San Joaquin County supes send public assistance drug treatment requirement to November ballot

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted Thursday to send to the November ballot an ordinance that would require people with substance use disorder who receive county assistance to get treatment or have their benefits revoked.

Through the county's General Assistance program, certain residents currently get between $27 and $75 cash support per month, the proposed ordinance by District 3 Supervisor Tom Patti stated. Some also receive up to $367 total per month, including housing support sent to directly to their landlords, the proposal stated.

If voters pass the ordinance, single people up to age 65 who receive the support would lose it if — after screenings suggest they may have substance use disorder — they decline treatment offered at no cost, the proposal stated.

In total, 412 people are expected to receive the support in 2024-2025, it stated. Of those, five to 10 a month appear likely to have substance use disorder, Human Services Agency Director Chris Woods told the board. Thirty-five recipients are in residential drug treatment currently, he said.



https://www.recordnet.com/story/news/politics/county/2024/08/01/san-joaquin-supes-send-public-assistance-drug-treatment-rule-to-ballot/74636244007/