Response to Grand Jury Report Report Title: Inspections of Custody and Correction Facilities in Humboldt County Report

The county agrees with the findings numbered F6 an F8.

Lengthy vetting, onboarding, recruitment and retention problems in both the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and Humboldt County Mental Health impede the effective delivery of mental health care. (R2) Response: Disagree Between 2018 and 2020, the Human Resources (HR) department reviewed the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding practices. HR took steps to mitigate the time between recruitments and created a streamlined recruitment process that allows departments to move through each recruitment quickly. Eligible candidates are placed on a Referred List, which is sent electronically to the department. When each recruitment is complete, candidates who pass the oral exam are considered eligible for hire. 2

The county disagrees with the finding F2.

Sempervirens Psychiatric Health Facility has a physical atmosphere that is not conducive to mental health rehabilitation. This facility needs to be replaced with a larger, modern facility designed to accommodate both adults and juveniles for the patients’ well-being. (R5) Response: Partially agree The county is in the process of developing a Facilities Master Plan which will guide construction of new county facilities. While this process is sure to be an extended and expensive one, developing a cohesive master plan that details facility needs for all county departments will help ensure better planning and financing to complete the project.

Mental health services would be improved if step-down housing was provided for patients as they exit secure facilities. (R6) Response: Agree

Increasing the Mobile Response Team hours of availability would improve service to those in need of immediate mental health intervention while reducing the burden incurred by law enforcement and hospital emergency rooms. (R7) Response: Partially agree The Mobile Response Team’s (MRT) work has been effective, improving service and meeting a community need. The MRT is funded by grants and is subject to limited funding availability.

Laura’s Law (AB1421) has been found to be beneficial in the California counties that have adopted it. Adoption of Laura’s Law by Humboldt County would provide a major option for treatment of people suffering from mental illness. (R8) Response: Agree The Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)-Behavioral Health has been exploring bringing this program to our county. Behavioral Health hosted a training on Laura’s Law in 2019 and invited County and 3 community stakeholders. The courts, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Probation and Humboldt County Correctional Facility would all need to support the creation and sustainability of this program.