Riverside County Grand Jury • 2022-2023 • Agency Response
Response to: 23. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

Submittal to the Board of Supervisors County of Riverside, State of California Item: 3.28

Published: October 03, 2023 124 pages
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Findings 8 findings

F1
Despite reasonable efforts to improve the design of forms and to establish single points of contact, citizens still perceive intake forms as cumbersome; and
F2
The Civil Grand Jury finds lwo observations during this investigation: 1. Despite reasonable efforts to improve the design of forms and to establish single points of contact, citizens still perceive intake forms as cumbersome; and 2. Citizens expect governments to act proactively by initiating appropriate' government services themselves, instead of relying on requests for services from users. Therefore, offering County residents the convenience of having multiple needs met in one physical locatlon is a continuing need. Response: Agree The Riverside County Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) agrees with the findings presented by the Civil Grand Jury. Guided by our commitment to enhancing the community's well-being, we've collaboraled closely with RUHS-BH to address the challenges identified. Under our advisory capacity, we've overseen lransformative actions taken by RUHS-BH to improve service delivery, evident in the following examples: 1. Cumbersome lntake Forms:We undersland the concerns and frustrations of the intake process. With guidance from the Behavioral Health Commission, RUHS-BH iniliated a subcommittee to address and streamline the intake forms to make forms now more inclusive, accommodating cultural sensitivities and mulliple languages. RUHS- Behavioral Health has implemented the 'No Wrong Door" policy under the CalAlM iniliative, facilitating efficient service navigation for every client, regardless of their entry point. Additionally, the consolidation of multiple forms inlo one comprehensive form is currently underway. 2. Proactive Government Services: tn line with the Civil Grand Jury's recommendation for more proactive governmenl services, RUHS-BH has initiated the lntegrated Service Delivery (lSD) model, aiming for a holislic 'one-slop shop'for Riverside County residents. The pilot project at Jurupa Valley Community Health Center is a testament to this approach, ensuring that multiple county departments collaborale to provide an integrated service experience for the residents. Plans are undeMay for the remaining CHCs across the County. Additionally, RUHS-Behavioral Health's Mead Valley Wellness Village is a compelling embodiment of citizens' expectalions for proactive governmenl services. Rooled in the principle highlighted by lhe Civil Grand Jury that citizens anticipate govemments lo initiate essential services, the Wellness Village is a testament to Riverside County's commitment. By offering a comprehensive range of services in a single, accessible location, lhe village directly addresses the ongoing need for convenience and efficiency. With the Wellness Village, Riverside County proactively delivers on citizens'desire for a holistic and all-encompassing solution, reflecting a forward-thinking approach that aligns perfectly with the Civil Grand Jury's insights. The collaboration between the BHC and RUHS-BH underscores our mulual dedication to comprehensively addressing the community's behavioral health needs. As an advisory body, our responsibilities closeiy mirror the guiding principles behind RUHS-BH's actions. Our shared initiatives, as evidenced by our meeting highlights, have enthusiastically embraced the transformative possibilities presented by the CalAlM iniliative, particularly emphasizing Enhanced Care Management (ECl,,4) and ln-Lieu-of Services (ILOS). Our consistent review and assessment of the communily's mental health needs, service offerings, facilities, and unique challenges demonstrate this proactive alignment, all aimed at delivering tailored and impactful solutions. Over the past year and a half, the Behavioral Health Commission has consistently convened, placing significant emphasis on the inlegration and advancement of services under CalAlM, as exemplified in our meeting highlights: January 5, 2021: The Behavioral Health director highlighted the transformative potential of CalAlM for Medical services, wilh Enhanced Care l/anagement (Ectvl) and ln-Lieu-of Services (ILOS) being focal points. March 3, 2021: The multi-year vision of CalAlM was discussed, aiming at broad reforms to improve care quality and outcomes in Medi-Cal. July 7, 2021: Detailed discussions on initiatives like ECM and ILOS under CalAlM were held September I ,2021: A Report out that funds were earmarked for technological infrastructure updates to align with CalAlM's requirements. February 2,2022: Collaborative discussions with Oflice on Aging showcased the possibilities of integrated care and services. April 6,2022: CalAlM's Enhanced Care Management staffing plan was updated. May 4,2022: Opportunities Ior further integration with local community health plans were discussed, emphasizing CalAlM. June 1 ,2022: The Behavioral Health director discusses concerns about funding disparities in county behavioral health agencies. July 6,2022: lnsighls into upcoming CalAlM rollouts and their potential impacts This advisory body remains committed to enhancing services to Riverside County residents. Our collaboration with RuHs-Behavioral Health and the Board of Supervisors is evidence of our determination lo provide the best possible behavioral health services to our community.
F3
The Civil Grand Jury finds Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health has significant partnerships with Riverside County agencies and community partners to serve the needs of County residents Response: Agree The Riverside County Behavioral Health Commission (BHC), agrees with the Civil Grand Jury,s assessment regarding the pivotal role of partnerships within our community. Our slandpoint seamlessly corresponds with the highlighted findings that underscore the significance oi the collaborative efforts initiated by Riverside universily Health system - Behavioral Health (RUHS- BH), which have demonstrably enhanced the well-being of our community. At the core of our responsibilities lies scrutinizing and appraising our community's mental health requirements, services, {acilities, and unique challenges. We are entrusted with counseling the Board of Supervisors and RUHS-BH on all aspects of the local mental health program. To fulfill lhis mandate, we consistently emphasize the intrinsic value of fostering aclive partnerships to comprehend and effectively address the diverse needs of our community. ln alignment with the findings mentioned above, the BHC has closely observed and actively endorsed the sustained initiatives undertaken by RUHS-BH to fortify its collaborations with various Riverside County agencies and community partners. This commitment has been palpable throughout our interactions, encompassing a series of significant meetings that represent our collaborative efiorts. This has been evident in several of our meetings, including but not limited to the ones highlighted here: 1. September 1,2021 - The Prevention and Early lntervention manager presented the activities for Suicide Prevenlion Month. The theme adopted by RUHS-BH was 'Supportive Transitions - Reconnect, Re-enler, and Re-build." Notably, they emphasized lhe role of pharmacists in suicide prevention, leveraging partnerships to expand training and resources. Further, the Suicide Prevention Coalition, co-led by the Prevention and Early lntervention manager, provided quarterly insights into updated strategies and information on suicide prevention. 2. November 3, 2021 - The "Transforming Our Partnership for Student Success (TOPSS)" program was highlighted, addressing the need lo enhance student mental health. The Deputy Director of Children's and Transitional Age Youth Programs emphasized the collaborations between RUHS-BH, school districts, and other stakeholders to improve access, awareness, and coordination of care. 3. April 6, 2022 - We delved into the workings of the Suicide Prevention Coalilion's Postvention Subcommittee, which, co-led by RUHS-BH's Prevention and Early lntervenlion manager and the program director of lniury Prevention Services from RUHS-Public Health, focuses on supporting suryivors of suicide loss. Their alliance with the Trauma lntervention Program (TlP) is particularly commendable, aiding suicide loss survivors with resources and hands-on support at traumatic scenes. Our meetings also shed light on RUHS-BH's innovative slrategies, such as integrating Prevention and Early lntervention (PEl) plans into the annual MHSA planning process. PEI'S commitment lo collaboraling with communily-based organizations like Penis Valley Filipino American Association, lnland Socal United Way 211+, and many others speaks volumes about its proactive approach. Furthermore, PEI's leadership role in the Suicide Prevention Coalition Membership, which comprises representatives from various county departments, community-based organizalions, and businesses, indicates RUHS-BH's broad-spectrum approach to mental health. These extensive collaborations aren't limited to formal agencies alone. RUHS-BH's Crisis Support System of Care (CSSOC) sees multiface'led interactions ranging from lhe Riverside Sherriff Departmenl to local businesses. Their efforts are a leslamenl to RUHS-BH's dedication to the community's behavioral health needs. ln summation, the Riverside County Behavioral Health Commission recognizes and supports the invaluable etforts of RUHS-BH in establishing and nurturing signilicant partnerships to serve the residents of Riverside County. We remain dedicated to providing our advisory inputs and supporling their initiatives to strengthen community connections further.
F4
September 7, 2022 Meeting: The Adult System of Care Committee received a presentation regarding LGBTOIA+ services, reflecting the ongoing dedication to improving and expanding services. ln conclusion, we believe that RUHS-BH, in collaboration with the Riverside County Behavioral Heallh Commission, has been developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to serve the LGBTQIA+ population. The multifaceted approach, involving community-based organizations, CCLs, advisory groups, and ongoing discussions, demonslrates our commitment to ensuring equitable, culturally sensilive, and accessible behavioral health services for all members of the LGBTOIA+ communily in Riverside County. While challenges remain due to lhe complexity of engaging various county agencies, school districts, and local governments, we are committed lo continued collaboration to enhance services and create positive outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community.
F5
Mobile Units for Onsite Services: A fleel of three mobile units, one for each region, has been instrumental in providing services like Parenlchild lnteraction Therapy (PCIT) directly at elementary schools. These units are not just confined to PCIT bul otfer many other services catering to youth and their families. With a recent grant acquisition, RUHS-BH is adding four more units to lhis fleet. The introduction of the fourth unit is particularly noteworthy as it aims to cater to the deserl region, expanding its reach in such an expansive geographical area.
F6
Parent Support and Training lnitiatives: Recognizing the vital role parents play in the mental well-being of their children, Parent Support and Training has secured Memoranda of Underslanding (MOUs) with numerous school districts. The aim? To provide parenl education classes directly on campuses, equipping parents with the knowledge and tools they need to supporl their children better. Response to recommendation 7 #3: Enhance partnershlps between schools and County programs Response: lmplemented We agree with the Grand Jury's recommendation to enhance partnerships between schools and County programs. Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH)has already implemented a comprehensive approach to foster lhese partnerships. Our involvement spans across various initiatives like the Student Behavioral Health lncentive Program (SBHIP), which ,nvolves four Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and RUHS-BH. Furthermore, we have secured funding to extend behavioral health services on school sites, fostered a Collaborative Syslem of Care, and initiated various programs, including TOPSS, to further integrate our services wilhin school systems.
F7
The Civil Grand Jury finds that a telephone behavioral health assessmenl could be an effective approach for identifying and managing behavioral health issues in older adults, perhaps paving the way for alternative ways to seeking and receiving mental heallh help among the homebound. Response: Partially Disagree The Riverside Counly Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) acknowledges the validity of telephone-based behavioral health assessments, as highlighted by the Civil Grand Jury. Our partnership with RUHS-Behavioral Health has yielded valuable telephonic services, incorporating risk analysis componenls. However, it's crucial to underscore the necessity of a more comprehensive approach when addressing risk factors concerning our Older Adult consumers. When risk faclors come into play, we firmly advocale for a thorough, in-person behavioral health screening and assessment. When potential risk factors are identified, our recommendation aligns with a holistic assessment method involving face{o-face interactions. This can occur eilher in the consumer's familiar environment, where they reside or within the suppo(ive atmosphere of our Behavioral Health Wellness & Recovery clinics. The advantages of this in-person strategy are evident: our prolicient experts can gain a profound understanding of an individual's mental health, accounling for subtleties that might elude telephonic assessments. Our dedication to enhancing the well-being of older adults compels us to explore and integrate diverse approaches to bolster their mental health support. While telephone assessments have proven beneficial, their efficacy is most pronounced when complemented by in-person evaluations-particularly in cases where risk factors are at play. This comprehensive methodology encapsulales our steadfast commitment lo providing personalized, empalhetic care that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
F8
health program intake. Based on Finding(s): F2 F3, F6, F7, Financial lmpact: Minimal lmplementation Date: March 31st, 2024 R€sponse to Grand Jury Rccomnrcndalion #6: Implemcnted 4of4 Attachment F: Behavioral Health Commission Response: Grand Jurv Response: Suicide: A Traeedy Affectine All of US: Riverside Counw Data & Local Resources FINDINGS

Recommendations 26