Primary Department: County Administration
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Jesse Dickerman
Secondary Department:
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Award
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Texas Health and Human Services Commission
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal:
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Office of County Administration for approval to accept grant funds in the amount of $15,000,000, with an in-kind match of $15,000,000 to be provided by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the FY26 Jail Diversion Program.
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Background and Discussion:
The Texas Legislature, via SB1185, authorizes the use of up to $5,000,000 in annual state reimbursements for a Mental Health Jail Diversion pilot program. The legislation requires that for every $2 in program costs, $1 is reimbursed to the County by the State, and the other $1, whether cash or in-kind, remain a local unreimbursed cost. This renewal award is for a one-year period.
Expected Impact:
Through this grant community-based jail diversion services will be provided to criminal arrestees who have been determined to be mentally ill and who may have any substance abuse disorder. The project will be operated and administered by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, which will provide the required match as an in-kind contribution, which is therefore not shown on this form.
Alternative Options:
To find alternative funding or not operate the program.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Object...
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