DMHSAS Info Memo 2010-02

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STATE OF WISCONSIN
Department of Health Services
Division of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

DMHSAS Info Memo Series 2010-02

Date: February 25, 2010

Index Title: Further Consolidation: Child and Adolescent Services at the State Mental Health Institutes

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From: John Easterday, Ph.D., Administrator, Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Subject: Further Consolidation: Child and Adolescent Services at the State Mental Health Institutes

Document Summary
Due to ongoing low census, child and adolescent services at the state mental health institutes (Mendota and Winnebago) will undergo further consolidation beginning in March, 2010. Specifically, on March 15, 2010, the Adolescent Male Treatment Unit (AMTU) at MMHI will be consolidating into a single unit located at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, the Youth Services Unit (YSU). Services for children and adolescents will continue at only one location – the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh. The Winnebago Mental Health Institute will continue to provide Dual Diagnosed MH/AODA services (Anchorage program) and other specialty services for all children and adolescents referred to the Department. This action consolidates child and adolescent beds at the state mental health institutes in order to continue providing quality and cost effective services. There is no other consolidation between the two facilities planned at this time. Both facilities will continue to serve adult civil cases and forensic patients.

Background
The Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS), as part of its ongoing review of bed utilization at both Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) and Winnebago Mental Health Institute (WMHI), has determined that child and adolescent beds have been underutilized over the past year. In addition, recent state budget and legislative changes may be contributing to the actual and projected decline in civil patient census, especially the decline in child and adolescent bed utilization at both Mental Health Institutes. Based upon the decline in bed utilization and the need to keep rates for services at the MHIs at appropriate and cost effective levels, the decision has been made to consolidate both child and adolescent services at Winnebago Mental Health Institute. DMHSAS Info Memo 2009-05 announces the consolidation of only children’s services at Winnebago.

Transition Plan for Children and Adolescents
Beginning March 15, 2010, both children and adolescents needing inpatient psychiatric services in the state mental health institutes will be directed to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute.

The Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Winnebago Mental Health Institute are committed to working with each county to provide specialized inpatient services for children and adolescents. In addition, the WMHI Anchorage program will continue to provide AODA / MH services for youth statewide.

For further information about admissions of youth to WMHI, please contact Renee DeWitt at telephone: (920) 235-4910, extension 2527, or Erin Sarauer at telephone: (920) 235-4910, extension 2360.

Contact Persons:

Greg Van Rybroek, Director
Mendota Mental Health Institute
301 Troy Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Telephone: (608) 301-1042
Fax: (608) 301-1390
Gregory.Vanrybroek@wisconsin.gov

Thomas Speech, Interim Director
Winnebago Mental Health Institute
P.O. Box 9, Winnebago, WI 54985-0009
Telephone: (920) 235-4910, ext.2550
Fax: (920) 237-2043
Thomas.Speech@wisconsin.gov

Memo Websites:

DMHSAS info memo 2010-02: Further Consolidation: Child and Adolescent Services at the State Mental Health Institutes (PDF, 24KB)    

DMHSAS Information Memo Series: 2010  index page.

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Last Revised:  July 12, 2010