Mental Health Issues need to be taken seriously rather than stigmatized – that’s idea behind the Fresno County Board of Supervisors approval of a plan to address the mental health of those “doing time”
Fresno County Supervisors voted to approve the Mental Health Services Act – a 3-year plan at over $160-million dollars to help rehabilitate the inmate population.
“Many folks that come into our juvenile justice and our adult system have some type of drug alcohol abuse issue covered or masked by mental health issues that go along with it, too.”-Supervisor Henry Perea.
The Department of Behavioral Health is now authorized to submit the plan to the State Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to acquire the state funding.
“So what we’re saying is on a proactive basis lets apply for these state monies – that can come down to Fresno County when they access our system instead of them just being incarcerated, we can put them into treatment programs hopefully help them solve whatever issues they are dealing with and make them productive members of our communities.” -Supervisor Henry Perea.
From housing to employment – these services would be offered to help inmates succeed – and Perea hopes close the revolving door that is prevalent in the justice system.
