More child-welfare workers would be hired and more mental-health services would be offered in the jails under a nearly $27 billion budget proposal for 2015-16 unveiled Monday by Los Angeles County’s interim CEO.
“Today, because of the rebounding economy, we can add new funding to confront the complex issues facing many of our major public programs,” interim CEO Sachi A. Hamai said. “This investment in resources represents a collaborative effort between the Board of Supervisors, the sheriff and county leaders to build on reforms already underway.”
The proposed budget includes more than $99 million earmarked for Sheriff’s Department projects, including expanded mental-health services and development of an inmate diversion treatment program, according to Hamai.
Sheriff Jim McDonnell said the budget proposal will also bolster the department’s recruitment, hiring and training systems.
“The proposed funding will give the LASD the ability to increase staffing in high-risk locations inside our jails, including the outdated Men’s Central Jail, thereby enhancing the safety of both our employees and inmates,” McDonnell said. “With these resources, LASD can begin to implement mandates we have embraced as part of ongoing litigation, while also creating a foundation for ongoing improvements we hope to put in place in the coming years.”
The budget also includes nearly $67 million to fill 542 new positions in the child protection system to reduce the workloads of social workers. Also included is $22.3 million for 351 health-care and nursing positions and $1.7 million to fund 30 positions aimed at improving medical care for “high-risk, high-need patients.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Antonovich hailed the budget proposal and its emphasis on public safety, mental health and child protection.
“Sachi’s leadership has resulted in a mangement structure that emphasizes efficiency and an honest, common-sense approach to decision making at all levels within the CEO organization, the Board of Supervisors and county departments,” Antonovich said. “The 2015-16 budget is only the third budget since the recession began where revenues have stabilized, but we still face several fiscal challenges with state and federal unfunded mandates.”
— City News Service