Board of Douglas County, KS, Commissioners Work Session on Sept. 30, 2026

Douglas County, Kansas Board of County Commissioners work session, September 30, 2026: staff and community partners discussed a proposed Crisis and Respite Extended Stay (CARES) pilot for people with complex behavioral-health needs. The proposal would use one to three of Lawrence Community Shelter’s Monarch units initially, with a potential longer-term capacity of six, and provide temporary housing with wraparound services such as nursing, case management, peer support, and care coordination. Staff cited an estimated annual cost of about $225,000, with proposed support from the behavioral health sales tax fund balance; the discussion also referenced $75 per day for housing and meals and a separate $25-per-day pool for flexible support. The units are existing assets, though refreshing five units and covering partner services, maintenance, and potential damage were discussed. Potential partners included Lawrence Community Shelter, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, Visiting Nurses Association, Trinity Home Healthcare, and other behavioral-health organizations.

Commissioners asked about eligibility and referrals, cost tracking, insurance billing, risks to the units, and possible future partners and funding, including the City of Lawrence and PACE. The pilot is intended to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and be evaluated to inform whether it should continue or expand; staff said a 12-month period would provide a better assessment. No motion or vote was taken because this was an informational work session. Staff offered to bring the proposal back to the commission at a future meeting, potentially the following week; ongoing funding would require later budget consideration. No contract award or formal procurement action was identified.