County implements Laura’s Law for treatment of the mentally ill

Contra Costa became the eighth county in California to begin implementation of AB 1421, also known as Laura’s Law, which allows for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment of the mentally ill. Its supporters believe that while treatment should first be offered as a choice, mentally ill people who pose a threat to society and resist medical help should be ordered into treatment by a court.

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County supervisors adopt suicide prevention plan

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors has taken steps to curb what it considers an unacceptably high rate of suicides. More county residents die by suicide than homicide, according to recent statistics, from a special county committee. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan. It was the work of the…

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Group plans to offer services to youth, locals in crisis

A new alternative, social service program called Men and Women of purpose hopes to set up in Richmond. Led by Antwon Cloird, the group includes former felons, drug addicts and others who have overcome difficult circumstances. They have turned their lives around and now have professional degrees in psychiatry and counseling. “We all have a…

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Contra Costa homeless shelters unsure about effects of realignment

As the state starts to release prisoners into the supervision of the counties, Contra Costa County’s homeless shelters – where former prisoners often end up because they don’t have family or their identity reestablished upon their release – aren’t sure what to expect. Cynthia Belon, the Contra Costa Director of Behavioral Health Services, said it’s…

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