📋
Extraído del Informe Consolidado
Esta investigación fue publicada originalmente como parte de un informe consolidado más amplio que contiene múltiples investigaciones. Consulte el PDF consolidado para ver el documento completo.
⚠️ 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 7 findings
F1
Page 169
The MCGJ finds that the JDF provides education, counseling, and training programs to enable youth to transition into life with families and communities.
F2
Page 174
The MCGJ finds that MBHS has insufficient professional development training for their employees, not just for the benefit of the staff, but also supporting their own goal of being able to grow their own professionals in response to the workforce crisis. 173
F3
Page 175
The MCGJ finds that the outreach efforts are inadequate to the Hispanic/Latino population.
F4
Page 175
The MCGJ finds that the sterile nature of the facilities where services are conducted do not support the therapeutic environment essential for connection.
F5
Page 175
The MCGJ finds that the new C.A.R.E.S mobile crisis team is a very valuable resource for the county, however it lacks sufficient public exposure to develop awareness and trust in the community.
F6
Page 175
The MCGJ finds that MBHS is not providing support to their employees regarding their own well-being and mental health.
F7
Page 175
The MCGJ wants to commend the staff of MBHS for their dedication and commitment to improving the wellness of the community.
Recommendations 6
-
R1Page 169The MCGJ recommends that the JDF continue to provide excellent services and programs. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requests responses as follows: From the following elected officials : Board of Supervisors 200 West Fourth Street Madera, CA 93637 INVITED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requests responses as follows: From the following governing body : Madera County Chief Probation Officer 300 South G Street Suite 100 Madera CA 93637 Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) 2590 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA. 95833 Madera County Juvenile Justice Commission 300 South G Street Suite 100 Madera CA 93637 169 170 This Page Intentionally Left Blank 171 Madera County’s Behavioral Health Services Madera County Grand Jury Final Report 2324-02 June 19, 2024 SUMMARY: Every generation has its challenges, and how individuals deal with those challenges varies from person to person. In the past, the topic of mental health was widely misunderstood and even considered taboo. In recent years, mental health is more openly talked about in schools, workplaces, social circles, and the media. This seems even more prevalent since the Covid-19 pandemic that the world endured. Many people are realizing that mental health struggles are common, and help is available. The 2023-2024 Madera County Grand Jury (MCGJ) investigated the Madera County Department of Behavioral Health Services (MBHS) to determine how MBHS is supporting the community in their mental health and well-being. The MCGJ found that MBHS has many beneficial programs to address mental health, substance use disorders, and crisis situations, as well as very dedicated staff that make a difference in the lives of many. The MCGJ also found that MBHS has long-term issues in both employee and client retention that has negatively impacted current and future services. While a variety of funding continues to come in for the expansion of services for the changing and growing needs of the community, without properly addressing the current issues, the success and support of MBHS clients is limited. BACKGROUND: Americans are seeing a decrease in the restrictions implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the impact on mental health has remained. Youth and adults alike experienced sudden and extreme isolation, instability, and loss, and there has been a significant increase in depression, anxiety, suicide rates, and substance use. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults and one in six youth (ages 6-17) experience a mental health disorder each year. Now more than ever, services and support for mental health and substance abuse disorders are essential to the community. This led the Madera County Grand Jury (MCGJ) to investigate how the Madera County Department of Behavioral Health Services (MBHS) addresses these drastic needs. Behavioral Health is a relatively new term that is often used interchangeably with mental health; however, there are fundamental differences between the two that impact the diagnosis and treatment of the concerns. While mental health has to do with thoughts and feelings, behavioral health has more to do with a person's actions. Diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, and schizophrenia all fall under the mental health umbrella, and substance abuse, gambling addictions, and eating disorders fall under the behavioral health definition. Many individuals struggle with both mental and behavioral health issues. According to reports published in the Journal of American Medical Association, roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental health disorders are also affected by substance abuse. These disorders, called co-occurring disorders, are treatable conditions best addressed simultaneously. The MBHS offers mental health and alcohol and drug services for all ages across Madera County, with offices in Madera, Chowchilla, and Oakhurst. Services are primarily for individuals with Medi-Cal, low-income, or the uninsured. Their mission statement is to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and substance abuse for the individual, families, and communities we serve by providing accessible, caring, and culturally competent services. These services include assessments, counseling/therapy, psychiatric evaluation and treatment, case management, prevention and educational courses, and crisis services. In 2023, the MBHS had an operating budget of $41,223,600. These funds come from multiple sources, including health care programs, state funds, assembly bills, and various block grants.
-
R2Page 175The MCGJ recommends that MBHS update its Workforce Training Policy to expand the number of professional development training sessions and certifications available to employees, with costs incurred by MBHS of the MCGJ report posting.
-
R3Page 175The MCGJ recommends that MBHS add Spanish-language media outlets to their outreach efforts to the Hispanic/Latino community of the MCGJ report posting.
-
R4Page 175The MCGJ recommends that MBHS consult with a professional of the MCGJ report posting to improve the interior of the treatment areas and create a more therapeutic environment.
-
R5Page 175The MCGJ recommends that MBHS coordinate press releases, local news coverage, and social media campaigns to highlight the C.A.R.E.S. team and their services of the MCGJ report posting. 174
-
R6Page 176The MCGJ recommends that MBHS implement an internal program to support the well-being and mental health of its employees of the MCGJ report posting. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the MCGJ requests responses as follows; From the following elected county officials : Madera County Board of Supervisors 200 W. 4th St. #4 Madera, CA 93637 INVITED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the MCGJ requests responses as follows; From the following governing bodies : Director of Madera County Department of Behavioral Health 209 E. 7th St., Madera, CA 93638 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 This Page Intentionally left Blank 195 Madera County Animal Services: It’s A Dog’s Life Madera County Grand Jury Final Report 2324-03 June 19, 2024