COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Probation Department

 

DATE:

3/8/04

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 23, 2004

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Loren Buddress, Chief Probation Officer

SUBJECT:

Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request to accept grant funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Drug Courts Discretionary Grant Program.

 

Recommendation

Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request to accept grant funds in the amount of $300,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Drug Courts Discretionary Grant Program to fund the implementation of a dual-diagnosis component in the San Mateo County Probation Department's BRIDGES program.

 

Background

The Bridges program is the highest level of intervention in San Mateo County's drug court continuum. It is designed to divert the most serious multiple offenders who are facing at least six months incarceration or state prison. Participants who do not keep their commitments to the program face a graduated series of sanctions. Court oversight, probation monitoring, treatment, and support services are designed to not only promote abstinence from drugs, but to build skills and provide resources to develop a healthy and productive lifestyle. Program effectiveness data shows drug screens are 99% clean, 100% of the participant's are working by graduation, 100% have stable housing, 1,800 community service hours are performed per year, and all court matters are cleared during the program.

 

Discussion

A gap in treatment services has been identified for a specific population of participants, who are diagnosed with both substance abuse and mental health issues. To meet this need, the Courts and the Probation Department collaborated in the preparation of a grant proposal to the Bureau of Justice Assistance for a two-year grant totaling $300,000. On September 30, 2003, the Bureau of Justice Assistance approved funding for the program enhancement that would provide rehabilitative services to substance abusers with moderate to severe mental health issues. An evaluation component is also required

 

Due to a delayed startup, we will not need to claim the full grant funds for the first year. Consequently the attached Appropriation Transfer Request asks that $62,000 is appropriated to the Probation Department's 03/04 budget. It is anticipated that the balance of the grant funds will be required for FY 04/05.

 

Vision Alignment

In keeping with the County's Shared Vision 2010, the Comprehensive Multi-Agency Juvenile Justice Plan Modification supports the following goals:

 
 

· Goal 7, Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors

 

· Goal 8, Help vulnerable people, at-risk individuals and others achieve a better quality of life.

 

· Goal 22, County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire county

 

The Bridges Program is a collaboration of County, the Courts, and a community based organization. The program focus is to provide programs that promote abstinence from substance abuse and productive social behavior that will prevent further contact with the justice system, and help participants develop tools that will enable them to have a better quality of life that continues through their lifetime. The bottom line benefit to all is the reduction in crime and enhancement of public safety.

 

Fiscal Impact

There is no net County cost associated with this action.