Department: Office of the County Executive
Sponsors:
Category: Report
At the March 12, 2019 (Item No. 13) Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board directed that the Administration return with options relating to more appropriate and sustainable placements for high-needs women leaving the County jail. Concerns were raised about those inmates who have mental health and substance use conditions, exhibit violent behaviors in both the jail and in the community, and cycle in and out of jail and prison for years on violent charges. Administration was asked to return with information on the number of high-needs women in the County jails, an assessment of current resources, services and programs being offered to these women in jail and out of custody, a perspective of appropriate release conditions and placements that are also gender responsive, and any additional resources that should be considered. The initial referral requested that the Administration return to the Board with options on June 4, 2019. An off-agenda memo was sent to the Board on May 14, 2019 requesting additional time to gather data, further understand the needs of these individuals, and complete a multi-departmental analysis of the services provided both in and out of custody.