Adopt resolution authorizing the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency to receive and administer $6,000,000 in Proposition 47 grant funds awarded by the California Board of State and Community Corrections for a grant period of September 1, 2022 through June 1, 2026 to provide mental health services, substance use disorder treatment and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Adopt resolution authorizing the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency receive and administer $6,000,000 in Proposition 47 grant funds awarded by the California Board of State and Community Corrections for a grant period of September 1, 2022 through June 1, 2026 to provide mental health services, substance use disorder treatment and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system. 

Proposition 47 was a voter-approved initiative on the November 4, 2014 general election ballot. Assembly Bill 1056 (Statutes of 2015, Chapter 438) added additional priorities to the grant program including housing-related assistance and community-based supportive services such as job skills training, case management and civil legal services. This is the third round of funding awarded by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). Yolo County was awarded funding of $5,968,214 in Cohort 1 with a funding term of June 16, 2017 through August 15, 2021.

In February 2022, the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) soliciting applications for funding from the Proposition 47 Grant Cohort 3 Program. The Proposition 47 funding is available to public agencies (in partnership with the communities they serve) through a competitive application process. The aim of the funding is to offer criminal justice diversion opportunities coupled with mental health and substance use treatment for people involved with the criminal justice system who have mental health and/or substance use disorders.

The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) submitted an application for the available funding in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, and the Public Defender. HHSA requested $6 million in Proposition 47 grant funding to fund Yolo County’s Connections to CARE (Community, Assistance, Recovery, and Engagement) program that is designed to reduce recidivism by expanding access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and trauma-informed intensive case management, peer support, housing, and other wrap-around supportive services for adults with a history of SUD and current or recent justice system involvement, with an emphasis on individuals experiencing homelessness. The project aims to improve the behavioral health of participants with identified behavioral health needs through engagement in appropriate services and reduced risk/harm related to ongoing substance use; increase the self-sufficiency of participants through secured stable housing, improved income, and enrollment in health insurance; and reduce the justice system involvement for participants through prevention of further justice system involvement and diversion in which participants may have their SUD-related charge dismissed.

Before the grant award can be finalized and funds awarded, HHSA is required to submit a resolution from the Board of Supervisors authorizing the HHSA Director to receive and administer funding. A signed resolution was not required at the time of proposal submission, but no financial invoices will be processed for reimbursement until the resolution has been received by the BSCC.