Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health, and Recovery Services
Subject: Amendment to the Behavioral Health Commission Bylaws
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the Behavioral Health Commission Bylaws to reflect the inclusion of one (1) required Client Youth seat within the existing Consumer/Client membership, and one (1) Public Education seat within the existing 19-member commission, in accordance with the recent amendments to the Welfare and Institutions Code.
body
BACKGROUND:
The Behavioral Health Commission (BHC), formerly Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission, is mandated by the California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC), § 5604, to ensure citizen and professional involvement in planning processes regarding the behavioral health system of care. The BHC also advises this Board and the local Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Division Director regarding County behavioral health needs, services, special problems, and outcomes of mental health services. The BHC is required to have a set of bylaws by which they operate, which are approved by this Board.
DISCUSSION:
The BHC desires to amend its bylaws to reflect the inclusion of one (1) required Client Youth seat within the existing Consumer/Client membership, and the inclusion of a new category of one (1) Public Education seat within the existing 19-member commission, in accordance with a 2024 amendment to the Welfare and Institutions Code.
The bylaws and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 14 out of 19 (74%) of the County’s BHC members will be consumers or the parents, spouses, siblings, or adult children of consumers. (The California WIC requires that a minimum of 50% of BHC members be consumers.)
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
Percentage of BHC members who are consumers, or the parents, spouses, siblings, or adult children of consumers |
74% 14 of 19 members |
74% 14 of 19 members |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This amendment enhances inclusivity within the BHC by increasing representation, particularly from vulnerable populations impacted by behavioral health issues in San Mateo County. The County faces disparities in behavioral health, especially among youth. According to the 2023 Behavioral Health Needs Assessment, youth experience higher rates of behavioral health challenges like depression, anxiety, and substance use, with 1 in 5 children reporting emotional or behavioral difficulties. These disparities are more pronounced among youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth. The Client Youth seat will ensure that youth with lived experience are represented in decision-making. Additionally, the Public Education sector is an important component of early intervention and addressing behavioral health needs, as it plays a key role in identifying and supporting students. With 1 in 3 youth reporting unmet behavioral health needs, schools are often the first to recognize and respond to these challenges. The Public Education seat will also strengthen collaboration between the education system and behavioral health services, improving outreach and support for students and families, especially those from historically underserved communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Regular functions of the BHC are budgeted at a maximum of $5,000, which is included in the BHRS FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. These costs are 100% funded by Realignment. There is no associated Net County Cost.