SUBJECT
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Approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Shared Transportation Plan between Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties. This shared plan outlines the process for the safe and dignified transport of individuals experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises (Baker Acts/Marchman Acts). (No fiscal impact.)
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DESCRIPTION
Senate Bill 12 mandated that all Transportation Exception Plans end on June 30, 2017 and new plans were adopted at that time. Each county was required to develop and implement a formal transportation plan in collaboration with the designated local managing entity. The plan developed in 2017 has now been updated to reflect changes in the provision of crisis services and related transportation in the community. Polk County has met with the local managing entity, Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, and local stakeholders to develop and update the shared transportation plan between Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties (Suncoast Region Circuit 10).
The Transportation Plan documents the locations of receiving facilities and any pertinent transportation exceptions that exist. The plan ensures the safe and dignified transportation of individuals by law enforcement. The plan must be updated every three years but may be updated more often as changes dictate. The local group responsible for monitoring and updating the plan is the Circuit 10 Baker Act/Marchman Act Advisory Committee whose membership includes representatives from Polk County Public Safety Department and Health and Human Services Division.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Circuit 10 Transportation Plan and approve the associated Memorandum of Understanding with Highlands and Hardee Counties.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to the adoption of the Circuit 10 Transportation Plan.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Joy Johnson, Administrator, Health and Human Services Division (863) 534-5204