Government
Austin police contract remains in limbo A year after negotiations between Austin and the local police union fell apart, police officers continue working under temporary pay and benefits as city officials hope to restart talks for a deal. The context In February, City Council approved a stop- gap officer pay package valid through next March and voted to spend up to $250,000 on anticipated negotiations with the Austin Police Association. The outlook for a new city-APA meet and confer agreement remains tied to voter-ap- proved police oversight provisions enacted last year. A lawsuit filed against Austin leaders in late 2023 claimed those policies aren’t fully being carried out, while some police representatives oppose the changes.
Travis County launches $23.7M diversion pilot Travis County, Integral Care and Central Health officials are putting their heads and budgets together to launch the Crisis Care Diversion program aimed at keeping people with mental illness out of jail. The overview The Crisis Care Diversion program will depend on many of the county’s existing public health and housing services, such as Integral Care, which will expand its Psychiatric Emergency Services program to be open 24 hours and service individu- als regardless of their ability to pay. Costs are estimated to total $23.7 million over the next three years, split among the city, county, Central Health, Integral Care and possible state funds. City Council approved Austin’s $2 million share of the program Feb. 15. Ahead of their vote, officials said they still need more information
Updated services Integral Care will offer an array services through its Psychiatric Emergency Services program and Therapeutic Diversion Program, including:
Harm reduction surrounding drug use
Housing navigation
Nutrition counseling
Medical and psychiatric care
SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
about the program and shared reservations about the proposed funding split. The program is open to adults who need behavioral health services. People can be referred to the facility from the PES program, court judges, attorneys or Integral Care’s jail liaison. County officials said they anticipate the program to launch sometime in 2024.
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