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Board accepts state-funded assisted outpatient treatment position, amends commitment to require continued state aid
Summary
County staff described new Office of Mental Health funding for assisted outpatient treatment (AOT/Kendra's Law); the board approved accepting the fully funded position but added an amendment that the county's ongoing participation is contingent on continued state funding.
The Board voted to accept new state Office of Mental Health funding to support assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) activity and to hire a full-time staffer to coordinate enhanced voluntary AOT agreements, but members added an amendment tying the county—ommitment to continued state aid.
Staff said the funding was part of a statewide push for "enhanced voluntary agreements" that encourage people to accept community treatment before court-ordered processes occur. The state award includes retroactive startup funding and ongoing annual administrative aid; staff said the position would be 100% state-funded and described a requirement to submit a county plan to the Office of Mental Health.
During discussion members and staff explored how the AOT position would interact with other local programs such as a court navigator and alternative sentencing services. County staff indicated the new hire would coordinate with hospitals, courts and case management and could conduct outreach as needed.
Supervisor Sue (speaking during the discussion) voiced support for the policy and said, "I totally endorse Kendra's Law," underscoring that the program is an assisted outpatient-treatment model rather than a criminal-court-only procedure. Board members insisted that the county should protect itself if state funding were reduced; the board approved an amendment stating the program would be scaled back or cut if the state—reduces allocated aid.
As amended, the resolution passed. Staff said they would prepare the plan required by the Office of Mental Health and report back on implementation and monitoring metrics.
