Sonoma County Continuum of Care
Mental Health/Alcohol & Other Drug Services Committee
December 16, 2010
Meeting Notes
Present: Jenny Abramson (CofC Coordinator), Gina Bell (SAY), Maureen Donoghue (So. Co. Mental Health/AOD), Rob Durborough (Interfaith Shelter Network), Kurt Johnson (Buckelew Programs), John Lynch (So. Co. Mental Health/AOD), Cynthia Morfin (NAMI), Teddie Pierce (NAMI), Alicia Sims (YWCA), Michael Spielman (DAAC).
1. Homeless Count
The 2011 Homeless Count will take place January 28th. Maureen will put this topic on the agenda of the January AOD Providers meeting January 12th; Maureen and John will help Jenny with collecting the County Mental Health and AOD institutional homeless census. A peer-conducted survey will take place over several weeks following the census. The group made suggestions to refine survey questions for more reliable reporting of substance abuse and mental illness. John suggested tapping the Community Intervention Program either to train Count volunteers in what to do if faced with a client’s immediate crisis, or as a backup number to call.
2. Supporting Mental Health/AOD Best Practices in Shelters/Transitional Housing
Jenny requested training for homeless services providers, who are required to report in HMIS whether clients have mental health or substance abuse problems, but do not feel qualified to make this judgment. SCMH is using the “modified mini” 15-minute questionnaire over the phone to identify mental health symptoms; perhaps these can be adapted for this purpose. Jenny will circulate the documentation requirements so the group can design appropriate screening that can be done by paraprofessionals, for discussion at the January meeting.
3. Relationship between Detox and Shelters
Michael and Alicia reported on the YWCA’s visit to the Detox and program changes in the works as a result (in both programs). Michael is continuing to reach out to all the shelters to set up visits. Detox staff will make a presentation at the January 20th CCPG meeting.
4. Developing a Safe Haven
The group was reminded that the important discussions between Detox and Shelters originated in an exploration of Safe Haven models. As to next steps, Maureen noted there was a San Francisco Chronicle article on a new safe haven in the city. Other models to investigate include: the Lamp Community in LA, the Village in Long Beach, possibly Options Recovery Services in Berkeley. We could also invite Burbank Housing and other housing developers to discuss this with us.
5. Other
John announced the planned opening of a Mobile Health Team crisis intervention program. Future discussions should focus on addiction treatment and post-treatment services under Health Reform.