Community and Children’s Resource Board Releases 2023 Community Needs Assessment: Report Highlights Progress and Ongoing Challenges in Youth Well-Being

St. Charles County, MO – April 29, 2025 — The Community and Children’s Resource Board (CCRB) of St. Charles County has released its 2023 Community Needs Assessment, a comprehensive review of the strengths and challenges affecting children and youth throughout the county.

The report shows that a significant majority of local students are benefiting from CCRB-funded services. In 2023, 81% of K–12 students received at least one prevention service supported by CCRB, and 12.5% of all St. Charles County children accessed direct services such as counseling, crisis intervention, or outpatient psychiatric care. These outcomes reflect the county’s continued investment in creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive.

The 2023 Community Needs Assessment reveals encouraging improvements over the past two decades. The rate of substantiated child abuse has declined, poverty among families has decreased, and high school graduation rates have risen. These positive indicators reflect the success of long-term efforts by community stakeholders to strengthen families and promote child well-being.

However, the report also identifies areas of emerging concern. The mental health needs of youth are becoming more intense, with increased reports of self-injury, suicide ideation, and suicide. Juvenile justice interactions are rising, while staffing shortages among service providers, along with cost burdens for families, present ongoing barriers to care. Notably, only 3.7% of St. Charles County children received CCRB-funded therapeutic mental health services in 2023, far below the estimated 10–12% who may have a serious emotional disorder.

“The 2023 Community Needs Assessment provides both a reason to be proud and a call to action,” said Melinda McAliney, Executive Director of the CCRB. “We must continue to build on our progress while working to address the growing mental health challenges facing our children. By ensuring services remain accessible, high-quality, and equitable, we can help all children in St. Charles County reach their full potential.”

In response to these findings, CCRB will convene community conversations around areas of emerging concern, further its investment in mental health services, and expand data collection efforts at the school level to evaluate program impact, identify gaps, and promote equity across all populations. These steps will help inform future funding and programmatic decisions that align with the community’s needs.

Using a voter-approved 1/8 cent sales tax, the Community and Children's Resource Board (CCRB) funds local nonprofits to provide essential mental health and substance use treatment services for children under age 19 in St. Charles County. Their mission is to build and sustain a comprehensive system of services for children and families in need, preparing them for a brighter future.

CCRB-funded programs and services aim to:

• Improve child emotional and mental wellbeing.
• Strengthen and stabilize children and families.
• Respond to the shifting mental health needs of youth.

CCRB is committed to continuing their investment in effective mental and behavioral health services, creating a community where every child and family can thrive.

The full 2023 Community Needs Assessment is available at www.stcharlescountykids.org.