Grand Jury Responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, “Envisioning the Future

Programs such as those run by the Public Defender’s Office and CAFES that reduce recidivism are effective because they give former inmates the mental health and/or substance abuse treatments they need, as well as case management and supportive housing. _X_ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender (PDO) strongly agrees with this finding. The holistic model employed by PDO, which provides social workers and client advocates as part of the confidential legal team, provides for earlier identification of mental health and substance use disorders and seamless connection to supportive services.

Lack of continuing care for released inmates, most especially those with mental illness, SUD and/or who will be homeless after release, significantly contributes to recidivism, which then contributes to the need for a new jail. _X_ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): PDO agrees that the inaccessibility of continuing care and housing resources for people exiting custody contributes to cascading consequences. Too often, people are released to the streets with no housing and no ability to access treatment upon release and end up back in custody in short order. An investment in intensive case management and supportive or transitional housing resources for those exiting custody would likely lead to a reduction in recidivism.

Some continuing care does exist, but is massively underfunded, especially for former inmates who need supportive housing. _X_ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): There is a need for additional continuing care in the community, particularly for those suffering from mental illness or substance use disorders. Supportive housing is especially critical for former inmates who are unhoused and struggling with these challenges. There is also a need to make continuing care that does exist less diffuse and difficult to access.