HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12061994 - 2.1 2 . 1
THE BOARD OR SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on _December 6, 1994 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Bishop, Torlakson, Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT: Supervisors Smith, DeSaulnier
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Report on the Operation of the Homeless Program
In response to the direction of the Board on November 8,
1994, Mark Finucane, Health Services Director, advised that he
has just received from the Homeless Advisory Committee their
report on the rules for admission and residence at the homeless
shelters. He stated that he would present his report on this
matter at the next Board meeting (December 13, 1994) .
Mr. Finucane announced that he is soliciting applications
for the Homeless Program Manager position. He advised that he
will be scheduling meetings with the current director of Shelter,
Inc. , and with all homeless providers to acquaint them with the
new rules and the operation of the Homeless Program under the
Health Services Department.
The Board RECEIVED the oral report of the Health Services
Director and CONTINUED this matter to December 13 , 1994 .
The Chair announced that requests of individuals to speak
on this matter will be deferred to December 13 , 1994.
1 hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Boar#4 of Supervisors on the date shown./y y
ATTESTED: � �y L
• Health Services Director PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk the Board
cc A
• p}Supervisors and County Administrator
County Administrator
Deputy
LAW OFFICES OF
CONTRA COSTA LEGAL SERVICES FOUNDATION
Main Office Telephone
1017 Macdonald Avenue West County(510)233-9954
P.O.Box 2289 East(510)439-9166
Richmond,California 94802 Central(510)372-8209
Fax(510)236-6846
December 1, 1994 RECEIVED
DEC 1994
Tom Powers, Chairperson CORK BOARD OF SUPERVISOR:
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors CONTRA COSTA CO.
65.1 Pine Street
Martinez CA 94553
Re: Use of the SASSI
Dear Supervisor Powers:
Contra Costa County currently administers the "SASSI'' test
to virtually all applicants and. some recipients of General
Assistance (GA) to determine whether or not the applicant or
recipient is chemically dependent. Those individuals who _test
positive are required to partcipate in General Assistance Alcohol
and Drug Diversion Services (GAADDS) .
The "SASSI" test is an unreliable indicator of whether an
individual is or is not chemically dependent. Accordingly, a
number of General Assistance recipients who are not chemically
dependent are required to participate in GAADDS. Furthermore,
the "SASSI" asks applicants and recipients invasive questions
which are not necessary to the administration of the General
Assistance program.
The County's use of the SASSI violates statutory and
constitutional rights. These include, but are not limited to, a
violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Welfare and
Institutions Code, and due process, equal protection and privacy
provisions of the state and federal constitutions.
If the County does not stop administering this test
immediately, we intend to file a class action lawsuit on behalf
of our clients to stop it.
Yours truly,
PHILIP J. BERTENTHAL
DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION
PJB:pb