Amador County 2007-2008 Grand Jury Report Amador County Health & Human Services Building

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  State the recommendations as stated in the 2007-2008 Grand Jury report. Follow this same procedure for each recommendation you respond to. Response by Department Head State your detailed response to the recommendations. This should include progress on your planned actions. This format is the standard format used by all agencies when responding to Grand Jury reports. viii AMADOR COUNTY CITIZENS COMPLAINTS The Grand Jury is empowered to investigate complaints from citizens, civic groups, government employees and others about the workings of local government or the conduct of its officers or employees. Our primary function and the most important reason for our existence is the examination of all aspects of local government, including: cities, special districts and school districts. The Grand Jury is a guardian of public trust in local government. We exist to assure honest, efficient government in the best interests of all people. CONFIDENTIALITY In all of our proceedings and investigations we are sworn to maintain secrecy. As a Grand Jury we apply the same objective standard of conduct and responsibility to all persons and we are charged to avoid being influenced by sentiment, conjecture, sympathy, public feelings, passion or prejudice. COMPLAINT PROCESS While the Grand Jury will investigate complaints presented to it in any form, it is desirous that this form be used whenever possible. Please identify the specific problem and describe the circumstances. Document your complaint with all available evidence and submit copies of all available documents. The Complaint Form may be downloaded at: http://www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/grandjury Mail your complaint to: AMADOR COUNTY GRAND JURY P.O. BOX 249 JACKSON, CA 95642 ix Health & Human Services Amador County Health & Human Services Agency Proposition 63 Grant Funding Introduction: As authorized by Section 925 of the California Penal Code, the 2007-2008 Grand Jury elected to review the Amador County Health and Human Services Agency's progress in obtaining funds for services mandated by the voters' passage in November 2004 of Proposition 63: Mental Health Services Expansion Funding; Tax on Personal Incomes Above $1 Million; and Initiative Statute. Background: An investigation by the 2005-2006 Amador County Grand Jury responding to a citizen complaint that the Amador County Health and Human Service Agency had not received grant (referred to as "Plan") monies from the State for the 2004-2005 fiscal year while other counties did. The 2005-2006 Grand Jury's Final report found that Amador County's first plan submitted was rejected; subsequently, an experienced grant writer was hired to prepare the next submission to the State. No counties received grants until 2006, when Stanislaus County’s plan was approved and funded. As of March 2006, only Los Angeles County had a plan approved. The 2006-2007 Amador County Grand Jury reiterated the findings of the 2005-2006 Grand Jury Follow-Up Report and included responses from the Director of Health and Human Services Agency and the Amador County Board of Supervisors. Method of Review: Individuals Interviewed: Director, Amador County Health and Human Services Agency Documents Reviewed: The 2005-2006 Amador County Grand Jury Final Report. The 2006-2007 Amador County Grand Jury Final Report Director, Amador County Health and Human Services Agency's "Information for Grand Jury Memo." Proposition 63 "Mental Health Services Expansion, Funding Initiative Statute” including “Official Title and Summary,” prepared by the Attorney General; Analysis Prepared by the Legislative Analyst; and “Arguments and Rebuttals For and Against Proposition 63.” These documents can be found at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/bp_nov04/prop_63_legislative_analysis.pdf. Facts: 1. Proposition 63 was passed by the people of California in November 2004, providing funds to counties to expand services and develop innovative programs and integrated service plans for mentally ill children, adults and seniors, and requiring the State to develop mental health service programs including prevention, early intervention, education and training programs. 2. According to the Initiative, beginning in 2004-2005, revenues deposited in the Mental Health Services Fund were to be used to create new county mental health care programs and to expand some existing programs. Specifically, the funds could be used for the following activities: Adult System of Care; Prevention and Early Intervention; Wraparound Services for Families; Innovation Programs; Mental Health Workforce; Education and Training; Capital Facilities and Technology; and Oversight and Administration. 3. California Proposition 63 funds are provided to counties who develop and submit approved Plans. Amador County received $84,000 as part of the Oversight and Administration portion to begin the process of drafting and submitting a three year Plan for the delivery of mental health services within its jurisdictions. 4. The first two submissions of the three year Plan were returned for revision; the third submission was accepted on February 13, 2008. 5. Health and Human Services Agency placed the approved Plan on the Amador County Board of Supervisors agenda at the March 3, 2008 meeting. 6. The Health and Human Services Agency anticipates receiving an initial $523,768 which is expected to cover approximately one-half of fiscal year 2007-2008.