Substance abuse and mental health.

Existing law declares the intent of the Legislature to encourage the development of a system of residential mental health treatment programs in every county that provide a range of alternatives to institutional care based on principles of residential, community-based treatment. Existing law also provides for the licensure and regulation of alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities by the State Department of Health Care Services. Existing law defines an "alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility" to mean any premises, place, or building that provides 24-hour residential nonmedical services to adults who are recovering from problems related to alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug misuse or abuse, and who need alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug recovery treatment or detoxification services. This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to establish a behavioral health treatment center in the County of Riverside, with the goal of providing a centralized substance abuse and mental health service for individuals and reducing recidivism and homelessness.