http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20111127-dallas-county-braces-for-loss-of-millions-that-helped-homeless-and-mentally-ill.ece?action=reregisterDallas County officials and homeless advocates say millions of dollars in planned state cuts to mental health care will severely tax an already overburdened system and could lead to increases in the homeless and jail inmate populations.
Money for Dallas County and six neighboring counties that receive mental health services under a privatized system called NorthStar will see $10.7 million less in the 2012 fiscal year, officials said.
That includes about $5 million used to treat people who are sent to state hospitals such as the one in Terrell.
Dallas County commissioners recently sent a letter to the Legislature’s two top budget writers, explaining the situation and asking for help. Ron Stretcher, the county’s criminal justice director, said help was promised. But it may not come soon enough.
“We’re asking to have that money restored,” said Stretcher, who acknowledged that that is unlikely. “We’ve had to start cutting.”
The first round of cuts will go into effect Dec. 1, he said.
Between 70 and 100 clinic-based caseworkers will be laid off, Stretcher said. And less inpatient psychiatric care will be contracted for at Green Oaks Hospital.
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