TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2026
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Jenine Miller, Psy.D.
PHONE:
707-472-2341
ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
TIME ALLOCATED FOR ITEM: N/A
AGENDA TITLE:
title
Approval of Agreement with Farrington Law in the Amount of $45,000, to Conduct Certification Review Hearings for Individuals Who Remain Detained Beyond the Initial 72-Hour Hold and Continue to Meet Criteria for Involuntary Detention But Who Have Not Been Certified Under WIC Section 5250 to Mendocino County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Clients, Effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027
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RECOMMENDED ACTION/MOTION:
recommendation
Approve Agreement with Farrington Law in the amount of $45,000, to conduct certification review hearings for individuals who remain detained beyond the initial 72-hour hold and continue to meet criteria for Involuntary detention but who have not been certified under WIC Section 5250 to Mendocino County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services clients, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027; authorize the Health Services Director or designee to sign any future amendments to the Agreement that do not increase the annual maximum amount; and authorize Chair to sign same.
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PREVIOUS BOARD/BOARD COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
None.
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
Assembly Bill (AB) 2275 amended California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 5150 and expanded counties' responsibilities regarding individuals subject to involuntary detention for mental health evaluation and treatment. Under the revised law, counties are required to provide a qualified Hearing Officer to conduct Certification Review Hearings for individuals who remain detained beyond the initial 72-hour evaluation period and continue to meet criteria for involuntary detention, but who have not been certified under WIC Section 5250. Certification Review Hearings are a critical due-process protection that ensures...
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