Joint Budget Committee. Under existing law, the state court
administrator administers a statewide behavioral health court liaison program, known as the bridges program (program), to identify local behavioral health professionals to serve as court liaisons in each state judicial district who facilitate communication and collaboration between judicial and behavioral health systems.
The bill establishes the office of the statewide behavioral health
court liaison (office) as an independent agency within the judicial department to administer the program. The head of the office is the director.
The bill establishes the bridges program commission (commission)
to support the office. The commission appoints the director of the office, provides guidance to the office, provides fiscal oversight of the office's general operating budget, participates in program services funding decisions, and assists with the office's duties concerning program training and public outreach.
The bill clarifies the scope, requirements, and duties of the
program, including requiring the program to inform county attorneys of available behavioral health services and connect participants to, and support engagement with, relevant services. The bill clarifies the duties of the program's court liaisons, including:
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Addressing system gaps and barriers and promoting positive outcomes for program participants;
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Keeping judges, district attorneys, county attorneys, and defense attorneys informed about available community-based behavioral health services; and
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Providing consultation and training to criminal and juvenile justice personnel regarding behavioral health and community treatment options and program best practices.
The bill authorizes the office to fund services for participants,
either by providing the services or contracting with an entity to provide the services.
The office is required to annually report to the joint budget
committee about the office's work and administration of the program.
The bill makes and reduces appropriations.
