A program designed to implement universal screenings for children from birth to 5 years old in Chautauqua County has been put on hold as lawmakers question how the money is being spent.

Back in 2021 and again in 2022, the county Legislature agreed to use American Rescue Plan Act funds for Strong Starts Chautauqua. That program’s purpose is to identify children who have been exposed to substances and alcohol prenatally. The screenings would help diagnose children and get them the proper treatment.

According to a document obtained from the county executive’s office, the county designated $378,000 of ARPA funds for the program.

Strong Starts Chautauqua has its own website. Under its “about us” tab, it states: “Using proven national practices, we help empower families and care providers so they can give children the best possible start in life.”

It further states, “Strong Starts Chautauqua supports all of the county’s young children and their families through community education and outreach, information and referral, maternal and early childhood risk screening, and connection to resources that help young children thrive.”

However, the funding for the program has been put on hold.

The issue first came to light at a county Board of Health meeting when legislators Susan Parker, D-Fredonia, and Tom Nelson, D-Jamestown, expressed their support for the program.

“On Tuesday, October 10, County Executive PJ Wendel provided notice via certified letter that the American Rescue Plan Act funding for the Strong Starts Chautauqua project was being terminated as of November 5, 2023, with no explanation offered at that time,” Parker stated. “ARPA funding was being provided through a contract with Healthy Community Alliance which acts as fiscal agent for the Strong Starts Chautauqua Coalition of multi-sector, partner organizations. The county’s ARPA working group recommended this public health project to County Executive Wendel who approved and recommended it to the county legislature who, in turn, unanimously approved it in September 2021. The project was to continue through Oct. 31, 2024.

“As a result of ARPA contract termination, Strong Starts will experience a shortfall of approximately $150,000 over the next year for an initiative that uses evidence-based strategies to assist some of the most vulnerable infants and young children in the county. These are children affected by prenatal trauma, including exposure to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illicit drugs that can harm their health, development, intellectual functioning, decision-making, and behavioral capacities throughout their entire lifespan.”

After the meeting, interim Public Health Director Dr. Michael Faulk said his department is not involved in Strong Starts Chautauqua and had no further comment on the program.

Then at the county Legislature meeting, Nelson spoke up again about the program. He stated, “It’s my understanding that funding for this program is paused.”

He then described the goals of the program and why he believes it is important. “Strong Starts is the only resource available in the county and in New York state that explicitly works to prevent, identify, and treat prenatal substance exposure, which is at a catastrophic level in Chautauqua County,” Nelson said.

After the meeting, Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, stated that the county is investigating the program, but it is still committed to the concept.

He said there was a discussion during a recent ARPA advisory committee meeting.

“Essentially, the bottom line is the ARPA funds that have been appropriated to the Strong Starts program are still in place,” he said. “The County Executive has notified a contractor that their contract will be terminated by Nov. 12. The County Executive reviewed with us some of their concerns about the efficiency of the funds that have been spent so far with the contractor.”

Chagnon also said that there is also an investigation going on regarding Strong Starts Chautauqua, but stated he is not at liberty to share the details. “Until those reviews and investigation have been concluded, the ARPA advisory committee felt that it was best just to keep the funds dedicated where they are, without making any changes, until we figure out where we’re going from here,” he said.

Chagnon said it’s possible in the future the county may hire another contractor, revise the contract with the existing contractor or may go in a completely different direction.

Wendel also addressed Strong Starts Chautauqua. He called it “a franchise.”

He noted that during an ARPA review meeting, they noticed there hadn’t been much happening with the money. “Strong Starts had some activity, but the most recent in the last year was the first time we saw any of that money be drawn down,” he said. “There was some questions brought up by some staff members reaching out to Strong Starts to Mental Hygiene, some questions that they had.”

Wendel, like Chagnon, emphasized that they are keeping the money in place. “What we’re actually stopping is the contract with Healthy Community Alliance,” he said.

Wendel said with Strong Starts, the county has been paying for two managers, a project manager and a project engagement manager.

“Those are pretty significant numbers and about half of the budget, and it drew some concerns,” he said.

Wendel also refuted Nelson’s statement that Strong Starts is the only available resource in the county for this age group. “There are many other evidence-based programs,” he said.

The county Legislature’s Administrative Services Committee is scheduled to discuss Strong Starts Chautauqua at its next meeting Monday.