Authorize the Public Defender to accept the Expanded Public Defense Services Grant provided by the Office of the State Public Defender in the amount of $585,184 for the period of March 2, 2026 through May 15, 2028; authorize the Public Defender to execute the grant agreement including all amendments or extensions; and adopt a budget resolution to increase the Public Defender's budget for FY 2025-26 by $262,592 for year one of the grant. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Olson)

In September 2025, the Yolo County Public Defender's Office submitted a grant application to the Office of the State Public Defender for funding under the Expanded Public Defense Grant program.  The Public Defender's Office proposed to establish the Client-Oriented Navigation, Engagement, Care and Treatment (CONNECT) Program. This defense-led initiative is designed to implement Penal Code (PC) 1001.36 (Mental Health Diversion) by creating a structured, client-centered system to support individuals whose behavioral health conditions contribute to their involvement in the criminal legal systems. Through early identification, coordinated treatment planning, and peer mentorship, CONNECT empowers individuals to engage in community-based care and achieve long-term stability.  The awarded grant funding adds two Limited Term Behavioral Health Case Managers (BHCM) and Extra Help Peer Mentors to the Public Defender’s Office to transfer PC 1001.36 diversion from a procedural option into a sustained, team-supported pathway to treatment and recovery.

With respect to the County's General Fund structural deficit, this action was delayed to ensure existing Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) in the BHCM classification were not identified for reduction in any other County departments.  At the current time, staff have not identified any.

The Department of Financial Services and the Office of the County Counsel have assisted in the preparation of this staff report.