Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Criminal Justice topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fulton County officials report fewer jailings after court–behavioral health collaboration, explore supported housing
Summary
Representatives told Fulton County commissioners that a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator, backed by county funds and grants, have increased community deferrals and reduced incarcerations; next steps include mapping resources for training and exploring supported housing.
Commissioners on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners heard an update on Jan. 20 from representatives of the local justice system and behavioral-health providers about new programs aimed at diverting people with behavioral-health needs from incarceration.
The representatives described two initiatives — a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator — and said strengthened coordination and a blend of County Mental Health resources and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency have increased deferrals to community-based treatment. The group reported an observed reduction in the number of people incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility and said the change has produced measurable cost savings for the county.
Why it matters: County officials said the initiatives shift low-level cases away from jail and toward treatment and supports, which can lower correctional costs and connect people with services. Commissioners framed the update as operational: the county will not adopt a new ordinance but may expand programs and training.
Representatives told the commissioners the next steps include mapping available resources to support staff and partner training and exploring supported housing options to provide stable placements for people leaving correctional settings or treatment programs. No formal vote or ordinance was recorded on these items during the meeting.
Commissioner Randy H. Bunch and Commissioner Hervey P. Hann heard the presentation; the update was summarized in the public minutes and will be reflected in separate program-implementation discussions with relevant county departments.
The commissioners did not take formal action on funding changes at the Jan. 20 meeting; officials said some of the programs cited are supported by grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and county mental health funds. The board recorded no vote related to expanding housing programs at this session.
