Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Jail Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs $249,662 grant to place a mental‑health coordinator for incarcerated veterans
Summary
The Sheriff's Department requested authorization to accept and expend $249,662 through the Justice Mental Health Collaboration Program to fund a Walden House‑provided mental‑health coordinator for incarcerated veterans; supporters from veteran‑service and legal organizations urged approval and the committee recommended the item forward.
The committee recommended that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Sheriff’s Department to retroactively apply for, accept and expend $249,662 from the Office of Justice Programs’ Justice Mental Health Collaboration Program to fund a dedicated mental‑health coordinator for incarcerated veterans.
Sheriff’s Office representatives said the money would pay for one Walden House‑provided coordinator for two years; the position is a contract with Walden House rather than a city FTE. Supporters at public comment — including service providers working with veterans inside the jail — urged approval, arguing that a dedicated coordinator would improve in‑custody care and reentry supports for veterans.
Committee members described the grant as a modest step that responds to national trends of veterans entering the criminal justice system; the committee moved the item forward with recommendation without objection.
