Minutes 10/28/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

October 28, 2025 25 - 311 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting Crisis Intervention Team funding in the amount of $305,949 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and appropriating said funds in the FY 2026 Behavioral Healthcare Service Fund for use by BHS to assist with operation of the Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center at Maryview Hospital. Background:  The Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center operates at Maryview Hospital and offers law enforcement officers an alternative location to safely take individuals in crisis for evaluation and care.  The program aims to prevent individuals from being improperly incarcerated and to improve the outcomes of law enforcement interactions with those in crisis.  The CITAC also provides advanced training to law enforcement officers to enhance their skills in recognizing and responding to behavioral health emergencies. Discussion:  The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services awarded $305,949 to the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services.  The funds will be utilized to provide support and services at the CITAC. Financial Impact:  A local match of funding or in-kind contribution in the amount of 10% is required as a condition of the funding. The funding required to meet the match requirement has previously been appropriated in the FY 2026 Behavioral Healthcare Service Fund Budget. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the appropriate budget adjustments. “ORDINANCEORDINANCE ACCEPTING CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $305,949 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2026 BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE SERVICE FUND FOR USE BY BHS TO ASSIST WITH OPERATION OF THE CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM ASSESSMENT CENTER AT MARYVIEW HOSPITAL. ” 25 - 312 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting Jail Diversion funding in the amount of $50,451 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and appropriating said funds in the FY 2026 Behavioral Healthcare Service Fund for use by BHS to expand diversion efforts. Background:  The Jail Diversion Program connects Portsmouth residents with serious mental illness who have committed non-violent crimes with appropriate and specialized support to reduce their involvement with the criminal justice system and support their re-entry into the community.  This program intends to ensure that trained behavioral health professionals, rather than law enforcement, provide assistance where practicable. Discussion:  The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services awarded BHS $50,451 to support the Jail Diversion Program.  The funding will be used to support staffing, training, and operational costs necessary to sustain and expand diversion services.  BHS intends to expand diversion efforts by linking individuals with appropriate treatment and community services, in order to help reduce unnecessary arrests, promote recovery, and improve long-term outcomes for individuals in crisis.