Community members with a stake in bettering the system of justice and rehabilitation in Yolo County have an opportunity to make their voices heard. The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is currently on the lookout for volunteers to join its Local Advisory Committee for Proposition 47 - Cohort 5. The initiative, courtesy of funding from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), focuses on supporting individuals with substance use or co-occurring disorders who are navigating the criminal justice system. This committee will take a critical role in shaping the grant process, providing insight into community needs, proposal development, and oversight during the execution of the grant, according to a recent announcement by Yolo County.
The program underlines the ongoing effects of Proposition 47, passed in 2014 as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act. This legislation fundamentally shifted the legal landscape by reclassifying certain nonviolent drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. It has directed the savings from these changes toward prevention and support initiatives through the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund. Specifically, 65 percent of these savings are allocated for Board of State and Community Corrections to administer an competitive grant program. The Proposition 47 - Cohort 5 grant in Yolo County will target justice-involved adults with a diagnosis related to substance abuse, with a particular focus on those charged under HSC §11395, as these cases typically warrant felony level proceedings, as reported by the Yolo County.
Interested individuals are encouraged to email their interest to participate on the Local Advisory Committee to [email protected] by the approaching deadline, Thursday, June 12 by 3:00 p.m. Further details on the Proposition 47 - Cohort 5 grant can be gleaned by attending one of the upcoming public meetings. The meetings range from virtual discussions, such as the NAMI California meeting on Monday, June 9 at 11:30 a.m., to in-person gatherings, including the Community Services Action Board Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bauer Building in Woodland, CA, as stated by the Yolo County.
Since it began, Proposition 47 has saved California about $800 million. Of that money, 65% has gone to mental health, substance use treatment, and diversion programs. Another 25% supports K-12 education, and 10% helps victims of crime. Over time, the funding has expanded to also cover housing help, job training, case management, and legal services for both youth and adults, as per the Yolo County.
