On February 3d 2015 Contra Costa Board of Supervisors adopted resolution No. 2015/9 to direct the implementation of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (Laura’s Law) for a three year period and directed the Health Services Department to develop a program design with stakeholder participation, and comply with MHSA statutory requirements for a community program planning process.
On June 16 2015 Contra Costa Board of Supervisors accepted the recommended Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program Design of the Behavioral Health Services Director for implementation of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (Laura’s Law) in Contra Costa County and authorized and directed the Behavioral Health Services Director to proceed with implementation. The recommended program design adheres to the Board's program and funding parameters that were provided in the February 3d Board resolution, and calls for up to $2.25 million annually in MHSA funds for outreach and engagement, assessment and Assertive Community Treatment, or ACT, for up to 75 individuals. The program design follows statutory procedures as specified in Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Sections 5345-9.
In July, August and September 2015 county positions were requested and filled to provide AOT assessment and eligibility, proposals were solicited from prospective contractors to provide outreach and engagement and ACT program services, and planning meetings were conducted with the Health Services Communications Office, and leadership from County Counsel, Sheriff’s Office, Public Defender and Superior Court.
Mental Health Systems, Inc. was selected has the provider for outreach, engagement and ACT treatment services, and started on contract in October 2015. Via competitive bid process Resource Development Associates was selected as the evaluator for the AOT program, and started on contract November 2015.
Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services is proceeding with fidelity to the approved AOT Program Design, and is meeting regularly with all participating entities in order to develop day-to-day working relationships and work flow protocols. Currently Mental Health Systems, Inc. is in the process of hiring and training their multi-disciplinary team and the Health Services’ Communications Office is finalizing web designs and brochures.
An Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Workgroup consisting of community stakeholder representatives has met throughout 2015 to assist in providing input in both the construction of the program design, and to weigh in on key decision points. The AOT Workgroup last met in November 2015 to receive an update on implementation progress, provide input on program communication materials, and to consider various factors that influence program initiation.
The Contra Costa Behavioral Health Services Director now estimates that the AOT program will start accepting referrals and provide care by early 2016.
The Board of Supervisors and the public will not receive an update on the progress being made toward implementing Laura's Law.