A new deal struck with Liberty Healthcare Corporation doubles the number of private staff providing mental health services in county jails and results in more than $14 million in extra costs. Officials say, however, it won't result in net costs to the county.
On Tuesday, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to OK an amended contract with Liberty, effective Aug. 23, "for comprehensive mental health and programming services in the County's correctional facilities."
"In an ongoing effort between the Sheriff and (county Department of Behavioral Health) to ensure the quality and effectiveness of mental health services being provided to the County's inmates," the staff report said, "the Departments mutually recommend that Liberty assume a greater responsibility for correctional mental health care while inmates are in custody."
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