A youth mental health nonprofit working in Jasper County is looking to establish a physical presence in Newton to expand crisis response services for local families.
FOCUSS, which has provided youth crisis services in Polk County since 2015, has already responded to dozens of cases involving Jasper County youth in recent months. Leaders say having a facility located in the county would allow for faster response times and better access for families. The organization provides short-term crisis intervention, including de-escalation and connection to therapists and social workers, to stabilize youth and build a plan for continued care. Leaders say operating locally would also reduce the burden on law enforcement, hospitals, and families, who currently must travel outside the county. CEO of FOCUSS, Darnell Loetman, tells KRLS News that establishing a facility locally would make services more accessible and sustainable.
“You definitely want city, county, and whomever to kick in and say, okay, it’s needed. We’re nonprofit, so that’s the fight by itself… it just makes better sense to be here in Jasper County and support the city and the county, more importantly, the youth, and not make it harder.”
Loetman said several building options are being considered, and conversations are ongoing with local leaders and community partners. He said the goal is to create a centralized location that allows youth to receive care close to home.