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Adopt a resolution affirming the Public Defender's submission of a grant application to the California Office of the State Public Defender to participate in the Expanded Public Defense Grant in the amount of $440,601 for the period of February 1, 2026 through June 1, 2028; and Authorize the County Administrator to sign the grant award agreements and any associated documents, amendments, operational contracts, or reimbursement claims
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Public Defender recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution affirming the Public Defender's submission of a grant application to the California Office of the State Public Defender ("OSPD") to participate in the Expanded Public Defense Grant in the amount of $440,601 for the period of February 1, 2026 through June 1, 2028; and Authorize the County Administrator to sign the grant award agreements and any associated documents, amendments, operational contracts, or reimbursement claims.
SUMMARY:
The 2025-2026 State Budget Act (SB 102) appropriated funding to support the expansion of public defense services, specifically holistic defense. $14,250,000 is available for direct grant awards. Holistic defense is a client-centered approach to public defense that addresses client needs beyond their immediate criminal case, including drivers into the criminal legal system and collateral consequences of legal system involvement.
The Solano County Public Defender application (Attachment B) requests funding to hire a Limited-Term Mental Health Clinician (Licensed) (LMHC) to service the clients of both the Public Defender and the Alternate Public Defender. The LMHC will serve as a Mitigation Specialist for clients with mental health and substance use challenges. As a Mitigation Specialist, the LMHC will conduct evaluations and recommend treatment plans with the goal of getting clie...
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