Title
Probation Department recommending the Board receive and review the Proposition 36 update from the Chief Probation Officer.
FUNDING: State - Proposition 36.
Body
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: Unknown at this time until further information becomes available from the State.
Background:
The Governor's recent proposed budget recommends elimination of funding provided from the substance abuse programs as mandated by Proposition 36 and the Substance Abuse Offender Treatment Program. Probation Department has 2.5 FTE funded through these programs. The funding comes through an MOU with the Health Services Department- Alcohol/Drug Program. Although not final, the Probation Department has no reason to believe that this funding will be restored. The Health Services Department is preparing for the loss of this funding by eliminating treatment provider contracts and staff. It is unclear how Proposition 36 will look once these aspects of the program are lost. However, the mandate for specific services for the treatment of substance abuse through the Superior Courts will remain, and the expectation for continued supervision of this population is required by law.
The Probation Department has anticipated these proposed cuts in State funding and believes that the mandated services can be absorbed within the CAO's Proposed FY 09/10 Budget. It is acknowledged that some of the services such as drug testing and some home visits will be reduced, but the core functions of Probation supervision will remain.
Reason for Recommendation:
Although this agenda item is informational, it is recommended at this time the Board allow Probation, in conjunction with the CAO, to evaluate addressing the pending funding issue related to Proposition 36 within existing resources dependent upon discussions with the Court and how they intend to continue implementing Proposition 36 with reduced funding. The Department will return to the Board with an update once the Sta...
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