Last November, 60% of California voters went to the polls and voted in favor of Proposition 47. In case you're unfamiliar with it, we've provided an overview here.
Prop 47 aims to get low-level offenders out of jails and prisons by changing the way the State of California sentences people who commit non-violent, non-serious, non-sexual crimes. In short, several crimes that used to be felonies will now be misdemeanors. Fewer people will be in jails and prisons. And the money that's saved will be funneled into county-based services that can help ex-offenders avoid the cycle of recidivism.
Telecare is already starting to see the impact of this legislation with our customers. Some are already expanding their criminal justice/MH programs. Others are using this time to identify approaches that will help them meet very targeted needs in their communities when increased funding becomes available. Outside California, many are watching to see the impacts of this legislation and gather lessons learned.
If you happen to be interested in this topic, you may want to take a peek at this brief summary of our San Bernardino Forensic ACT program (SB FACT).
SB FACT serves extremely complex clients. The program fills a gap in the system of care for people who need intensive support but also have additional issues like substance use and medical complications.
If this is a struggle of yours as well, our program administrator, Debra Evans, has shared some details on how the program is structured and some of the practices they use to be especially effective in serving people with SMI and justice involvement.
Our experience has shown us that it's absolutely possible to serve ex-offenders with SMI in ways that are clinically effective, personally transformative, and radically reduce their involvement with the criminal justice system. One SB FACT client shares her story here.
We are always happy to help. Are there questions we can answer? More details we can provide to be helpful? If there's anything you need, please feel free to contact me any time.
All the best,
Faith Richie, SVP of Development, Telecare Corporation
