Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John L. Maltbie, County Manager
Carlos G. Bolanos, Sheriff
John T. Keene, Chief Probation Officer
Louise Rogers, Chief, Health System
Subject: Resolution to Sign on to the Stepping Up Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails
RECOMMENDATION:
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Presentation on the Stepping Up Initiative:
A) Adopt a resolution establishing the reduction of the number of people with mental illnesses in jails through jail diversion, programming and participation in the Stepping Up Initiative.
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BACKGROUND:
At its April 25, 2017 meeting, the Board of Supervisors designated the month of May 2017 as Mental Health Awareness Month and called upon residents, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools in San Mateo County to recommit to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and addiction, reducing stigma and discrimination, and promoting appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health and substance use conditions.
Over the last five years, your Board has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the needs of the mentally ill by supporting the expansion of mental health and substance abuse services under the Affordable Care Act, implementing the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program (Laura's Law), and opening two Mental Health Pods within the Maguire and Maple Street correctional facilities.
DISCUSSION:
Recognizing the critical role local and state officials play in supporting change, the National Association of Counties (NACo), the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, and the American Psychiatric Foundation (APF) have come together to lead the Stepping Up Initiative, a national initiative to help advance counties' efforts to reduce the number of adults with mental and co-occurring substance use disorders in jails. With support from ...
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