(Idaho State) In an effort to prevent Idaho youth from entering foster care and to facilitate youth returning to their homes through family reunification, the Department of Health and Welfare has created a new substance use disorder referral process with its managed care provider, Magellan Healthcare of Idaho.
The divisions of Behavioral Health, Medicaid, and Child, Youth, and Family Services (CYFS) worked with Magellan to create a streamlined process to help families and youth working with CYFS access substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services. The new process has been operational since January 06, 2025.
“This new referral process demonstrates our commitment to supporting families and helping them access the services they need to heal and thrive,” said CYFS Deputy Director Monty Prow. “By streamlining access to substance use disorder treatment, we are reducing barriers to recovery and empowering parents.”
When CYFS identifies a family member in need of substance use disorder services, staff may submit a priority referral. Because these individuals are involved with the child welfare system, they will automatically be eligible to receive services. No additional screening for eligibility is required. Eligible clients may or may not be on Medicaid.
Once a referral is submitted, Magellan will contact the individual to help find a treatment provider and set up their first appointment. Magellan will also provide timely feedback to CYFS regarding the status of each client’s referral. For example: did they respond to Magellan’s outreach and is their first appointment scheduled?
The new process should ease the burden on individuals as they seek treatment and reunification with their child or children.
CYFS will collect data about the number of referrals received, number of outreach attempts Magellan has made, the number of individuals who engage in treatment, and the amount of time it takes to move a person from referral to enrolment in services.
“This initiative reflects our dedication to keeping families together whenever possible,” Prow said. “By prioritizing timely access to treatment and recovery services, we are taking meaningful steps to address one of the root causes of family separation and supporting Idaho families on their journey to stability and reunification.”