To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Behavioral Health
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
9:30 AM - AB1976 Mental Health Services: Assisted Outpatient Treatment and Implementation of Expanded Involuntary Commitment under SB 43
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive and file a presentation by the Department of Health and Human Services- Behavioral Health (DHHS-BH) regarding Assisted Outpatient Treatment and Implementation of Expanded Involuntary Commitment under SB 43; and
2. Adopt a Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Humboldt to delay the implementation of SB 43 until no later than January 1, 2026, to ensure successful, and effective implementation of expanded involuntary commitment.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Behavioral Health Fund (1170), General Fund (1100)
DISCUSSION:
On June 8, 2021, your board authorized the funding for a pilot program of AB 1421 and 1976 Laura's Law aka Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). AOT provides court-ordered community treatment for individuals with a history of repeated hospitalization or incarceration, or a history of violent behavior to self or others. AOT permits California Counties to utilize courts, probation, and mental health systems to address the needs of individuals unable to participate in community mental health treatment programs without supervision. Humboldt County Behavioral Health began accepting referrals for AOT on July 1, 2022.
On April 4, 2023, a presentation was delivered to your Board that provided some of the highlights and challenges that the AOT pilot program had encountered in the first six months of services. This presentation is designed to further that discussion and provide the Board with additional information and outcomes.
SB 43, signed by the Governor this October, will make substantial changes to California's involuntary commitment law. Most significantly, SB 43 expan...
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