Board of Supervisors*

The Mental Health Advisory Board had not followed the recommendations of the 2013 - 2014 Grand Jury report and instead was less communicative and less effective. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The 2013-14 Grand Jury report on the Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) made findings and recommendations which have resulted in positive developments. In the recently released "Santa Cruz County Mental Health Advisory Board Revisited" report, the Grand Jury acknowledged recent changes and signs of improvement including: "Board members discussed the need to establish structure and goals, assign 0 roles, establish meeting dates, make recommendations to the BOS, and to develop a strategic plan for the coming year. The strategic plan will focus on recruiting potential new members and on . collecting data to support their recommendations to the BOS. HSA offered the department's full support for the MHAB, and will budget to cover the cost of a training and meeting facilitator, as well as a dedicated note taker to maintain proper agendas and minutes." Pages 4 and 5 of the Grand Jury 2015-16 report, titled "Recent Changes," further outlines positive actions taken by the Board of Supervisors.

The Mental Health Advisory Board is not meeting the requirements of the Mental Health Services Act or achieving its own goals to advocate for persons with mental illness and to increase community awareness on issues related to mental health. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): With the new chair and additional MHAB members, and the establishment of a defined structure and goals, roles and responsibilities, as well as a strategic plan, the MHAB will further enhance its advocacy for persons with mental illness and increase community awareness on issues related to mental health. The MHAB has reviewed and commented on all Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) budget and initiative proposals as presented by the HSA Behavioral Health Director and his staff.

The Board of Supervisors is providing little or no direction, no specific goals and objectives, and no comprehensive training on how to be an effective advisory board. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The specific direction, goals and objectives of the Mental Health Advisory Board are provided by statute and located in County Code Sec. 2.104.050, "Powers and Duties." The goals and objectives of the Mental Health Advisory Board are also spelled out on the Board's website, as noted by the Grand Jury: "The Santa Cruz County Mental Health Advisory Board provides advice to the governing body (Board of Supervisors) and the local mental health director. They provide oversight and monitoring of the local mental health system as well as advocate for persons with mental illness." Training for County Boards, Commissions or Committees is provided at the staff level. The Board is provided with materials and information as needed to perform its advisory function effectively.

Mental Health Advisory Board members attribute some of their deficiencies to the difficulty of filling vacant positions. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion <b>DISAGREE</b> - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

The Mental Health Advisory Board takes no responsibility for investigation or possible action on issues raised at their meetings, and there is no general process available for the public to raise concerns. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion <b>DISAGREE</b> - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): With the establishment of defined structure, goals, roles and responsibilities for MHAB members as well as the development of a strategic plan, the MHAB will continue to embrace and ensure review of complaints/issues that are "system" issues and not individual or personality issues. Meeting minutes and agendas will reflect concerns and actions taken to resolve the concerns.

Without any regular communication with the Board of Supervisors, except a written report once every two years, the Mental Health Advisory Board is not fulfilling its advisory responsibility. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The MHAB has met statutory requirements in submitting written reports to the Board of Supervisors. The MHAB has direct communications with the HSA Behavioral Health Director to collaborate on issues and issues and to make suggestions for new initiatives and/or improvement. The HSA Behavioral Health Director has included the MHAB's input on the County's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Strategic Plan and has brought forward the plan to the County Board of Supervisors.

The Mental Health Advisory Board receives a great deal of information from local mental health agencies and professionals on available programs and services, but there is no mechanism to circulate and share the information with the community and to keep local mental health professionals up to date. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion <b>DISAGREE</b> – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The new MHAB chair is working with MHAB Board and the HSA Behavioral Health Director to circulate and post relevant information regarding mental health programs and services to keep local mental health professionals up-to-date.

The Grand Jury's involvement has resulted in an increased recognition that an effective Mental Health Advisory Board is important to the community and that more positive steps are needed for continuing improvement. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion <b>DISAGREE</b> – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):