Zac Ezzone
Santa Maria Sun
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — A new diversion program in Santa Barbara County aims to keep people suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse disorders out of jail and instead move them into treatment programs.
During its Feb. 4 meeting, the county Board of Supervisors accepted nearly $6 million in grant funding from the Board of State and Community Corrections to run this program over the next three years.
According to a staff report from the Feb. 4 meeting, this funding will allow the county to create and implement the Crisis Intervention, Diversion, and Support Program, which will operate through the county Public Defender’s Office, Behavioral Wellness Department, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and in conjunction with various community-based organizations.
Full story: County receives $6 million for jail diversion