City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 22, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application To The Virginia Department Of Behavioral Health And Developmental Services To Develop A Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Site.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application from the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (VDBHDS) to develop a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Assessment Site.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of an application to VDBHDS for funding in the amount of $238,480 to establish a CIT Assessment Site, a therapeutic, non-criminal justice location where law enforcement officers can bring an individual in a behavioral health crisis, as an alternative to incarceration (due May 5, 2015);
2) Approve an increase of 1.0 FTE for a CIT Coordinator to assume management responsibility of the current CIT program and the new grant-funded CIT Assessment Site.
3) Authorize the Acting 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% of men and 12.2% of women entering U.S. jails have a serious and persistent mental illness, compared to less than 2% of the general population. Of these individuals, 72% have a co-occurring substance use disorder. Because almost all individuals who enter jail will return to the community, effective linkage and access to services is critical in reducing the repetitious cycle of justice involvement.
"Jail Diversion" initiatives are aimed at decreasing crime and ...
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