COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Mitchell Kalauli, City Magistrate
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion and Action: Professional Services Agreement with Southwest Behavioral Health Services, Inc., for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Treatment Services for the Building Bridges Court (Mitchell Kalauli)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
Opioid Settlement Funds
PURPOSE:
To consider approving the City Manager’s execution of a Professional Services Agreement (500597) with Southwest Behavioral Health Services, Inc., to provide substance abuse and behavioral health treatment services for eligible participants in the Lake Havasu City Building Bridges Court in accordance with City Code §§ 3.10.010.2 (Specialized Services), 3.10.010.3.A.3, and 3.10.030.1.
BACKGROUND:
The Lake Havasu City Problem Solving Courts were adopted by City Council and established on January 25, 2022, consisting of the Veterans Treatment Court and the Youth Court.
Expanding the current Problem Solving Courts, the Building Bridges Court is a co-occurring court and is a specialized problem-solving court designed to address cases involving individuals who have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder-often referred to as "dual diagnosis" or "co-occurring disorders." These courts aim to provide a more holistic, therapeutic approach to justice, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
In a co-occurring court, the focus is on treatment and rehabilitation, recognizing that mental health issues and substance abuse often interact and exacerbate one another. The goal is to reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and support the individual in leading a healthier life and being a more stable member of the community.
Co-occurring courts may be modeled similarly to drug courts or mental health courts, but they specifically cater to individuals dealing with both conditions simultaneously. Participants in these courts are typically offered access to mental health services, substance use treatment, monitoring services, case management, and peer support services through the collaboration between the judge, prosecutor, public defender, treatment providers, employment and housing specialists, and law enforcement. Participant progress is tracked and monitored, to ensure individuals are adhering to treatment plans and addressing both aspects of their diagnoses.
This Agreement commences on January 1, 2025, and automatically renews annually unless earlier terminated. Annual expenditures under this Agreement may not exceed the Council’s expenditure threshold.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Strengthening treatment programs reinforces the City’s and community’s commitment to supporting the Lake Havasu City Problem Solving Courts and the new Building Bridges Court; providing necessary treatment for eligible participants with substance use and mental health disorders and enhancing the safety of our community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Opioid Settlement Funds are allocated and available in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Statement of Work and Rate Schedule
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended Action
I move to authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Southwest Behavioral Health Services, Inc., not-to-exceed the amount budgeted for these services annually, contingent on receiving the allotted opioid settlement funds.