County backs grant application to expand co-responder ARRIS program

Dr. Tammy Jo Lieberg told the board the county’s ARRIS (alternative response intervention systems) co-responder program embeds social workers within social services and community corrections to intervene earlier with people who have mental-health and substance-use concerns. Lieberg said the model aims to reduce costly emergency responses, jail bed days and recidivism by providing early intervention, linkage to services and transition supports.

Lieberg said the opioid grant that supported the program previously was not renewed, but the county has the opportunity to apply next week for a Department of Public Safety grant that would provide about $150,000 a year for two years. ‘‘It would be a smaller version for now,’’ she said, describing the application as a way to sustain and build upon ongoing collaborative work among the county attorney’s office, sheriff’s department, social services and community corrections.

Board members asked how outcomes will be evaluated and whether the county will have to fund the program after grant funds end. Lieberg said evaluation work is underway and the county will explore sustainability options if the program demonstrates cost savings by reducing higher-level costs such as jail days, child-protection spending and dispatch calls.

The chair offered a supporting comment during the discussion: "Because let's face it, it's not a crime to be mentally ill." Commissioners voted to approve pursuing the Department of Public Safety grant application.