Subject:
Title
Interlocal Agreements with the Public Defender’s Office for Jail Diversion Recovery programs, information technology, and juvenile case managers.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the four (4) Interlocal Agreements with the Public Defender for the Jail Diversion Recovery program; a Jail Diversion case manager; an information technology (IT) position; and two juvenile crossover case managers.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need.
2.4 Support programs that seek to prevent and remedy the causes of homelessness and move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent housing.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
The four (4) Interlocal Agreements provide funding for diversion and support programs offered through the Public Defender’s Office. Under the Public Defender, both required and discretionary programs are funded to aid with operations and assist clients in need.
The programs funded through these agreements are designed to help stabilize clients by connecting them to services and community resources. From 2004 to 2017, Jail Diversion served 6,399 clients, with 580 clients served in 2017.
Background Information:
The Public Defender’s Office provides legal advice, counsel, and defense services to needy and indigent citizens accused of crimes in Pinellas County (County). Programs are in collaboration with the Public Defender, State Attorney, Pinellas County Sheriff, judiciary, and local service providers.
1. The Jail Diversion Recovery Program provides supportive services including assessments, transportation, transitional housing, psychiatric evaluations, treatment plans, prescription medication therapy, intensive case management, a court liaison, and community resources to individuals with mental-health and substance abuse diagnoses involved in the criminal justice system.
2. The Jail Diversion Case Manager guides Jail Diversion clients through recovery and transition back into the community.
3. The IT position performs all necessary on-site installation and support services for computers and equipment purchased by the County. Article V of the Florida Constitution requires the County to provide all reasonable and necessary technology and communication functions for the Public Defender.
4. The juvenile crossover case managers provide representation to children whose cases cross both the dependency (foster care) and delinquency (juvenile justice system).
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $1,069,330.00 is included in the Public Defender’s General Fund appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Proposed Budget. The total budget amount is allocated as follows:
- $806,560.00 for the Jail Diversion Recovery Programs comprised of:
$140,580.00 to fund two community care managers and
$626,750.00 to fund program services
$39,230.00 for program expenses
- $68,400.00 for the Jail Diversion case manager
- $54,370.00 for the IT position
- $140,000.00 for the juvenile case manager (including $82,500.00 for the FY19 decision package)
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Public Defender’s Office
Attachments:
Jail Diversion Recovery Program Interlocal
Jail Diversion Case Manager Interlocal
IT Position Interlocal
Juvenile Crossover Case Manager Interlocal