San Benito County Grand Jury
2007-2008
Findings & Recommendations
14 findings
F1:
The Animal Shelter's hours of operation make it unavailable to the majority of the
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
"SBCBHD aggressively pursue additional staff on a priority basis using appropriate incentives if necessary". Board of Supervisors Response: The County Board of Supervisors has approved a "Hard to Fill Position" program to address recruitment problems within certain county departments, including the SBCBHD. An evaluation of this program is on going with further development of bonuses and incentives to be presented to the Board of Supervisors if necessary. Grand Jury
F2:
The shelter staff is now producing summary reports in a timely manner.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
"SBCBHD updates its website to include comprehensive references and contact information for recognized organizations and programs that are known to be effective in the reduction and prevention of substance abuse and related problems". Board of Supervisors Response: Improvements are being pursued to the Substance Abuse Program website. Grand Jury
F3:
The data inaccuracies in the reports were due to a software problem. The software vendor
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
"SBCBHD provide regular community mental health screening/case-review program on site at school locations to identify at-risk populations and that these cases remain active while school is out of session to focus on the prevention of stress-related behavioral health problems when school reconvenes". Board of Supervisors Response: Response to "San Benito County Behavioral Health Department" by County of San Benito Board of Supervisors The SBCBHD is confident that at-risk youth are being adequately served both during normal school hours and when school is out of session. Clinical staff is assigned to deliver services on-site at ten (10) school campuses in the county. Grand Jury
F4:
For fiscal year 2006-2007, the Animal Shelter deficit was $80,000.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
"SBCBHD increases its community outreach and awareness programs to encourage at-risk populations to avail themselves of services and remove the societal stigma of mental/behavioral health treatment". The Grand Jury further recommends, "...that improvements such as the proposed downtown walk-in center have reduced lead times and be put on a priority fast-track with aggressive stretch goals to insure that the benefits can be had at the earliest opportunity." Board of Supervisors Response: On May 2007 the new Esperanza Drop in Center opened in downtown Hollister to more readily provide services to the public. The Department disseminate written educational and program contact information at the Head Start Program, Family Resource Center, Prospect Villa Senior Apartments, Jovanes de Antano Center to name just a few. Additionally, a Spanish-speaking clinician provider implements Outreach and Engagement efforts in the community. The Department is required to provide evidence of Outreach and Engagement efforts to the State Department of Mental Health during on-site program reviews. Grand Jury
F5:
The new Animal Shelter facility is due to open by the end of July 2008.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
"The Director, staff and public input establish measurable performance goals and program schedules and present the department's results against those benchmarks to the public in a quarterly report." "The establishment of non-political, no-health care professional citizen/oversight/review group especially from the at-risk sectors to act as an interface between the Mental Health Advisory Board, consumers, citizens and the SBCBHD." Board of Supervisors Response: The SBCBHD participates in multiple performance measurement exercises. Both the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Boards are comprised of a diverse cross section of the community including consumers and family members of consumers. Response to "San Benito County Behavioral Health Department" by County of San Benito Board of Supervisors Furthermore, the SBCBHD participates in multiple program and fiscal audits performed by the State Department of Mental Health and the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. The department reports regularly on department affairs that include performance measurement and goal attainment to its Advisory Boards and the Quality Assurance Committee. The departments "MHSA Implementation Progress Report" has been posted on the county's website since May 2007. The existing Advisory Boards adequately provide for substantial community involvement and ensure the SBCBHD fulfills its mandated requirements spelled out in the California Welfare and Institutions Code. Response to "San Benito County Behavioral Health Department" by County of San Benito Board of Supervisors - 8 (% Appendix I:
F6:
The new Animal Shelter facility has no plans for a new drop box due to unavailability of
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
"Replace wooden box in in-take area with a more secure, safe writing area." Board of Supervisors Response: This recommendation will not be implemented. The Sheriff does not concur with this recommendation as a safety analysis Response to "San Benito County Jail" by County of San Benito Board of Supervisors . SAN BENITO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Post Office Box 700 . Hollister, California 95024-0700 PHONE: 831-636-4080 Fax: 831-636-1416 CURTIS J. HILL SHERIFF-CORONER September 5, 2007 TO: San Benito County Grand Jury Curtis J. Hill, Sheriff/Coroner FROM: RE: 2006 - 2007 Grand Jury Report and Response, County Jail The following is my response to the conclusions and recommendations of the Grand Jury: Complete 2005 – 2006 Grand Jury recommendations of additional security cameras and installation of new control panel. As Sheriff of San Benito County and pursuant to Penal Code 933.05.(a)(2)(b)(1), the recommendation has been implemented. The budgeted and approved security cameras were installed as well as the touch screen control panel in central control. Properly install the electrical cord for the refrigerator in the Nurse's station. Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05. (a)(2)(b)(1), the recommendation has been implemented. The refrigerator was moved next to the wall outlet. Provide in-depth classification training to more staff in order to have personnel available 24/7 for this critically important bilingual function. Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05.(a)(2)(b)(1), the recommendation has been implemented. During fiscal year 2006 – 2007, two additional Correctional Officers were sent to classification training. For fiscal year 2007- 2008, a new Correctional Officer position was approved by the County Board of Supervisors to be dedicated to the classification function. 4. Provide space at the Jail facility for education and life skills programming. Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05.(a)(2)(b)(2), the recommendation has not been implemented. I am not clear as to this recommendation. If space is the context, I have adequate space for this type of programming. MISSION STATEMENT TO SERVE THE PUBLIC BY ESTABLISHING A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY; TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY, PREVENT CRIME AND SOLVE PROBLEMS Response to "San Benito County Jail" by San Benito County Sheriff's Office 5. Increase the nursing staff at the Jail to provide coverage 24/7. This position could then be shared by both the Jail and Juvenile Hall which only has a nurse during four hour shifts. Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05.(a)(2)(b)(3), the recommendation requires further analysis. I do not feel an additional nursing staff is warranted at this time, however, I will initiate discussion with staff and the medical provider to determine if the recommendation of the Grand Jury has merit. 6. Replace wooden box in in-take area with a more secure, safe writing area. Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05.(a)(2)(b)(4), the recommendation will not be implemented. The pre booking area has been looked at for safety. I don't feel replacing the box is necessary. Response to "San Benito County Jail" by San Benito County Sheriff's Office SAN BENITO COUNTY JUVENILE HALL <b>
F7:
The City website provides no information on what to do if a stray animal is found after
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Update the Animal Shelter Duty Manual to the latest state Food and Agriculture Codes
F8:
No agency provided evidence that a physical audit of kennel cleaning and drop box use
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
Incorporate all updates, including memoranda, in the Animal Shelter Duty Manual. Also,
F9:
The Animal Shelter Duty Manual is several years out of date.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
Evaluate the Juvenile Hall's storage needs and rearrange its various inventories in a more
F10:
The Animal Shelter Duty Manual includes content that is inconsistent with the State Food
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
Store blankets, towels, clothing, and shoes neatly in separate and closed containers,
F11:
The San Benito County Code, Animals and Fowl, Chapter 4 is outdated and contains
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
Update computer hardware and software for classroom instructors (based on
F12:
Juvenile Hall's security control panel is out-of-date.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
Update Juvenile Hall's control panel immediately (based on
F13:
The bathtub and shower stalls are unsafe in that they have slippery or corroded surfaces.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13:
Apply non-slip surfaces to the bathtub and shower stalls (based on
F14:
The single fence structure, with green tarp covering, is inadequate for the proper security
Related Recommendations (1)
R14:
SJB City Council publicly disclose the name(s) of its hired consultants and advisors on
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R15:
Build a perimeter fence to provide additional security and safety to wards (based on