City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 2, 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 Enhance Jail Diversion Services.
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ISSUE: Consideration of an application to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and
Developmental Services (DBHDS) for ongoing funding to enhance the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) jail diversion services aimed at helping individuals with mental illness and substance use-disorders live law-abiding lives in our community.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of an application to DBHDS for ongoing funding in the amount of $124,039 to be used to assist persons with mental illness and substance use disorders in the Alexandria Detention Center.
2) Approve an increase of one Senior Therapist (1.0 FTE) and three hours each week of Psychiatric time, fully supported by grant revenues.
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. Because these individuals who enter jail will return to the community, effective linkage and access to services is critical in reducing the repetitious cycle of criminal justice involvement.
Jail diversion initiatives are aimed at decreasing crime and recidivism by ensuring that time...
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