Friday, March 30, 2012

Family Service - merger or take-over

Family Service and Community Mental Health Service ("Family Service") has been in the news lately because of slow-pay by the deadbeat Illinois State Government. In fact, Family Service had reached death's door. If money didn't show up, the doors would close.

Family Service provides necessary and meaningful services to thousands of persons every year. No one in need has been turned away. I have served on the Consumer Advisory Council for several years and am acquainted with a number of the management staff. They do good work.

Family Service is working out an agreement to be taken over by North Central Behavioral Health System. It's not a "merger"; it's a take-over. The surviving business will be North Central. North Central has said it will put three Family Service board members on its board. They will clearly be in the minority on the board.

County Board member Donna Kurtz is concerned about the possibility that McHenry County tax dollars will leave McHenry County for use by North Central in the seven other counties it serves. She's right, and the entire County Board should be concerned.

Keeping the doors open at Family Service is very important, but keeping the eyes open is just as important.

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