City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 16, 2014
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to Enhance Jail Diversion Services.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of an application to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and
Developmental Services (DBHDS) for one-time funding to enhance the Department Of Community and Human Services (DCHS) jail diversion services in support of appropriate clinical treatment for mentally ill and substance use-disordered individuals in the criminal justice system.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of an application to DBHDS for one-time funding in the amount of $89,221, to be used to assist persons with mental illness and substance use disorders in the Alexandria Detention Center.
2) Approve one Senior Therapist (1.0 FTE), fully supported by grant revenues.
This grant-funded position will terminate upon the expiration of the grant, if no alternative funds are identified. The individual who fills this position will be notified of this condition of employment at the time they are hired and will be required to sign an agreement of understanding with regard to this condition.
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: Individuals with mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders are an increasing presence in the criminal justice system. National studies have shown that 6.4 percent of men and 12.2 percent of women entering U.S. jails have a serious and persistent mental illness, compared to less than 2 percent of the general population. Of these individuals, 72 percent have a co-occurring substance use disorder. Beca...
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