19871215 r-87-48RESOLUTION NO. R-87-48
COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD FUNDING
WHEREAS, in the wake of the deinstitutionalization movement, thousands
of mentally disabled persons in Virginia are in need of community-based
services that range in scope from permanent custodial or domiciliary care to
limited (e.g., temporary or occasional) assistance in self-help and support;
and
WHEREAS, according to the statewide Coalition for Mentally Disabled
Citizens of Virginia, 43% of mentally ill persons discharged from institu-
tions in Virginia are inappropriately housed in the community; 38% are living
where medication cannot be assured; 25% are living where they cannot get
transportation to community programs; and residential treatment programs for
substance dependent persons are critically needed throughout the Commonwealth;
and
WHEREAS, although all Virginia communities are served by a local (or
multi-jurisdictional) Community Services Board (CSB), which is responsible
for developing and coordinating community-based services for mentally
disabled populations, 63% of chronically mentally ill persons receive no, or
inadequate services from CSBs. There are deficiencies in day support, out-
patient, emergency and acute inpatient services, and gaps in the availability
of employment, occupational and vocational programs for persons with all
types of mental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the state Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and
Substance Abuse Services is the agency that receives and distributes most of
the federal and state funding for public programs that serve mentally dis-
abled and substance-dependent persons. The Department's budget is estimated
to have actually decreased in real dollars by 5% between 1979 and 1984. For
the 1988-90 biennium, however, the Department is requesting over $150 million
in new dollars for initiatives and enhancements in community services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Fairfax urges the
Governor to include in his budget at least $154 million in additional funding
for community services as requested by the Department of Mental Health,
Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services in its comprehensive plan
for the 1988-1990 biennium.
Adopted this 15th day of December , 1987.
ATTEST: