SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC) has unveiled a new strategic plan designed to improve services and outcomes for youth with complex behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disability needs across the state.
The council’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan outlines a roadmap focused on helping vulnerable youth remain safe, healthy, and successful by expanding access to coordinated care and community-based services.
Among the plan’s key objectives are increasing the number of youth receiving treatment and support in their homes and communities, improving high school graduation rates among system-involved youth, reducing youth suicide attempts, and decreasing substance use disorders among young people.
“We are determined to ensure Oregon’s youth can thrive despite many challenges,” said SOCAC Executive Director Anna K. Williams. “To help make that happen, the System of Care Advisory Council is putting its new strategic plan into action statewide.”
As part of the effort, SOCAC is prioritizing easier access to temporary respite care for caregivers and enhancing school-based services for students with disabilities. The council is also working to strengthen local systems of care that address barriers faced by children and families throughout Oregon.
In addition to expanding community-based supports, the strategic plan emphasizes increasing access to intensive treatment and services for youth with multiple diagnoses and high-acuity needs.
Created by the Oregon Legislature in 2019, SOCAC provides oversight and coordination among state agencies and community partners that serve youth with complex care needs. The council collaborates with young people, families, educators, juvenile justice representatives, and other stakeholders to improve service delivery.
The new plan was developed in partnership with youth and families and focuses on achievable steps to improve Oregon’s system of care over the next three years.
The plan is organized around four primary goals:
- Improving access to coordinated, integrated, and community-based systems of care.
- Promoting equitable policymaking through collaboration among providers, youth, and families.
- Building sustainable infrastructure to strengthen system capacity and credibility.
- Transforming systems that serve children, youth, and families.
SOCAC is an independent state council consisting of 29 governor-appointed members. The council works in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Department of Education, and Oregon Youth Authority to support youth and families statewide.
Officials encourage individuals and organizations interested in contributing to the council’s work to learn more through SOCAC resources and participate in ongoing efforts to strengthen Oregon’s systems of care.
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