What is the Care First, Jails Last Resolution? 
We authored the Care First, Jails Last Resolution in 2021 and remain committed to implementing the policy in a robust, community-centered, and racially equitable way. 

Care First, Jails Last is an Alameda County, CA policy resolution that 1) sets a policy goal to end the County’s reliance on incarcerating people with mental illness and substance use needs, and 2) creates a community-led process to build out community-based mental health care. It was passed on May 25, 2021 unanimously by the Board of Supervisors. However, we do not support the participation of law enforcement in the CFJL Taskforce, as added to the final resolution by the Alameda County BOS. ​The resolution was co-authored by American Friends Service Committee and Restore Oakland, and championed by Supervisor Wilma Chan.

Care First, Jails Last Implementation: Latest Efforts Since
The Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) is a Brown-acted committee of policy analysts, local advocates, and healthcare workers who ensure the County's Behavioral Healthcare services provides high quality, culturally responsive care to all Alameda County residents. CFCC participates in the MHAB's committee to  o examine data and support the developmental implementation of all 58 recommendations of the CFJL resolution; these recommendations were finalized by the Care First Jails Last Task Force in March 2024, a group tasked with implementing the vision of the CFJL resolution from 2022-2024 outline crucial shifts in investments, interagency coordination, data transparency, treatment and diversion that enable currently justice-involved folks with behavioral health needs to get out of Santa Rita Jail, and prevent folks from future unnecessary incarceration.
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Currently MHAB members operate across subcommittees in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Department, working directly with nine county agencies to assess the operational programmatic needs that are integral for the Board's effective implementation of the recommendations. We annually report implementation progress to the BOS and twice annually to the Joint Health/Public Protection Committee.

The MHAB meets every first Thursday of the month from 11-12 PM. Check out the Mental Health Advisory Board link below to learn more. 
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