Officials report reduced jail population after new mental-health court co-responder, plan next steps including supported housing

Representatives from the justice system and behavioral health updated Fulton County commissioners on Jan. 20 about coordinated initiatives aimed at diverting people with behavioral-health needs from incarceration.

The group said recent steps — including a mental health court co-responder program and a recovery supports navigator position — have increased deferrals to community-based treatment resources. According to the minutes, those efforts are financed through a blend of County Mental Health resources and grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The presenters reported "a notable reduction in the number of individuals incarcerated at the Bedford County Correctional Facility," and said the change has produced measurable cost savings for the county.

Commissioners and the presenters discussed next steps: mapping available resources to support training efforts for co-responders and court staff and exploring supported housing options to help sustain placements in the community. The minutes do not record detailed metrics (for example, the exact reduction in jail population or dollar-value of the cost savings), and no formal vote or contract award on these initiatives is recorded in the minutes.

Separately, Services for Children Director Christine McQuade met with commissioners about a potential hire for a Caseworker II and said she will obtain quotes for a printer and projector. The board also entered executive session for personnel matters during the meeting; no actions taken in executive session are recorded in the public minutes.