The year 2023 was a turning point for California’s fight against mental health issues, homelessness, and drug-induced fatalities.
Governor Gavin Newsom backed up the cause by advocating for substantial reforms in the state’s mental health care system.
However, only two months after these reforms were implemented, he publicly criticized counties for not enacting them fast enough.
Newsom recently made comments during a press conference where he urged cities to speed up implementation of the new conservatorship law.
According to him, “It is about time that our counties do their job since the state already did its part.”
Problems Associated with Conservatorship Expansion
Involuntary treatment limits were lifted by lawmakers in October allowing more individuals who are considered gravely disabled under revised criteria including those addicted to drugs or alcoholism can now be placed into involuntary treatment centers.
Nevertheless, most counties have opted to postpone this move leading to confrontation with governor over timeline set for it.
The provision of social services and mental health programs are administered at county level.
To County officers however believe they were not adequately guided or lacked resources.
Staff needed execute promptly these new policies while others just want extra time before starting compliance because till 2024 law takes effect, but counties may defer implementation till 2026.
County Responses and Requests for Delay
Out of 58 counties found within California State only two intend beginning next month while others require permission postponement due complex transitioning period.
Organization purposes among them are 56 seeking delay citing need for more time to organize complex transition.
Speaking about increased service demand as well provider shortage along new state mandates.
During recent years Michelle Doty Cabrera representing county behavioral health directors association mentioned tremendous pressure put onto behavioral departments across all those three dimensions which include capacity constraints too.
To make law succeed infrastructure capacity, staffing levels and training become important according to county boards.
Riverside County’s Approach Draws Attention
Dr. Matthew Chang said that Riverside County had decided on holding off conservatorship expansion because of responsibilities that come with it.
In his interview, he noted some of these as being increased housing capacity, expanding treatment facilities as well as training staff members who will be involved in executing programs under the new legislation.
Differing Perspectives: Mayors vs. County Boards
While many mayors throughout California want their local governments’ actions sped up while acknowledging homelessness crisis coupled with widespread mental illness, county boards have called for a more systematic approach instead.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria therefore called for immediate implementation of conservatorship expansion to avert potential negative consequences that might arise from delay.
County Concerns Amidst Increased Demand
According to them, there is going to be an upsurge in people requiring treatment given the expanded criteria for involuntary patients mainly experienced at Kern, Santa Barbara and Stanislaus Counties (O’Brien & Herrera 2020).
As highlighted by Stanislaus County officials, one major challenge can be expected through the inclusion of individuals having severe substance use disorders thereby necessitating additional resources and coordination among stakeholders.
California’s State-Level Efforts Targeting Homelessness and Mental Illness
These changes are part of broader efforts within California aimed specifically at addressing serious mental illness among growing homeless population which has risen by more than thirty percent since beginning Newsom took office back in 2019.
Meanwhile, March will see voters deciding whether or not to approve a significant overhaul involving state’s twenty-year-old funding law for mental health services.
Besides this initiative being worth $6.4 billion bond on treatment beds plus supportive housing along with amendment into proposition 1.
In conclusion, County-level obstacles hinder the mental health reform undertaken by California, indicating that there has to be a delicate balance between urgency and preparedness.
Governor Newsom calls for quick response on one hand while on the other county boards struggle with resource shortages as well as complex implementation challenges necessitating additional time ensure a smooth transition.
The fact that state is still at war with homelessness and mental illness shows just how much these reforms need to happen with a big proposal being made by voters about it in the next election.
