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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Probation Department and Sheriff's Office recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 002-2016, which permits the HHSA Director, the Chief Probation Officer, and the Sheriff to support “Stepping Up,” a nationwide initiative with the goal of reducing the number of inmates with mental illnesses in county jails.
FUNDING: There is no funding associated with this Resolution.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
“Stepping Up” is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing the number of inmates with mental illnesses in county jails. The initiative is supported by the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments Justice Center, and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a Resolution to permit the HHSA Director, the Chief Probation Officer, and the Sheriff to formally support the “Stepping Up” initiative.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
“Stepping Up” is a national initiative with the goal of “Stepping Up” help to advance county efforts across the United States in reducing the number of adults with mental illness in county jails. As noted by the initiative, the prevalence of mental illness among adults in jails is three to six times higher than for the general population.
HHSA, the Probation Department, and the Sheriff’s Office joined together to create the El Dorado Community Corrections Partnership, as required in Penal Code Section 1230. In 2014, HHSA, the Probation Department, and the Sheriff’s Office opened the Community Corrections Center (CCC). The mission of the CCC is to serve adult offenders by delivering an evidence-based approach to treatment in a collaborative setting to reduce offender risk factors and recidivism, and to increase community safety. HHSA, the Probation Department, and the Sheriff’s Office remain committed to ongoing collaboration ...
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