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:
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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 div...
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