Grand Jury Criticizes Santa Clara County’s Treatment Of Mentally Ill Inmates
The "difficult nature of the job, long hours, insufficient staffing levels and limited training of Custody Bureau personnel in dealing with mentally ill inmates," are cited as problems the county needs to address. In other news, San Diego moves forward with its plan to help offer housing and care to mentally ill homeless people.
Oakland Tribune:
Grand Jury Report On Mentally Ill In Santa Clara County Jails Cites Several Problems
The Santa Clara County civil grand jury released a report on Thursday that cites lax oversight, outdated policies, short staffing and a lack of training as factors that may have contributed to the beating death of a mentally ill inmate last August. The grand jury -- a civil watchdog panel whose investigative oversight includes examining jails -- specifically honed in on what's going on related to mentally ill inmates in the wake of Michael Tyree's death, allegedly at the hands of three guards. Since the grand jury began its work in late October, the county has convened two special task forces related to jail reform: One wrapped up its six-month term in March while the other -- which has a goal of keeping mentally ill offenders out of jail in the first place -- is expected to conclude in December. (Kurhi, 6/25)
Los Angeles Times:
San Diego County Unveils New Plan To Provide Shelter For Mentally Ill Homeless
San Diego County is moving forward with a new program that will provide long-term housing and care to as many as 1,250 mentally ill homeless people in the next two years. ... County government will work with 18 cities, six housing authorities and landlords to provide shelter and treatment. The program, which was approved unanimously last week by all five supervisors, is expected to cost $20 million in the upcoming annual budget, and $28 million the year after. (Stewart, 6/25)