Youth Alternatives Director reports alarming rise in mental health assessments for youth

The Cheyenne City Council convened on May 3, 2025, for a work session focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget overview. The meeting began with discussions on various city projects and initiatives, highlighting the collaborative efforts of city staff and community organizations.

One significant topic was the ongoing project to maximize parking spaces in downtown Cheyenne. A city representative noted that, with the assistance of staff member Paul and Sofia, they have determined the costs associated with the design phase. This project is expected to be presented to the council in the near future, potentially at the next council meeting.

The council also received updates on the Belvoir development project. The representative mentioned that letters had been sent to interested companies, and the first meeting to discuss potential development took place recently. This initiative aims to engage stakeholders in the development process and explore opportunities for growth in the area.

Following these updates, Jay Sullivan, the director of Youth Alternatives, presented an overview of the organization's budget and recent accomplishments. He highlighted the successful implementation of an academic support enrichment program that expanded services to all schools in the district, contrasting with a previous program that was limited to only two schools. Sullivan also reported on upgrades to the community challenge course and the scheduled repairs for the ropes course, which are expected to enhance community engagement and provide positive experiences for youth and families.

Sullivan addressed the increasing demand for counseling services, noting a significant rise in assessments related to suicidal and homicidal ideation among youth. The organization completed 310 suicidal ideation assessments and 30 homicidal ideation assessments in the past year, marking a 207% and 273% increase, respectively. He emphasized the alarming trend of younger individuals, aged 9 to 11, seeking these services, attributing the rise to heightened community awareness and a decline in emotional regulation skills among youth.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing these pressing issues and to explore further support for youth services in the community. The council plans to follow up on the discussed projects and initiatives in future meetings, ensuring that the needs of the community are met as they prepare for the upcoming budget.