HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-2013 C4 StortonAPR 0 2 2013
council � C 1 O RA [ CxTY CLERK
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DATE: April 2, 2013 AGENDA
CORRESPONDENCE
TO: City Council Date LI item #.
FROM: Steve Gesell, Chief of Police
Keith Storton, Captain
VIA: Katie Lichtig, City Manager
SUBJECT: Questions from Councilman Ashbaugh
On 4/1/2013 Police Chief Steve Gesell received inquiries pertaining to the Justice and Mental
Health Collaboration Grant from Councilmember Ashbaugh. The topic is a consent item on the
4/2/13 Council Agenda. Captain Storton provided answers to the following questions.
Can we expect that the new staff workers supported by this grant will be able work with
the population described as "program resistant" or "will- nots "?
The grant specifically addresses the "program resistant" and those that tend to circulate through
the criminal justice system.
Could they be expected to work with persons who are not willing to accept a diagnosis and
disability assessment?
The intent of the grant program would provide a level of service and communication between
law enforcement and social service entities that would literally "walk" a client though the
program. Often there is more of a "hand off from one agency to the next with no real continuous
line of site on the subject being contacted or treated. The desire would be that all the entities
involved would provide directed and intensified one on one service towards the client with an
eventual goal of self - sufficiency. We would use existing treatment programs, housing programs,
mental health court, and other enforcement tools, but with a more focused and directed intent.
The grant would allow these entities to concentrate solely on this select group. Ultimately, the
client will need to have a desire to create change, however, the intensified approach can
hopefully create a better atmosphere for success.
Will these clients be entered into the HMIS?
The police department does not have access or use HMIS. There is specific statistical data that
will need to be captured to meet the requirements of the grant. SLOPD will collect and track this
data in its current records management system. Raw data will be shared amongst the program
team to meet the grant requirements but it will kept in a way as to not compromise confidential
or medically sensitive information.
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Has the County's Homeless Services Oversight Committee received and "signed off' on
this grant?
The grant is specific to the City of San Luis Obispo as we are the sponsoring grant entity. There
has been no "sign -off' by HSOC, however, THMA and Behavioral Health have been intimately
involved with the grant writing and conceptual process of the program. There is a great deal of
crossover in services and many of the stakeholders who are regularly involved in seeking
solutions and providing help are aware of the grant and its intentions.
Can we expect that the County will continue to fund these services even after the DOJ
Grant runs out, in two years, if it is successful? Who will decide this?
The grant is good for two years. There is a component of the grant where potentially, if we find
ourselves successful, we can apply for additional funds to carry the program on for another two
years. If we are not successful or find additional funds are not available to us we will need to
reassess and decide the best way to move forward.