Join us next Monday for discussion with Public Defender Tracy Macuga via Zoom

April’s NAMI Public Policy Committee meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, April 5th, 1-2:30 pm, so as not to conflict with county budget workshops on April 12th.

We are pleased to have Public Defender Tracy Macuga join us for “an overview of all diversion options for those with mental illness.”

With a recent California court decision that a defendant may ask for a trial court for mental health diversion at any point before sentencing and entry of judgement (see attached recently supplied by a colleague in Santa Cruz County), our topic is timely.  In addition, we are right now in the midst of developing our county’s next Stepping Up strategic plan — Stepping Up being the initiative to divert persons with mental illness from the jail.

And, an important element of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget is 750 million dollars in competitive funding for “continuum of care” infrastructure (see attached).  We know that the ongoing success of mental health diversion depends upon adequate community-based care.

All are welcome.  Please join us.