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Fulton County hears update on courts–behavioral-health collaboration, explores supported housing and training
Summary
Representatives told Fulton County commissioners that a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator have increased deferrals to community treatment, reduced local incarcerations and produced cost savings; commissioners asked staff to map resources and explore supported housing options.
Representatives from the justice system and behavioral-health agencies briefed the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 about efforts to divert individuals with behavioral-health needs from incarceration into treatment.
The group said initiatives — including the implementation of a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator — have increased deferrals to community-based treatment resources. According to the presenters, those changes corresponded with a notable reduction in the number of individuals incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility and measurable cost savings for the county; the transcript records the representatives describing those outcomes but does not include supporting data or trend numbers.
County officials and the presenters described next steps as mapping available resources to support training for those roles and exploring supported housing options to help participants remain in treatment and reduce recidivism. The presentation noted that these efforts are supported through a blend of County Mental Health resources and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Services for Children Director Christine McQuade also met with the commissioners to discuss a potential hire for a Caseworker II position and said she would obtain quotes for a printer and projector.
The board entered executive session multiple times for personnel matters later in the meeting; no personnel decisions were recorded in the public minutes from Jan. 20.
