Score: +8
(8/5/0)
Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
Humboldt County, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and the Streets What Works?
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The Crisis Alternative Response Eureka program demonstrates a successful, proactive model for compassionately providing Eureka with community based, high-quality, easy-access mental health and substance use mobile crisis services. These services help people to live better lives and benefit everyone in our community.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
When people are housed, mentally stable, and free of substance abuse, they use less community resources, resulting in significant savings to our community. (R1)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors commission a study to determine the cost/benefit relationship between providing Mobile Intervention and Services Team services to at-risk citizens versus continuing to use other community resources for untreated people. This study is to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. For funding recommendations, see the wording below Recommendation #5. (F2, F3)
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F3
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
When people are housed, mentally stable, and free of substance abuse, they are more likely to contribute financially to our community, resulting in economic stimulus in our community. (R1)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors commission a study to determine the cost/benefit relationship between providing Mobile Intervention and Services Team services to at-risk citizens versus continuing to use other community resources for untreated people. This study is to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. For funding recommendations, see the wording below Recommendation #5. (F2, F3)
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F4
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Behavioral health and substance use programs that rely on grant funding for ongoing operations and staffing are always at risk of losing that funding. This reliance on grant funding places programs within Humboldt County at risk. (R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (4)
R2
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide permanent funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team to cover services that cannot be reimbursed by Medi-Cal. This funding is to be available by no later than July 1, 2025. For funding recommendations, see the wording below Recommendation #5. (F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
R3
Unless other funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team is secured prior to the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide sufficient funds to continue this program. This evaluation and potential financial commitment is to be completed by no later than April 1, 2026. For funding recommendations, see the wording below
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
R5
(F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
F5
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The newest version of the Mobile Intervention and Services Team uses Medi-Cal billing to access federal reimbursements for services provided. This revenue stream may be more sustainable than some used in the past, resulting in a more viable program. (R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (3)
R2
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide permanent funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team to cover services that cannot be reimbursed by Medi-Cal. This funding is to be available by no later than July 1, 2025. For funding recommendations, see the wording below Recommendation #5. (F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
R5
(F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
F6
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The program that allows the Mobile Intervention and Services Team to bill Medi-Cal and to receive reimbursements for services provided ends March 31, 2027, with no guarantee of continued funding. Without this revenue stream the MIST program may need to be reduced or eliminated. (R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (4)
R2
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide permanent funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team to cover services that cannot be reimbursed by Medi-Cal. This funding is to be available by no later than July 1, 2025. For funding recommendations, see the wording below Recommendation #5. (F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
R3
Unless other funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team is secured prior to the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide sufficient funds to continue this program. This evaluation and potential financial commitment is to be completed by no later than April 1, 2026. For funding recommendations, see the wording below
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
R5
(F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
F7
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The newest version of the Mobile Intervention and Services Team does not have a revenue stream for clients not covered by Medicare and Medicaid, which may result in a shortage of funding. Without a reliable funding source for these clients parts of the Mobile Intervention and Services Team may not be sustainable. (R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (4)
R2
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide permanent funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team to cover services that cannot be reimbursed by Medi-Cal. This funding is to be available by no later than July 1, 2025. For funding recommendations, see the wording below Recommendation #5. (F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
R3
Unless other funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team is secured prior to the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide sufficient funds to continue this program. This evaluation and potential financial commitment is to be completed by no later than April 1, 2026. For funding recommendations, see the wording below
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
R5
(F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
F8
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Mobile Intervention and Services Team have chronic difficulties filling open positions. Without stable staffing, the program cannot be effective. (R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (3)
R2
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provide permanent funding for the Mobile Intervention and Services Team to cover services that cannot be reimbursed by Medi-Cal. This funding is to be available by no later than July 1, 2025. For funding recommendations, see the wording below Recommendation #5. (F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
R5
(F4, F5, F6, F7, F8)
F9
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
During the 2022-2023 State of California Behavioral Health Justice Intervention Service’s one-year grant, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office did not adequately track calls for service involving law enforcement and staff from the Mobile Intervention and Services Team program. This resulted in incomplete data which could be used to improve the program. (R4)
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office develop and enact a plan to document calls for service where both the Mobile Intervention and Services Team and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office respond. This is to be completed by no later than January 1, 2025. (F9) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, and R3 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. The Grand Jury further recommends that the Board of Supervisors seek local academic partners to conduct R1 at minimal or no cost to the County. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation. ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report. ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All Findings, All Recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F9) and (R4,) INVITED RESPONSE The Department of Health and Human Services (F2-F9) and (R1-R4) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 5 the Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
Conclusions 2
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CL1 Page 13Preventative behavioral health, substance use treatment, and housing outreach, are critically important to everyone in our community, especially our unhoused population. Providing people with services before they reach a point of a crisis. More importantly, these people may live better lives when we help lift them out of difficult, sometimes desperate situations, and treat them with dignity. The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury found that our community has had several different programs to provide outreach and services for individuals in crisis. The original Mobile Intervention and Services Team (MIST), a collaboration between the Eureka Police Department and the Department of Health and Human Services, produced positive results for our community before ending in 2020. The Eureka Police Department Community Safety Enhancement Team provided services similar to the original MIST program until the Crisis Alternative Response Eureka program was created. Although it is new, the CARE program appears to be effective with steadily growing measures of success in the brief time it has been in operation. The recent one- year, grant-funded version of the Mobile Intervention and Services Team, in collaboration with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, did not display significant, tangible results. The current incarnation of MIST is too new to take any lessons from.
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CL2 Page 14Our evaluation of these programs indicated that a critical component for success was having a reliable funding source. A new program cannot grow to maturity and cannot be sustained without one. It’s similar to personal finances - if you’re not sure where next week’s paycheck is coming from, you’re not likely to make plans for next week. These outreach and intervention programs may be able to pay for themselves in the long run. Reduced need for ambulances, hospitalizations, law enforcement, and jails save significant amounts of money. People who are stable and have a home are much more likely to obtain and keep jobs, becoming contributing members of our economy. Everyone needs a chance, and everyone sometimes needs help. We find these necessities especially true for our unhoused citizens who struggle with behavioral health and substance use issues. Helping these vulnerable citizens lift themselves out of desperate situations is in the best interests of everyone in our community and is simply the right thing to do.
Agency Responses 5
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.