Del Norte County Grand Jury
2016-2017
Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
The Del Norte County Fairgrounds is an important community resource.
F2:
The Local Board is in compliance with the LAFCo structure.
F3:
Both the 41st State Board and the Local Board combined meetings help to allow for sharing of information necessary for oversight.
F4:
The 41st State Board and the Local Board members are working together effectively to provide continued operations of the fairground. 7
F5:
While the 41st State Board has submitted requests for funding and the Local Board has approved transfers of funds, there is limited information provided regarding specific spending elements and restrictions on the use of the transferred funds.
F6:
The Local Board adopted a Financial Committee to provide information according to state law. It has been operating in conjunction with the 41st State Board but it is on an informal basis.
F7:
The Local Board is utilizing sales tax revenue to provide for current operation of the Del Norte County Fair and year round events, but is also building up reserve funds for when the sales tax expires in 2022 to allow for future operations.
F8:
Remi Vista, Inc.is jeopardizing the mental health stability and recovery time of its child clients by failing to meet its legal obligation to provide mental health services within 30 days, as required by California state law, without consequence.
F9:
There is very little productive collaboration among Mental Health stakeholders, including local medical providers, local law enforcement, tribal social service agencies, local schools, private non- profits and the community at large to maximize the limited resources available in Del Norte County for the mentally ill.
F10:
Underrepresented populations in Del Norte County cannot utilize Mental Health services due to a lack of outreach, its poor location and its centralized services.
Additional Recommendations
9
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
While both the Local Board and the 41st State Board memberships are effectively working together, there needs to be a dispute resolution structure put into place in case membership changes or diverging priorities result in conflict.
R2:
The Local Board should make a greater effort to publicize and reach out to the community for greater participation. Increasing the posting of the agenda’s locations, utilizing the electronic sign near the highway, greater exposure of the meetings on the website should be offered. The minutes from each Local Board meeting should be posted for greater public engagement.
R3:
The lease agreement between the State of California and Local Board to assume control and operations from the 41st State Board should be resubmitted and promoted when a new Governor is elected in November of 2018.
R4:
The Local Board financial committee should be more formalized and operate in accordance with their own Financial and Accounting Policies and Procedures adopted October 29, 2015.
R5:
Without Local Board control, the public may wish to explore resubmitting the question of a sales tax on the ballot.
R6:
The MOU authorizing the grant of funds from the Local Board to the 41st State Board should be followed. More detailed information should be provided by the 41st State Board as to the purpose of the Del Norte County taxpayer funds and how they will be spent. The Local Board should place more explicit restrictions on the use of the funds to ensure Del Norte County taxpayer funds are not being used in improper ways on State of California property.
R7:
The Local Board should provide more detailed accounting of income, expenditures, and transfers to provide greater transparency and accountability to the public. 8 2017/2018 Del Norte Grand Jury Local Application and Effects of Assembly Bill 109, Public Safety Realignment Act
R8:
For F8, Department of Health and Human Services should issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) prior to the next fiscal year, seeking bids for mental health services for children. Other organizations may be able to offer the same or better services, demonstrated through the bidding process, at a savings to Del Norte County taxpayers. The Department should re-seek bids every three years to keep services competitive. Beginning with the next fiscal year, financial assessments should be included in any contract for services for the failure of the contractor to comply with its statutory requirements to provide services to children. Public input should also be encouraged as part of an open and transparent evaluation process.
R9:
For F3, F9 and F10, Mental Health should become more of a public presence in the community, with increased active outreach to encourage greater participation in services by the community. Mental Health should also decentralize its operations, establishing easily- accessible services in facilities in the outlying areas of Del Norte County, including Smith River, Klamath and Gasquet.
Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
The investigators finds that Mental Health Branch employees are to be commended for their efforts in dealing with the mental health needs of this county, displayed in their passion for the work. Employees are underpaid, assigned rapidly-growing caseloads, struggle with a lack of cohesive communication between other departments and local mental health stakeholders, and are frustrated by a lack of support by their own and other Del Norte County administrators. They come to work every day hoping to make a positive impact on the mental health issues affecting the people of Del Norte County.
F2:
The investigators find that Judge William Follett is to be commended for his innovative endeavor in creating Integrated Treatment Court, bringing together mental health stakeholders, the courts and law enforcement in an unfunded, collaborative relationship that seems to be working.
F3:
Management at DHHS believes that the mental health issues of Del Norte County are being addressed successfully; however, that does not appear to be the case considering the high suicide rate for the county, and the increased number of homeless living on its streets. 18
F4:
Top-level management appears out-of-touch to Mental Health stakeholders and staff with regards to support, recognition, concerns, issues, or suggestions for program improvements.
F5:
Many people with mental health issues have ended up in the criminal justice system, because their conditions progressed to a more severe state due to lack of treatment. Some of them are in the Del Norte County jail because there is simply no other place to safely house them.
F6:
Many people with mental health issues are living homeless, are transported out of the county and away from their families and support network, or are in jail because Del Norte County lacks suitable facilities for its mentally ill.
F7:
Those in mental health crisis are at high risk of hurting themselves or others due to the time it takes to get services while in, or immediately following, crisis stabilization. A lack of sufficient staff has caused Mental Health to risk the lives of those people, and conceivably, the safety of others in the community, due to overwhelming caseloads, delay in assessing and treating clients, and failure to track those who do not show up for appointments.
F8:
Remi Vista, Inc.is jeopardizing the mental health stability and recovery time of its child clients by failing to meet its legal obligation to provide mental health services within 30 days, as required by California state law, without consequence.
F9:
There is very little productive collaboration among Mental Health stakeholders, including local medical providers, local law enforcement, tribal social service agencies, local schools, private non- profits and the community at large to maximize the limited resources available in Del Norte County for the mentally ill.
F10:
Underrepresented populations in Del Norte County cannot utilize Mental Health services due to a lack of outreach, its poor location and its centralized services.
Additional Recommendations
9
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
For F3, F5, F6, F7, and F10, it is recommended that Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the people of Del Norte County recognize that mental health-related issues is among one of its most serious problems. Although mental health issues cannot be solved overnight, Del Norte County has an opportunity to make a significant impact locally, but it will require financial commitment of current general fund monies, as well as additional funding sources, including a tax levy similar to that approved for library funding or to support the fairgrounds.
R2:
For F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, and F10, it is recommended that a group of mental health stakeholders consisting of representatives of Mental Health, law enforcement, courts, Probation, Del Norte County healthcare providers, Tribal health services, community non-profit and faith-based organizations, and current and former clients meet regularly to address the mental health needs of Del Norte County in a receptive and proactive collaborative effort.
R3:
For F3, F4 and F9, top-level management at the Department of Health and Human Services should show more of a presence in the community to better understand the needs of those with 19 mental health issues. It is also strongly recommended that top-level management create a communication system that generates, encourages, receives and grows input from mental health stakeholders regarding those issues in Del Norte County related to mental health.
R4:
For F5 and F6, it is recommended that Del Norte County agencies actively seek alternatives to criminalization and incarceration of those with mental health issues, including feasibility studies for law enforcement-social workers ride-along programs, and for suicide prevention specialists who can work alongside 911 dispatchers.
R5:
For F3, F7, and F9, Del Norte County Department of Health and Human Services should begin recruitment of Mental Health therapists, both local and nationwide, focusing on incentives for retention, including paid tuition, tuition forgiveness, and pay competitive with other Del Norte County employers.
R6:
For F6, Mental Health should conduct a feasibility study to determine whether a Crisis Stabilization Unit at Sutter Coast Hospital would be cost effective, taking into consideration the benefits associated with a patient’s ability to access his or her support network.
R7:
For F7, Mental Health should immediately begin client tracking to follow up on clients who miss appointments, including calls to designated families or friends, to determine the reason for the missed appointments.
R8:
For F8, Department of Health and Human Services should issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) prior to the next fiscal year, seeking bids for mental health services for children. Other organizations may be able to offer the same or better services, demonstrated through the bidding process, at a savings to Del Norte County taxpayers. The Department should re-seek bids every three years to keep services competitive. Beginning with the next fiscal year, financial assessments should be included in any contract for services for the failure of the contractor to comply with its statutory requirements to provide services to children. Public input should also be encouraged as part of an open and transparent evaluation process.
R9:
For F3, F9 and F10, Mental Health should become more of a public presence in the community, with increased active outreach to encourage greater participation in services by the community. Mental Health should also decentralize its operations, establishing easily- accessible services in facilities in the outlying areas of Del Norte County, including Smith River, Klamath and Gasquet.
Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
The Del Norte County Fairgrounds is an important community resource.
F2:
The Local Board is in compliance with the LAFCo structure.
F3:
Both the 41st State Board and the Local Board combined meetings help to allow for sharing of information necessary for oversight.
F4:
The 41st State Board and the Local Board members are working together effectively to provide continued operations of the fairground. 7
F5:
While the 41st State Board has submitted requests for funding and the Local Board has approved transfers of funds, there is limited information provided regarding specific spending elements and restrictions on the use of the transferred funds.
F6:
The Local Board adopted a Financial Committee to provide information according to state law. It has been operating in conjunction with the 41st State Board but it is on an informal basis.
F7:
The Local Board is utilizing sales tax revenue to provide for current operation of the Del Norte County Fair and year round events, but is also building up reserve funds for when the sales tax expires in 2022 to allow for future operations.
F8:
Remi Vista, Inc.is jeopardizing the mental health stability and recovery time of its child clients by failing to meet its legal obligation to provide mental health services within 30 days, as required by California state law, without consequence.
F9:
There is very little productive collaboration among Mental Health stakeholders, including local medical providers, local law enforcement, tribal social service agencies, local schools, private non- profits and the community at large to maximize the limited resources available in Del Norte County for the mentally ill.
F10:
Underrepresented populations in Del Norte County cannot utilize Mental Health services due to a lack of outreach, its poor location and its centralized services.
Additional Recommendations
9
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
While both the Local Board and the 41st State Board memberships are effectively working together, there needs to be a dispute resolution structure put into place in case membership changes or diverging priorities result in conflict.
R2:
The Local Board should make a greater effort to publicize and reach out to the community for greater participation. Increasing the posting of the agenda’s locations, utilizing the electronic sign near the highway, greater exposure of the meetings on the website should be offered. The minutes from each Local Board meeting should be posted for greater public engagement.
R3:
The lease agreement between the State of California and Local Board to assume control and operations from the 41st State Board should be resubmitted and promoted when a new Governor is elected in November of 2018.
R4:
The Local Board financial committee should be more formalized and operate in accordance with their own Financial and Accounting Policies and Procedures adopted October 29, 2015.
R5:
Without Local Board control, the public may wish to explore resubmitting the question of a sales tax on the ballot.
R6:
The MOU authorizing the grant of funds from the Local Board to the 41st State Board should be followed. More detailed information should be provided by the 41st State Board as to the purpose of the Del Norte County taxpayer funds and how they will be spent. The Local Board should place more explicit restrictions on the use of the funds to ensure Del Norte County taxpayer funds are not being used in improper ways on State of California property.
R7:
The Local Board should provide more detailed accounting of income, expenditures, and transfers to provide greater transparency and accountability to the public. 8 2017/2018 Del Norte Grand Jury Local Application and Effects of Assembly Bill 109, Public Safety Realignment Act
R8:
For F8, Department of Health and Human Services should issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) prior to the next fiscal year, seeking bids for mental health services for children. Other organizations may be able to offer the same or better services, demonstrated through the bidding process, at a savings to Del Norte County taxpayers. The Department should re-seek bids every three years to keep services competitive. Beginning with the next fiscal year, financial assessments should be included in any contract for services for the failure of the contractor to comply with its statutory requirements to provide services to children. Public input should also be encouraged as part of an open and transparent evaluation process.
R9:
For F3, F9 and F10, Mental Health should become more of a public presence in the community, with increased active outreach to encourage greater participation in services by the community. Mental Health should also decentralize its operations, establishing easily- accessible services in facilities in the outlying areas of Del Norte County, including Smith River, Klamath and Gasquet.
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
The lack of a strategic plan or mission statement to guide the Community Corrections Partnership limits the effectiveness in attaining the goal of reducing recidivism and the intent of AB109 mandates.
F2:
Public awareness of the CCP is limited due to an unpredictable meeting schedule. The public is not informed of the work and progress of the CCP and partner agencies.
F3:
Incomplete oversight from the entities responsible for the assessment and evaluation of the Chief Probation Officer results in a lack of accountability for the position.
F4:
Vacant positions on the CCP board are not filled in a timely manner creating an imbalance.
F5:
There are few rehabilitation programs at the local level, which contributes to recidivism.
F6:
There is no formal policy for choosing who is released early from the jail. It is left to the discretion of the Sheriff’s Department to decide who is released to free up space.
Additional Recommendations
6
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
With input from the public the CCP Executive Committee should create and implement a comprehensive strategic plan and mission statement to guide the CCP. This will allow the CCP to focus the development and implementation of programs and services to better serve AB109 clients and the community leading to the successful reintegration of inmates and supervisees into the community.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that the CCP agendas, minutes and supporting documentation are posted on the Del Norte County website in a timely manner. The Grand Jury recommends that the CCP perform an annual presentation to the Board of Supervisors and public on the state of Community Corrections in Del Norte County.
R3:
Del Norte County and the Del Norte Superior Court should adopt a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the roles and responsibilities of both agencies in the supervision, accountability, evaluation and professional development of the Chief Probation Officer.
R4:
The CCP should fill all of the vacant positions, allowing for a variety of viewpoints. The CCP would be advised to locate a public participant to sit on the CCP committee, preferably a current or former probationary client.
R5:
The CCP should re-examine the establishment of a Day Reporting Center to assist AB109 clients in getting support, supervision, drug testing, electronic monitoring, mental health and drug/alcohol dependency treatment services.
R6:
The Sheriff’s Department should create a formal policy for the early release of inmates from the county jail to allow for increased reporting and statistical information to be gathered while coordinating with partner agencies ensuring public safety.
Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
The Del Norte County Fairgrounds is an important community resource.
F2:
The Local Board is in compliance with the LAFCo structure.
F3:
Both the 41st State Board and the Local Board combined meetings help to allow for sharing of information necessary for oversight.
F4:
The 41st State Board and the Local Board members are working together effectively to provide continued operations of the fairground. 7
F5:
While the 41st State Board has submitted requests for funding and the Local Board has approved transfers of funds, there is limited information provided regarding specific spending elements and restrictions on the use of the transferred funds.
F6:
The Local Board adopted a Financial Committee to provide information according to state law. It has been operating in conjunction with the 41st State Board but it is on an informal basis.
F7:
The Local Board is utilizing sales tax revenue to provide for current operation of the Del Norte County Fair and year round events, but is also building up reserve funds for when the sales tax expires in 2022 to allow for future operations.
F8:
Remi Vista, Inc.is jeopardizing the mental health stability and recovery time of its child clients by failing to meet its legal obligation to provide mental health services within 30 days, as required by California state law, without consequence.
F9:
There is very little productive collaboration among Mental Health stakeholders, including local medical providers, local law enforcement, tribal social service agencies, local schools, private non- profits and the community at large to maximize the limited resources available in Del Norte County for the mentally ill.
F10:
Underrepresented populations in Del Norte County cannot utilize Mental Health services due to a lack of outreach, its poor location and its centralized services.
Additional Recommendations
9
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
While both the Local Board and the 41st State Board memberships are effectively working together, there needs to be a dispute resolution structure put into place in case membership changes or diverging priorities result in conflict.
R2:
The Local Board should make a greater effort to publicize and reach out to the community for greater participation. Increasing the posting of the agenda’s locations, utilizing the electronic sign near the highway, greater exposure of the meetings on the website should be offered. The minutes from each Local Board meeting should be posted for greater public engagement.
R3:
The lease agreement between the State of California and Local Board to assume control and operations from the 41st State Board should be resubmitted and promoted when a new Governor is elected in November of 2018.
R4:
The Local Board financial committee should be more formalized and operate in accordance with their own Financial and Accounting Policies and Procedures adopted October 29, 2015.
R5:
Without Local Board control, the public may wish to explore resubmitting the question of a sales tax on the ballot.
R6:
The MOU authorizing the grant of funds from the Local Board to the 41st State Board should be followed. More detailed information should be provided by the 41st State Board as to the purpose of the Del Norte County taxpayer funds and how they will be spent. The Local Board should place more explicit restrictions on the use of the funds to ensure Del Norte County taxpayer funds are not being used in improper ways on State of California property.
R7:
The Local Board should provide more detailed accounting of income, expenditures, and transfers to provide greater transparency and accountability to the public. 8 2017/2018 Del Norte Grand Jury Local Application and Effects of Assembly Bill 109, Public Safety Realignment Act
R8:
For F8, Department of Health and Human Services should issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) prior to the next fiscal year, seeking bids for mental health services for children. Other organizations may be able to offer the same or better services, demonstrated through the bidding process, at a savings to Del Norte County taxpayers. The Department should re-seek bids every three years to keep services competitive. Beginning with the next fiscal year, financial assessments should be included in any contract for services for the failure of the contractor to comply with its statutory requirements to provide services to children. Public input should also be encouraged as part of an open and transparent evaluation process.
R9:
For F3, F9 and F10, Mental Health should become more of a public presence in the community, with increased active outreach to encourage greater participation in services by the community. Mental Health should also decentralize its operations, establishing easily- accessible services in facilities in the outlying areas of Del Norte County, including Smith River, Klamath and Gasquet.
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
The staff was very helpful, informative, and
F2:
Bar O Boys Ranch is a 42-bed facility with seven boys
F3:
Repairs are needed for the kitchen ventilation system. At
F4:
The kitchen was found to be clean and well utilized.
F5:
Two inmates escaped from the facility on January 24,
F6:
CDCR takes eligible offenders from the County Jail through
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends that the County investigate
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends to the Board of Supervisors
R3:
A roofing inspection is recommended for the main hall to
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Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The Abatement budget is insufficient to accomplish the goal of eliminating blight in Del
F2:
Processing of cases by Code Enforcement requires time & judicious discretion concerning
F3:
Education is lacking in proper means of trash disposal and creating a culture of community
F4:
There is no set dollar amount for Code Enforcement in the DNSWMA budget though it is
F5:
Code Enforcement investigates only complaints received from citizens of the county.
Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Increase the budget allocation for Code Enforcement abatement.
R2:
Continue judicious prioritizing & processing of Code Enforcement nuisance/blight
R3:
Increase community education about proper trash disposal through radio, newspaper, and
R4:
Continue seeking grants through Calrecycle.
R5:
Complete revision of County Nuisance Code with clear definitions, and a mission statement.
R6:
If additional funds are secured, create an account that could be used to fund abatements.
R7:
Establish an agreement between DNSWMA and Code Enforcement for a set amount of
R8:
There are many violations that are not reported by citizens that Code Enforcement could be
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Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
Jail capacity is 165 beds made up of eight male housing units and two female
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
At the time of the tour the 110 bed facility housed
F2:
The facility was neat, clean, and orderly.
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F2:
Four teams of three correctional officers and two technicians working twelve-
F3:
A self-imposed cap is in place of 105 inmates due to lack of adequate staffing.
F4:
Inmates are housed based on compatibility to mitigate violence within the jail.
F5:
The kitchen and kitchen equipment were clean, and food storage areas were
F6:
A strip of baseboard was pealed back from the wall in one of the hallways. The
F7:
In the Commander’s office a leak through the window has caused damage to the
F8:
Nonviolent offenders are sometimes released early to make room for incoming
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends that the County Border program be utilized
R2:
In order to maintain a safe and compliant detention facility, it is recommended
R3:
Continued monitoring is recommended for the leaky window in the
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Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
At the time of the tour the 44 bed facility housed ten
F2:
The facility was found to be clean and orderly.
F3:
Food is prepared at the County Jail and delivered to the
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury feels this facility is under utilized. It
R2:
The facility has a large, professional kitchen. It is
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Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.