CSAC Bulletin Article

BSCC Proposition 47 Committee Meets to Establish Request for Proposal

August 11, 2016

The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 47 Executive Steering Committee met this week to discuss and establish criteria for a Request for Proposal (RFP) on Proposition 47 funding. The ESC had a multifaceted discussion with a diverse group that ensured the dialogue remained true to the goal of Prop. 47. The co-chairs are Scott Budnick and CSAC Second Vice President, Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez.

The ESC focused on establishing the targeted population and reiterated to whom the funding should be aimed towards. The RFP will target those individuals convicted of less serious crimes such as those covered by Prop. 47, and those who have substance abuse and mental health problems. The group clarified that the targeted population did not have to be convicted it could also be those who are arrested and released.

Although the RFP will not be finalized in these two meetings, counties are able to start preparing for how the RFP is projected to be structured. Counties and agencies should be focusing on mental health services, substance use disorder treatment and misdemeanor diversion programs. Other services that will be prioritized are: restorative justice, housing-related assistance, community-based support services and trauma informed care.

It is not clear if this will be per county application or individual agencies. It is well defined that multi-partnerships are encouraged, however if this will be a requirement is not set in stone. Will counties be able to apply without community organizations? The goal of the RFP is to bring collaboration and working together with community-based organizations which will be highly favorable to the applicant.

Geographic diversity and reducing racial and ethnic disparities were hot topics in which different perspectives of what diversity meant were drawn to the table. The discussion included rural communities and those communities who have been disproportionally impacted like the Latino and African American communities. The RFP will include geographic diversity as those who are impacted the most in that specific community to the population receiving the services to provide equity.

Due to the fact that not every county/jurisdiction is impacted the same; this portion will be left open to the applicant to discuss how they are addressing racial and ethnic disparities and if it applies. Community engagement will continue to be a priority to the ESC to ensure open dialogue and transparency. Lead agencies will not be allowed to submit multiple proposals. The grant cycle and funding considerations will be discussed in their next meeting. Counties/jurisdiction can begin to assess their population and jurisdiction’s need that can apply for prop 47 funds.

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