LA County Board

10. Support for Mental Health Assistants in Furthering the Sustainability\nand Success of the Forensic In-Patient Stepdown Unit Program\nRecommendation as submitted by Supervisor Solis: Instruct the Inspector\nGeneral, in collaboration with the Sheriff, the Director of Health Services,\nthrough the Office of Correctional Health Services, and with input from the\nMental Health Assistants, to report back to the Board in writing in 90 days\nwith a feasibility and implementation plan including, but not limited to, the\nfollowing:\nIncentives such as wages, food, and time credits for Mental Health\nAssistants;\nPartnership with an academic/institutional partner to provide Mental\nHealth Assistants with a certification program to be used for future\nemployment or academic pursuits;\nConsistent, frequent, and longer contact visits for Mental Health\nAssistants to meet with family and friends;\nMental health, wellness, and self-care support for Mental Health\nAssistants;\nRotational scheduling for Mental Health Assistants to be provided\nrespite from their responsibilities and duties, including increasing the\nnumber of Mental Health Assistants to provide additional support;\nIn collaboration with County Counsel, include a feasibility and\nimplementation plan for Mental Health Assistants who decide to\ncomplete their prison sentences in County jail to be allowed to serve\nin their role and be able to receive California Department of\nCorrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) credits for early release, and\nexpansion of the County’s partnership with CDCR to grant Mental\nHealth Assistants access to CDCR resources, such as the Parole\nBoard and counselors, especially for those who have some level of\ninvolvement with CDCR, e.g., serving a prison sentence or appealing\na sentence; and\nDirect the Chief Executive Officer, in collaboration with the Inspector\nGeneral, the Sheriff, and the Director of Health Services, through the Office\nof Correctional Health Services, to report back to the Board in writing during\nthe Fiscal Year 2024-25 Final Changes Budget, on the fiscal impact and\npotential funding sources for the actions above, including the use of\nAssembly Bill 109 funds and other sources. (23-4199)\nAttachments: Motion by Supervisor Solis\nPublic Comment/Correspondence