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Commissioners hear update on mental health court co-responder and recovery navigator; officials say jail population fell
Summary
Representatives from the justice system and behavioral health told Fulton County commissioners that a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator have increased deferrals to community treatment and reduced the county jail population; next steps include mapping resources and exploring supported housing.
Representatives from the justice system and behavioral-health partners briefed the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 about efforts to divert people with behavioral-health needs from incarceration.
The group reported that recent initiatives — including a mental health court co-responder and a recovery supports navigator, together with strengthened existing systems — have increased deferrals to community-based treatment and led to a reduction in the number of people incarcerated at the Fulton County Correctional Facility, producing measurable cost savings for the county. The minutes say these efforts are supported with blended funding from county mental health resources and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Commissioners discussed next steps, which the representatives listed as mapping available resources to support staff training and exploring options for supported housing for people exiting the criminal-justice pathway. No formal vote or policy adoption was recorded; the minutes note that the board will continue collaboration and track follow-up work. Services for Children Director Christine McQuade separately told the board she is pursuing a hire for a Caseworker II and will obtain quotes for a printer and projector.
The board held one or more executive sessions for personnel matters during the meeting and adjourned at 1:36 p.m.
