Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with the Department of State Hospitals for Pre-Trial Felony Mental Health Diversion Program
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Department of State Hospitals for a pre-trial felony mental health diversion program for the term July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $11,840,000.
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BACKGROUND:
In recent years, California has seen a significant increase in the referral to state hospitals of patients who are incompetent to stand trial. The Department of State Hospitals (DSH) issued a call to action, pursuant to AB1810, for local governments to create innovative diversion programs. San Mateo County Health’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) division, in partnership with the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo and San Mateo County Probation Department, applied for a grant that would fund the expansion of its existing diversion services to those deemed highly vulnerable and at risk, through a pre-trial felony mental health diversion program.
On May 8, 2020, BHRS was informed by DSH of a grant award to support the proposed pre-trial felony mental health diversion program. This grant has now ended, and DSH has updated the pre-trial felony mental health diversion program to be a permanent diversion program serving those found incompetent to stand trial on felony crimes.
DISCUSSION:
Through this agreement, BHRS will continue to administer a pre-trial felony mental health diversion program for individuals charged with felony offenses in San Mateo County. Program participants are individuals with serious mental disorders who have been charged with certain felony crimes and found by a Court of competent jurisdiction to qualify for diversion services pursuant to Penal Code section 1001.36 and Welfare & Institutions Code section 4361. BHRS shall provide clinically appropriate or evidence-based mental health treatment and wraparound services across a continuum of care. Participants without permanent housing will be placed in social rehabilitation facilities, treatment programs and shelter.
Funds from this program will support the state’s mandates, including the staffing of a Court Liaison and Justice Partners, administrative costs, training and administration of a violence risk assessment, and wraparound services for program participants. Wraparound services include support for housing, food, hygiene products, clothing, contingency management, incentives (outings, gift cards, etc.), supportive housing, treatment programs, and any other needs to help participants succeed in the community.
BHRS requests this Board to authorize the Chief of San Mateo County Health or designee to execute this agreement and any additional amendments thereto and on behalf of the County.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
This agreement is late due to the DSH delay in submitting final documents to the County.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
It is anticipated that 14 unduplicated felony mental health diversion clients will be served per year by this agreement.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
Number of unduplicated felony mental health diversion clients that are to be served per year |
8 clients |
14 clients |
Equity Impact:
This policy will positively impact individuals who receive our BHRS services by preventing up to 14 individuals with certain felony crimes and those found incompetent to stand trial from waiting in custody until transportation and treatment in a state hospital. Instead, individuals will participate in the intensive mental health diversion program, which links participants to trauma-informed and culturally responsive community-based mental health treatment, substance use treatment, and case management services for approximately 18 months. This program will continue to enhance access to culturally competent services for mentally ill individuals who are reentering the community from jail and chronically homeless, including 35% African American/Black, 10% Latino, and 5% Chinese.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $11,840,000 for the five-year term. Of this amount, $2,368,000 is included in the BHRS FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget. Similar arrangements will be made for future years.
The staff time spent working on the activities covered under this agreement are considered an in-kind source of support and will fulfill the 20% match requirement stipulated in the agreement.