Subject:
Title
Grant Award Acceptance with the U.S. Department of Justice for the Fiscal Year 2021 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Grant Award Acceptance and Memorandum of Understanding for the Fiscal Year 2021 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.
• The Fiscal Year 2021 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) federal grant will fund the Pinellas County Mental Health Court, a Mental Health Pre-Trial Intervention court model pilot program for the diversion of individuals with serious MI or CMISA away from the criminal justice system and into community-based treatment and support services.
• The Pinellas County Mental Health Court will be a collaborative partnership between the County, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Public Defender, State Attorney, Directions for Living and Suncoast Center. A fully executed Memorandum of Understanding defining the roles and responsibilities for each partner is required prior to obligating any grant funds.
• This grant provides federal funding for the Pinellas Mental Health Court in the amount of $549,826.00 over three years from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2024.
• Required in-kind match, totaling $272,395.00 over the three-year grant period, will be contributed by the Sixth Judicial Circuit and key partner agencies.
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Under the Justice and Mental Health Collaborative Program, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court will work with multiple stakeholders to plan for and implement a pilot mental health court program to divert third degree felony offenders, and potentially select misdemeanor cases with serious mental health disorders and possible co-occurring substance abuse disorders, away from the criminal justice system and into community-based treatment and support services.
The Pinellas County Mental Health Court will provide an efficient, cost-effective solution, eliminate gaps in services, and forge productive and innovative relationships among all stakeholders while providing appropriate treatment and safety to the community and one of the community’s most vulnerable populations. The Mental Health Pre-Trial Intervention (MHPTI) Court Model will divert individuals with serious mental illness(es) or co-occurring serious mental health illness(es) and substance use disorder(s) away from the criminal justice system and into community-based treatment and support services.
Background/Explanation:
The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program supports cross-system collaboration to improve public safety responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse who come into contact with the justice system. This program supports public safety efforts through partnerships with social services and other organizations that will enhance responses to people with MI and CMISA.
Fiscal Impact:
The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program award provides $549,826.00 in federal grant funding over three (3) years from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. Required in-kind match, totaling $272,395.00 over the three-year grant period, will be contributed by the Sixth Judicial Circuit and key partner agencies. The total value of federal funds plus in-kind match for this project is $822,221.00. Appropriation to support related grant activities is not consistent with the development of the FY22 Adopted Budget. A budget resolution supplementing the FY22 budget recognizing these additional funds will be brought forward separately if needed.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Award Acceptance is granted under Code Sections 2-62 (a)(1) and 2-62(a)(4).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Sixth Judicial Circuit Court
State Attorney’s Office
Public Defender’s Office
Directions for Living
Suncoast Center
Attachments:
Notice of Award Package
MOU
Final Submitted Grant Application
Budget Narrative
Grant Management Form