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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-05 Commissioner Minutes TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2016 The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, January 5, 2016, with the following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G. Ziobrowski. Chairman Keller presided and after calling the meeting to order, a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded with the business of the day. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved to adopt the agenda. There was no public comment. The minutes of the December 29, 2015 and December 31, 2015 meetings were reviewed. On a motion by David S. Keller; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; approved Tuesday, December 29, 2016 minutes. These minutes are being approved due to Commissioner Thomas not attending this Thursday's meeting. The minutes for Thursday, December 31, 2015 will be approved Thursday, January 7, 2016. The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The items will be approved Thursday, January 7, 2016. Carrie Gray, Assistant County Administrator, and Shalom Black, Grants Manager, were present to provide more information on the Stepping Up Initiative. Ms. Gray explained this initiative is a national initiative to provide coordinated support services to help keep people with serious mental health issues out of jails. She said that people with serious mental illnesses in the jail cost tax payers two to three times more money than people without serious mental health issues. Ms. Gray said that by signing this resolution, the goal is to break the cycle of recidivism in the following ways: Increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes for these individuals and their families; improving opportunities for connections to treatment; making use of funding more efficiently; and improving public safety. Ms. Gray said that 193 counties in the United States have passed this resolution and we would be the ninth in the state to do so. Commissioner Thomas said he has a leadership role at CCAP and it is appropriate that we focus on some of the issues that got these people in jail and understand what causes it. Some of the things we need are Federal or State legislation but some things we need to do are at the local level. This morning he heard that the state is bringing in new initiatives to allow inmates to enter into Medicaid faster. He said Department of Corrections and Health and Human Services are coming up with a plan and by mid-year this will be resolved. He wholly supports this initiative. Chairman Keller said improving mental health efforts can result in better results in the areas of drug and alcohol treatment or homelessness prevention. So much of what we do is to provide services to people who are challenged with mental health issues. He said it's a broad issue and it's important to raise awareness to the community. This resolution is appropriate and the information will be well received by the community. Commissioner Ziobrowski said the only time people pay attention to mental health is when someone goes crazy with a gun. Mental health issues are not easily measured and it's hard to tell how successful we are. We need to keep working and some work is under the radar with government. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved Resolution #2016-01, which is attached and made a part of these minutes, to support the Stepping Up Initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illness in jails. Continued on page 2 The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas. FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Franklin County, PA Stepping Up Initiative Resolution 2016-01 "Stepping Up Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails" January 5, 2016 WHEREAS, counties routinely provide treatment services to the estimated 2 million people with serious mental illnesses booked into jail each year; and WHEREAS, national data indicates prevalence rates of individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses in jails are higher than for the general population; and WHEREAS, national data indicates adults diagnosed with serious mental illnesses in jails have a high rate of co-occurring substance use disorders; and WHEREAS, national data indicates adults with mental illnesses tend to stay longer in jail and upon release are at a higher risk of recidivism than people without these disorders; and WHEREAS, county jail resources are stretched currently without the additional stressors of meeting specialized populations' needs; and WHEREAS,it is important to engage individuals with mental illness in the appropriate community based treatment and services to enhance successful outcomes for individuals, families and the community; and WHEREAS, Franklin County and all counties take pride in their responsibility to protect and enhance the health,welfare and safety of its residents in efficient and cost-effective ways; and WHEREAS, Franklin County has devoted attention and resources to develop systems and services addressing both Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders to reduce the number of persons entering into the criminal justice systems; and WHEREAS, through Stepping Up, the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Foundation are encouraging public, private and nonprofit partners to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails; NOW,THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED,THAT I, David S. Keller, as Chair of Franklin County Commissioners, do hereby sign on to the Call to Action to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in our county jail, commit to sharing lessons learned with other counties in my state and across the country to support a national initiative and encourage all county officials, employees and residents to participate in Stepping Up. We resolve to utilize the comprehensive resources available through Stepping Up to: • Draw on a diverse team of leaders and decision makers from multiple agencies committed to safely reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. • Collect and review prevalence numbers and assess individuals' needs to better identify adults entering jails with mental illnesses and their recidivism risk, and use that baseline information to guide decision making at the system, program, and case levels. • Examine treatment and service capacity to determine which programs and services are available in the county for people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders, and identify state and local policy and funding barriers to minimizing contact with the justice system and providing treatment and supports in the community. • Develop a plan with measurable outcomes that draws on the jail assessment and prevalence data and the examination of available treatment and service capacity,while considering identified barriers. • Implement research-based approaches that advance the plan. • Create a process to track progress using data and information systems, and to report on successes. PASSED AND APPROVED on this 5`h day of January, 2016. By: David S. Keller Chair an By: Robert L. Thomas Commissioner r By: Awl Robe iobrowski Commissioner