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Public Health Department recommending the Board approve, in concept, the submission of an application for funding from the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs in the amount of $171,394 with a 10% County match in the amount of $19,044 for the Substance Abuse Offender Treatment Program (OTP) for said Department's support of the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 program, Proposition 36.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
FUNDING: California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs funding.
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Background: OTP was established in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006-07, per Assembly Bill 1808, which appropriates $25 million to counties throughout the state for the treatment of non-violent drug offenders. These funds are to be used to serve offenders who qualify for services under SACPA, also known as Prop 36. The goal of OTP is to improve SACPA program outcomes and offender accountability, including increased show rates, retention and completion outcomes.
The OTP Statute authorizes the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) to distribute funds to counties that demonstrate a commitment of 10% county match; counties are required to use general fund or funds from a source other than state to meet this requirement. Counties may not use any funds distributed to the counties by ADP, including funds from the Substance Abuse Treatment Trust Fund, Substance Abuse Treatment and Testing Accountability, and the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.
El Dorado Countys SACPA program began serving clients in July of 2001. As defined by State ADP, the intent of SACPA is:
1. To sentence first or second time non-violent adult drug offenders, who use, possess, or transport illegal drugs for personal use, to drug treatment rather than incarceration. Implementation of SACPA has required a new model of collaboration between the criminal justice system and public health agencies to promote treatment as a more appropriate and effective alternative for illegal drug use. SACPA was designed to reserve jail and state prison cell capacity for dangerous and violent offenders;
2. Enhance public safety by reducing drug-related crime; and
3. Improve public health by reducing drug abuse through proven and effective treatment strategies.
Prop 36 participants continue to do well in El Dorado Countys program. For fiscal years 2004/05 and 2005/06, 360 individuals were referred for a Prop 36 substance abuse assessment. During that same period, 256 individuals (over 71% of those referred) enrolled in Prop 36 substance abuse treatment, of which 229 successfully completed their prescribed regimen of substance abuse treatment.
The collaborating agencies for the El Dorado County Prop 36 program include the Superior Courts, the Public Health Department, the Probation Department, the District Attorneys Office, the Public Defenders Office, and local substance abuse treatment providers. All participants of this collaborative agree that OTP funds will enhance the opportunity for increased client success in our Prop 36 program.
OTP is currently authorized as a two-year program and will sunset on July 1, 2009.
Reason for Recommendation: OTP funds will be used by El Dorado Countys Prop 36 Program to do the following:
· Increase the treatment allocation for residential services for offenders assessed to need them;
· Increase the proportion of sentenced offenders who enter and complete treatment by offering structured relapse prevention services; and
· Support our recently implemented drug court model, including dedicated court calendars with regularly scheduled reviews of treatment progress, and strong collaboration by the courts, probation, and treatment
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: Based on preliminary allocation methodology, El Dorado County is eligible for $171,394.00 with a match of $19,044.00.
Action to be taken following Board approval: Authorize the Department to submit an application for OTP funding from ADP; upon approval by ADP, the Department will return to the Board for approval of the funding agreement as well as for authorization to use the General Fund to meet the 10% match requirement.