AGENDA ITEM REPORT
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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SOBER HOMES TASK FORCE REPORT AND THE PALM BEACH COUNTY GRAND JURY AND URGING SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 788 AND HOUSE BILL 807.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2016, the Office of the State Attorney, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, convened the Palm Beach County Sober Homes Task Force. The mission of the Task Force included addressing substance abuse treatment, fostering the protection of vulnerable consumers, and elevating the standards and practices of the recovery industry. On January 1, 2017, the Task Force issued a report entitled "Identification of Problems in the Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Residence Industries with Recommended Changes to Existing Laws and Regulations." This report provides numerous recommendations, including adequate funding of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the agency that oversees the licensing/certification requirements for sober homes/recovery residences.
In 2016, the Office of the State Attorney also convened a Grand Jury to investigate how government agencies are addressing the proliferation of fraud and abuse occurring within the addiction treatment industry and to make appropriate findings and recommendations on how these agencies can better perform their duties to ensure that communities remain safe and individuals with substance use disorders are protected. The Grand Jury's report, entitled "Report on the Proliferations of Fraud and Abuse in Florida's Addiction Treatment Industry," was issued in December 2016 and includes numerous recommendations to be implemented at the federal and state level.
DISCUSSION:
By adopting the proposed Resolution, the City Commission is formally showing its support for the recommendations put forth in both the Task Force and Grand Jury reports, urging the Florida Legislature and Governor to pursue and implement the recommendations,...
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