Logo courtesy of Youth for Change

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) – Sutter County will continue providing around-the-clock crisis support for foster youth and their caregivers through a $342,220 agreement with Youth for Change.

The Board of Supervisors approved the contract Aug. 11, maintaining the Family Urgent Response System for foster children and youth, former foster youth and caregivers in Sutter and Butte counties through June 30, 2027.

Available 24 hours a day, the program provides immediate assistance when behavioral or emotional problems threaten the stability of a placement. Help begins by telephone, with trained personnel dispatched when an in-person intervention is needed, officials said.

The system is designed to give foster youth and caregivers an alternative to calling law enforcement or going to a hospital emergency department when a crisis develops. Response teams work with families to address the immediate problem while helping identify services that may reduce the likelihood of another crisis.

During the most recent reporting period, the regional effort handled 14 calls, eight requiring an in-person response. Officials said all 14 situations were stabilized.

The new contract also reflects a change in the regional partnership. Yuba County, which previously participated with Sutter and Butte counties, is now operating independently. Youth for Change will continue serving the remaining two counties.

California established the Family Urgent Response System to provide current and former foster youth and their caregivers with immediate, trauma-informed assistance. The statewide initiative is intended to help families resolve urgent problems and reduce disruptions that can result in children being moved from one placement to another.

Officials said the $342,220 contract is supported by state funding designated for the service and carries no additional cost to Sutter County's General Fund.

Supervisors approved the contract as part of the consent calendar without separate discussion.