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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-21-2016 - 7-c - Creation of a Criminal Case Assessment Specialist Position 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: January 21, 2016 Action Agenda Item No. 7-c SUBJECT: Creation of a Criminal Case Assessment Specialist Position DEPARTMENT: County Manager's Office PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): None INFORMATION CONTACT: Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager 919-245-2308 Caitlin Fenhagen, Criminal Justice Resource Manager, 919-245-2303 PURPOSE: To approve the creation of a new 1.0 full time equivalent (FTE) position titled Criminal Case Assessment Specialist to conduct mental health and substance abuse assessments and treatment coordination for individuals in the jail and those who are participating in jail alternative programming. BACKGROUND: In October 2015, the County appointed its first Criminal Justice Resource Manager to manage and coordinate jail alternative programming. The vision for the new Manager was to internalize jail alternative programming that had previously been contracted out and to broaden opportunities for jail diversion and interventions intended to reduce recidivism. The new office has recently completed its initial charge of internalizing the Pretrial and Drug Court programs through the recruitment of two new County employees to administer those programs. The Criminal Justice Resource Manager has also conducted a needs assessment for future programming. This research relied on best practices in other jurisdictions as well as interviews with partners in the Orange County criminal justice system. The assessment revealed a need to supplement and enhance assessment and treatment services for individuals in the system that are experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues. This need is consistent with a policy goal of the Board of County Commissioners as codified in a Resolution Supporting "Stepping Up Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails which was adopted in September 2015. Through that Resolution, the Board signed on to a call to action to reduce the number of people with mental illness in county jails and to share lessons learned with other counties in North Carolina. One of the strategies identified to satisfy the need for enhanced mental health and substance abuse services in the criminal justice system is to create a position responsible for providing these services. In an effort to promote pretrial release, the position would conduct evaluations, assessments, and referrals for treatment for individuals awaiting trial or disposition of criminal charges. These additional services would provide greater assurance to the judiciary that individuals can safely remain in or return to the community while accessing necessary treatment 2 resources. Allowing an individual to remain in the community will increase employment stability, avoid disruptions in treatment and education, preserve family stability, and as a result, reduce the likelihood of re-arrest. For individuals participating in the pretrial release program, the position will also provide case management support in treatment or diversionary programs with the expectation that this higher level of therapeutic support will increase successful outcomes in these programs and reduce recidivism. Finally, this position will support inmates remaining in the jail with counseling for ongoing mental health issues and will create discharge plans for those being released. The goal of these efforts is to promote immediate engagement in community resources upon release in an effort to reduce rates of recidivism. Funding for this position will be supported through reimbursement from Cardinal Innovations. Annually, the County provides maintenance of effort funding to Cardinal Innovations to support selected mental health, substance abuse, and intellectual/developmental disability services. In Fiscal Year 15-16, Orange County allocated $1.3 million to its maintenance of effort payment which includes a $107,500 reserve to support unforeseen needs. The County would use $31,200 of this reserve to finance the costs associated with Criminal Case Assessment Specialist. The position started in January as an unbenefited, temporary position but would be converted to a full time, benefitted position upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The expenses for the Criminal Case Assessment Specialist are estimated to be $31,200. This includes funding for a temporary position for 60 days and funding for a full time, benefitted position for the balance of the fiscal year. These costs would be fully offset by reimbursement from Cardinal Innovations of $31,200, resulting in no net cost to the County. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this agenda item • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the creation of a 1.0 FTE Criminal Case Assessment Specialist and accept revenue from Cardinal Innovations to offset the cost of the position.