Given the magnitude of the state’s persistent budget deficit, is it time to think about potential opportunities for restructuring the county-state relationship? At least one of the legislative leaders thinks so, and CSAC leadership has directed staff to begin conversations about a realignment/restructuring of programs and services from a county perspective.
Counties, local law enforcement, and communities are bracing for unknown impacts that could result from an influx of prison inmates.Depending on outcomes of state budget discussions and a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, counties could see upwards of 40,000 state prison inmates gradually released into their communities over the next several years.
NACo will be hosting a County Jail Diversion Forum in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), PA, May 5th and 6th, 2010. The forum will present counties with a chance to learn about and improve upon local efforts to divert individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system.