NORWICH – Even though it wasn’t on the agenda, a program that would identify school-aged youths in the county who are in need of mental health services came under fire again within the Finance Committee last week.

The program, Child and Family Clinic Plus, would spur the hiring of three social workers and one clerical staff for the Chenango County Mental Hygiene Department. It was first introduced in August and has been discussed within three standing committees. Health and Human Services approved the measure last week and members of Personnel will take it up at the end of the month.

Town of Pharasalia Supervisor Dennis Brown, a member of Finance, said his research found a large number of qualified therapists and, in some cases, certified psychologists employed by school districts in the area. He found five in South Otselic schools and seven in the Cincinnatus schools.

“What makes her (Mental Hygiene Department Director Mary Ann Spryn) more qualified to identify kids who need help?” he asked.

Supervisor Richard Schlag, D-German, asked whether the county would be duplicating efforts. “I see that these assessments (of students) could be redundant.”