Jefferson County Commission Votes Down (18-2) DOE’s Amendment To Fund Allied Behavioral Health

Jefferson County Department of Education will have to find another revenue source to fund it’s contract with Allied Behavioral Health which is a mental health contractor that is housed in Jefferson County Schools. Allied has been the topic of discussion for several months, as some parents, citizens and elected officials have expressed concerns regarding the philosophies of Allied regarding it’s documented stance on LGBTQIA2S+. This week the Jefferson County Commission voted 18-2 (Huffaker, Thomas) to not allow a budget amendment that would move federal funds into a line item that would pay Allied as a part of their contract with the Jefferson County Department of Education.

Though this amendment was a relatively small amount of funds ( less than $20,000) it garnered the most lengthy response from the public and Commissioners taking up a large portion of meeting time. The Department of Education can return with another amendment to their budget to meet their financial obligations in the current current contract. It is unclear at this time if inability to meet financial obligations would void the contract with Allied or if Allied, who bills student’s independent insurance or Tenncare for services, could forgive the contribution. Previously the Department of Education allocated $200,000 from a grant to go toward student’s out of pocket expenses. Recent information provided shows in excess of 700 students were referred for treatment from Allied and just south of 500 received extended therapy.