and workshops in each Public Health District. | Not started | |
| *Service Awareness & Navigation (Find Help Idaho, 211, Jannus) – Public awareness of mental health resource access / availability and referral pathways. | Not started |
Primary Prevention and Protective Factors Prevention #1: Identify and implement coordinated evidence-based or evidence-informed primary prevention strategies that support community, family, and child well-being. Identify opportunities to minimize risk factors and enhance protective factors and promote long-term resiliency in children, youth, and adults with a significant emphasis on those having trauma symptoms.
1. Increase community connectedness throughout the state. 0/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Build social capital and connection supports for kids. | In progress | |
| Develop a communication campaign to promote the importance of connection for behavioral and physical health. | Not started | |
| Bridge connections across generations. | Not started |
2. Increase crime prevention education 1/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work with Idaho Association of School Resource Officers (IDASRO) to identify training and resource gaps for officers and the community, including education on the Idaho Fentanyl Project | In progress | |
| Partner with law enforcement, agencies, community leaders, and educational stakeholders to provide and educate on crime prevention | In progress | Training on SROs provided to school administrators |
| Evaluate outcomes | In progress | Evaluated school administrator training |
3. Enhance youth life skills through engaging primary prevention strategies within a positive youth development framework 0/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compile a list of recommended evidence-based/informed prevention strategies for communities and providers. | Not started | |
| Provide technical assistance and training to communities and organizations. | Not started | |
| Evidence-based/informed programs offered to Idaho’s K-12 students. | In Progress |
4. Implement the Idaho Pediatric Psychiatry Access Line (IPPAL) in Idaho 1/1 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Create a structured status report that includes key components of feasibility | Complete | Feasibility report is completed. Waiting for funding opportunity in April to implement. |
5. Promote positive childhood experiences and outcomes by increasing access to quality services that address behavioral health and substance use disorders (and other ACEs) 0/2 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pursue sharing of data on the early childhood workforce, program, and quality data in the RISE database to inform decisions across the early childhood sector and intersections with behavioral health | In progress | Data sharing agreement was denied, but may seek aggregate data |
| Strengthen adults’ resources, knowledge and skills to care for young children. | In progress |
6. Strengthen Idaho’s Assessment Centers 1/2 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enhance and sustain support for Idaho’s Assessment Centers through the creation of standardized processes, increased funding, and heightened awareness to ensure long-term effectiveness and accessibility. | In progress | ISTAC coalition is formalized. Data collection is being standardized, validated assessment tools are utilized. |
| Explore committing Millennium Fund and Opioid Settlement Fund dollars (as allowed) to health promotion and prevention efforts that support Idahoans in promoting behavioral health and well-being where they live, work, play, learn, and worship. | In progress | Requesting Milennium Funds to augment operating expenses, especially for rural centers. |
7. Establish standardized data collection tools and a public dashboard to support evidence-based primary prevention strategies and protective factors to promote behavioral health. 0/4 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Collect/develop standardized tools: Create consistent tools for collecting behavioral health data in Idaho, focusing on protective factors and resilience. | In Progress | Identifying existing youth data sources |
| Promote Data Collection, Use & Transparency: Facilitate data use by stakeholders to inform behavioral health policies and programs. | Not started | |
| Establish Public Dashboard: Develop an accessible online dashboard to monitor and evaluate behavioral health indicators, including prevention and protective factors data. | Not started | |
| Identify Prevention Areas: Use data to pinpoint areas where prevention can be strengthened to improve behavioral health outcomes. | Not started |
Foster Care Prevention #2: Collaborate across DHW Divisions to expand services to youth residing in out-of-home placements, foster care, and adoptive family homes.
1. Use findhelpidaho.org to connect families and youth to resources, with identified priorities including youth mentorship, caregiver support, and academic support. 0/4 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identify, validate, and promote priority resources including mentorship, caregiver, and academic statewide resources accessible through findhelpidaho.org. | In progress | |
| Ensure resources are accessible and easy to navigate on findhelpidaho.org. | In progress | |
| Conduct strategic outreach to families, caregivers, schools, and professionals to raise awareness or resources available on findhelpidaho.org. | Not started | |
| Support recruitment and training of mentors, while encouraging community participation in caregiver and academic support programs accessible through findhelpidaho.org. | Not started |
2. Develop and implement a community faith-based platform to meet tangible needs of Idaho families. 1/4 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contract to Develop the Platform: Secure and manage a contract with a qualified vendor to design, build, and maintain the platform. | Complete | |
| Identify and Onboard Faith-Based Partners: Locate and engage churches, ministries, and other faith-based organizations willing to participate, ensuring representation from diverse denominations and regions across Idaho. | In progress | |
| Integrate with Existing Resource Networks: Connect the platform with existing systems such as the 211 CareLine and findhelpidaho.org to streamline referrals and avoid duplication. | In progress | |
| Promote Platform Awareness: Conduct outreach to faith-based leaders, community organizations, and the public to encourage active use of the platform. | Not started |
3. Evaluate and monitor foster care prevention strategies through the TBD TITLE Framework, ensuring consistent reporting and sharing of outcomes with stakeholders. 1/4 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Develop and implement clear reporting systems across mentorship, caregiver support, academic continuity, and faith-based initiatives. | Not started | |
| Conduct regular data collection and stakeholder engagement to measure outcomes, satisfaction, and program effectiveness. | Not started | |
| Validate and maintain resource listings and recruitment tracking to ensure accessibility and accurate measurement of support programs. | Not started | |
| Use evaluation findings to guide continuous improvement of statewide foster care prevention strategies. | Not started |
Diversion Systems Engagement #4: Develop early diversion and deflection tactics to avoid long-term engagement with the criminal justice system: prearrest, post arrest, and beyond.
1. Recommend statute changes related to age of detainment for youth ages 10 and younger. 1/1 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Develop recommendations to revise 20-516/20-520 of the Juvenile Corrections Act. | Complete | Revised statute submitted |
2. Implement two pilot court projects meant to divert justice involved individuals with significant behavioral health issues. 0/2 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Three low-risk and high-need tracks in existing treatment courts | In progress | Waiting on funding approval |
| An early intervention Canyon County court seeking to divert court involved individuals with significant behavioral health issues as soon as possible to address their needs | In progress | Waiting on funding approval |
3. Evaluate jails’ abilities to implement diversionary programs meant to address their service needs, such as behavioral health and education- IGNITE Program. 1/3 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a framework or toolkit for jurisdictions to implement such an effort | In progress | Draft toolkit developed |
| Provide information about the program to justice stakeholders such as attorneys, judges, recovery coaches, sheriffs, etc. | In progress | Notes |
| Develop an ongoing learning collaborative for implementation | Not started | Notes |
4. Perform an Idaho systemwide review and gap analysis of existing and effective diversion and deflection programs/initiatives. 1/4 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Analyze findings from the Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) activities throughout the state that occurred in the last three years for the adult system | Complete | Statewide report available on website. Spreadsheet of activities created. |
| Identify evidence-based models and stages of deflection and diversion | In progress | Notes |
| Map out where adult and juvenile deflection and diversion programs are operating in Idaho | In progress | Created preliminary list of adult programs by county | Connect the Regional Behavioral Health Boards with the SIM reports and SIM maps | In progress | Beginning a pilot in Region 3 |
Help the Helpers Engagement #9A: Provide support to individuals with occupational exposure to secondary trauma from working in the justice system, crisis response, and as first responders and their families.
1. Research and review of other state and local practices to explore successful models for addressing behavioral health and mental wellness for first responders/helpers and their families, and report findings and recommendations back to the implementation team. 0/2 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identify successful legislation or programs to report back to the team. | In progress | |
| Identify no cost policy changes, e.g., requirements for critical incident stress, define first responders, families | Not started |
2. Educate stakeholders about the needs of first responders and make needed statutory changes. 0/2 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Educate stakeholders on the needs of the helpers and needed statutory changes | Not started | On hold until Fall 2026 |
| Draft and propose statutory changes to Idaho Code § 9-203 definition of first responders to include adult and juvenile correctional officers, and adult and juvenile probation/ parole officers. | Not started | On hold until Spring 2026 |
3. Create a joint task force or organization at the state level to support the behavioral health and mental wellness of first responders long-term. 0/2 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Define the responsibilities of the task force. | In progress | |
| Recruit organizations to participate. | In progress |
4. Implement a statewide first responder wellness app and provide resources and identify long term sources of funding. 0/2 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identify an agency to receive state funds to administer the app. | In progress | |
| Develop a plan to obtain first responder app, perhaps using opioid settlement funds. | Not started |
5. Promote credentialing or specialized training for working with first responders to behavioral health educators, graduate programs, professional associations, and licensing boards. not yet scoped
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Draft list of requirements | In progress |
Crisis Centers Treatment #1: Expand the functionality of crisis centers.
1. Increase Public Awareness and Understanding of Crisis Center Services 1/2 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form a dedicated awareness sub-team to design and implement an outreach campaign that clearly communicates crisis center services and eligibility criteria. | Complete | Subteam formed |
| Collaborate with community partners (e.g., law enforcement, hospitals, shelters, schools) to educate front-line personnel on crisis center services and referral processes, ensuring appropriate utilization. | In progress | Identified community partners |
2. Expand Crisis Centers for Youth Across Idaho 1/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Facilitate collaborative discussions between Youth Crisis Centers and Youth Assessment Centers to clarify roles, identify potential synergies, and assess feasibility for co-location based on existing program standards. | Complete | Subteam formed, stakeholder meetings held, draft collaborative framework completed |
| Conduct a statewide needs assessment to evaluate regional gaps in youth crisis services, ensuring data-driven decisions for new crisis center locations. | In progress | Research phase completed |
3. Improve Crisis Center Utilization, Operations, and Coordination 0/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Establish regular statewide meetings for crisis centers and key stakeholders to foster communication, share best practices, and develop strategies to enhance operational efficiency. | In progress | |
| Strengthen crisis center networks by promoting resource-sharing and standard operating procedure (SOP) alignment to improve coordination across all centers. | In progress |
2. Ensure Sustainable Statewide Funding and Support for Adult Crisis Centers 0/3 complete
| Objective | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Establish a sub-group to define key performance indicators (KPIs), collect testimonials, and compile impact reports that highlight cost-effectiveness and community benefits. | In progress | |
| Develop a data collection framework that tracks return on investment (ROI), service utilization, and diversion from higher levels of care, ensuring data consistency across agencies. | Not started | |
| Engage leaders and key stakeholders by presenting data-driven reports to secure continued and increased funding for crisis center operations. | Not started |
Criminal Justice – Continuum of Care Treatment #3: Ensure continuity of care for those within the criminal justice system, including those entering and leaving the system by providing treatment and ensuring links to services for those coming out of incarceration
1. Enhance and Expand Peer Recovery Support Services 0/5 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expand access to Peer Recovery Support Specialists across the state to include access to supervisors and continuing education. | In progress | Looking to secure funding for additional peer recovery support specialists at the recovery centers |
| Develop oversight for the nine recovery centers throughout the State, to include accountability and leadership development for sustainability and continuity. | In progress | Reviewed DHW’s oversight of the centers |
| Create a network for certified peer support professionals for both community and statewide support | In progress | Developing a list of contacts by region |
| Advocate for the development of a forensic endorsement for Peer Workers | In progress | Researching curriculum |
| *Standardize the certification of Peer Support Specialist and Recovery Coach to encompass both within one certification and provide ongoing accountability. This is to include a code of ethics, background waiver, certification criteria, initial training requirements, ongoing CEU, and supervision requirements. | Transferred to Workforce Team | Replaced with an objective to monitor the development of the certification process |
2. Ensure youth preparing for release from IDOC and IDJC receive independent assessments (including funding) 0/2 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Secure 1115 waiver funding through Medicaid for services in a correctional setting. | Blocked | Request is on hold until 2026. Team developed talking points on its benefit. |
| Full implementation of CAA 5121 (mandatory) & 5122 (voluntary) federal law pre-adjudication services for incarcerated persons (both juvenile and adult up to age 21, former foster kids up to 26 via the Medicaid EPSDT process). | In progress | Delayed implementation |
| Explore using Medicaid to fund IDJC community based alternative services (CBAS) for post-release, probation services, up to 90 days of funding paid from $1M annual budget (general funds). | Complete | Unsuccessful in identifying Medicaid providers for these services |
| Research resources to fund congregate care for individuals needing MH or DD services post-release. | Complete | Reviewed Medicaid health home and other BH coverage for opportunities. |
3. Expand use of MAT/MOUD across the system 1/3 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Develop awareness around processes serving the same clients across service areas | Complete | Developed a list of all available services in Idaho |
| Enhancement of criminal justice systems and community partnership | Not started | Plans to distribute list of srevices to partnering agencies |
| Evidence-based oversight of individuals in MAT services | Not started | Plans to review and recommend supervision systems |
4. Cross-agency collaboration to improve understanding of court processes and alternative placements 1/2 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Informational presentations for District Judges and Parole Commissioners on clinical assessments | In progress | Presentations are currently scheduled in each judicial district |
| Presentations for District Judges on current content and experiences for rider participants | Complete | Presentation provided to felony sentencing judges and APSI recommendation form was updated |
Treatment Courts Treatment #4: Ensure continuity of care for those within the criminal justice system, including those entering and leaving the system by providing treatment and ensuring links to services for those coming out of incarceration
1. Perform a gap analysis towards a recommendation for the potential expansion of mental health courts. 0/3 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expand mental health courts into unserved areas (new courts) | In progress | Waiting for ISC D&E to provide data |
| Expand capacity of existing mental health courts. | In progress | Waiting for ISC D&E to provide data |
| Determine judicial workload capacity for mental health courts by county | Not started |
2. Adequately fund treatment courts 0/3 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identify gaps in funding, resources, and unmet needs throughout the State | In progress | Waiting for data from D&E |
| Research how other states are adequately funding treatment courts. | In progress | Conducting outreach to at least 10 different states |
| Develop recommendations and identify strategies to adequately fund treatment courts | Not started |
3. Explore options for participation in a treatment court without having to move to the location for the treatment court 2/3 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Explore and consider ways in which individuals may be able to participate in a specialty court without residing within the county | Complete | Completed survey of participants |
| Consider the pros and cons of out-of-county participation for specialty courts, including obstacles in funding, home visits, whether a program can remain effective with an out of county residence, etc. | Complete | Completed survey of providers |
| Is there a sustainable specialty court model that incorporates the use of virtual technology for some, without comprising the integrity and effectiveness of the specialty court. | In progress | Developing materials on best practices for telehealth |
4. Streamline process of entering treatment court to reach the targeted 50 days from arrest/PV to entrance into treatment court. 1/5 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perform gap analysis to determine baseline data of courts’ entry processes | Complete | Completed baseline survey to courts about admission process and timeline |
| Find commonalities with courts that are better able to make the 50-day admission timeline | In Progress | |
| Work with stakeholders on ways to improve the entry timeline processes | In progress | |
| Draft processes for all courts to utilize to help improve on admitting participants into treatment courts in a more timely fashion | Not started | |
| Draft processes for all courts to utilize to help improve on admitting participants into treatment courts in a more timely fashion | Not started | Develop educational materials specifically designed for defense attorneys and potential clients | Not started |
5. Evaluate the ability to more effectively coordinate through programming and processes the transition from a rider to the community in a treatment court model Not yet scoped
Competency Restoration Treatment #5: Review and reform the competency restoration process for adults (18-211/212) and juveniles
1. Conduct a comprehensive assessment and analyze ways to reform the competency to stand trial system. 0/4 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gather and analyze statewide data on competeny evaluations and restoration. | In progress | Waiting for ISC D&E to provide data |
| Identify and review best practices from other states | In progress | Completed a matrix of 7 states’ competency restoration processes |
| Engage stakeholders in policy and system review | Not started | |
| Assess workforce and infrastructure capacity | Not started |
2. Review of Juvenile Statute I.C. 20-519 0/4 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form a Juvenile Competency Review Workgroup | In progress | |
| Data collection and analysis | In progress | Comparing juvenile cases statewide |
| Stakeholder feedback | In progress | |
| Reviewing national best practices | Not started |
Supportive Housing Recovery #1: Increase the availability of supporive housing opions for people with behavioral health conditions
1. Provide permanent, affordable, and quality supportive housing options to increase safety for civilly committed individuals upon community reentry. 0/3 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Produce report examining whether the housing status of committed individuals correlates with different system outcomes, including those that impact individual expereince/system costs/repeated admission, within the state hospital system. | In progress | |
| Increase collaboration among agencies, service providers, and funders with the state hospitals. Collaboratively identify system gaps, determine how to prioritize the most severe service needs, and assess opportunities to increase access to supportive housing upon reeentry. | Not started | |
| Identify and/or secure funding for new reentry program(s) that increase supportive housing options for individuals exiting the state hospital system. | Not started |
2. Provide permanent, affordable, and quality supportive housing options to increase safety for justice-involved individuals upon community reentry. 0/3 complete
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Produce cross-agency report that examines data to identify and prioritize individuals with the most significant reentry supportive housing needs. | In progress | |
| Increase collaboration among agencies, service providers, and funders with the state justice system. Collaboratively identify system gaps, determine how to prioritize the most severe service needs, and assess opportunities to increase access to supportive housing upon reentry. | Not started | |
| Identify and/or secure funding for new reentry program(s) to increase supportive housing options for justice involved individuals. | In progress | Awaiting data for next step |
3. Conduct targeted education on the need and cost savings associated with providing evidence-based supportive housing options for individuals upon community reentry. Not yet scoped
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Increase priority stateholder knowledge about evidence-based supportive housing programs that, when utilized as reentry strategies, deliver positive client and system outcomes, including cost savings. | Not started | |
| Educate state lawmakers about opportunities for state cost savings via reentry programs focused on supportive housing, potential funding sources, and implementation option in Idaho. | Not started | |
| Educate housing providers on how supportive housing programs benefit the community and their business operations. | Not started |
4. Expand supportive housing options, including HART homes. Closed
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Determine the current statewide capacity of HART homes, including the number of operational units, bed availability to inform strategic planning efforts. | Closed | This action it was closed after preliminary work. The action team members realized that the target populations releasing from incarceration and the state hospitals are not compatible with the restrictive settings of HART homes. The state recently increased the number of HART homes, so there is not a need to invest in additional HART homes. Instead, there needs to be an increased supply of step-down, less-restrictive levels of supportive housing to facilitate safe community reentry. The action team members created SMART goals to collect data about these populations to justify that investment. These SMART goals were folded into the other two action items. |
ver: 3.5.2a | last updated: