They indicated that morale is low and that these changes are at least partly responsible. Initially, a small group of mentally ill law breakers will be assigned to the program. The Probation Department, Courts, Sheriff s Department and Mental Health Department will be collaborating to treat and monitor chronic offenders. The objective is to stabilize mentally ill clients, stop their destructive patterns, and allow these people to live safely on their own. There is a shortage of suitable housing for the mentally ill countywide.
North County has no hospital beds for short term psychiatric placement.
Patients from Santa Maria must be transported by ambulance to PUF in Santa Barbara, or if it is full, to hospitals in Ventura. This charge is a significant drain on Santa Barbara County s meager mental health funds. There is a special need for temporary shelter for patients in crisis above and beyond current hospital space. Next year, Santa Barbara Rehabilitation Institute will vacate a building that is leased from the county and is located next door to the Mental Health department. This building has long been on the county s list to be used by Mental Health, but it needs extensive and expenive renovation.