LIVE @ Buncombe County Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) 02/14/20

Buncombe County Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) Meeting Recap – February 14, 2020

On February 14th, the Buncombe County Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) convened to discuss key initiatives aimed at improving our local justice system and supporting vital community resources. The meeting, attended by council members representing various sectors including law enforcement, the courts, and community-based organizations, focused on governance updates, significant contract opportunities, addressing driver's license restoration challenges, and potential cuts to a critical behavioral health service.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to formalizing the JRAC’s governance structure, moving from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to a more robust legal framework. The council unanimously approved this change, signaling a commitment to a stronger and more sustainable advisory body. Leanne Melton, Chief Public Defender, was also elected as the new JRAC Vice Chair. Beyond governance, the council approved the minutes from their January meeting, ensuring accurate record-keeping.

A major focus was a forthcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) process managed by Buncombe County, encompassing contracts valued at a significant amount. These funds will support crucial services delivered by community organizations across several areas: case management, jail re-entry programs, treatment courts (including drug court and veterans court), and services for those experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence. The JRAC was strongly encouraged to actively participate in the RFP process, providing input on proposal reviews and interviews. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 2nd, and residents are encouraged to direct any questions or feedback regarding the RFP to Rachel.

The council also engaged in a discussion surrounding driver’s license restoration, spurred by a presentation from Eric Jackson of the City of Asheville regarding their partnership with "What Works Cities." This initiative aims to leverage data and evidence-based practices to improve city services, including addressing the significant barriers many face in regaining their driving privileges. The presentation highlighted how license suspensions stemming from unpaid fines and fees disproportionately impact communities of color, hindering employment opportunities and overall stability. The group is exploring Durham's successful approach to clearing underlying charges as a potential model for Buncombe County. A new court reminder system is being implemented, allowing residents to receive notifications through the NC Courts website – a valuable tool for ensuring compliance and avoiding further complications.

Finally, concerns were raised regarding potential cuts to the Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUGS) program located at 356 Biltmore Avenue. Krisby from Bi-Health presented on the possibility of reducing operating hours from 24/7 to 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM due to funding challenges. The Bi-Health board will vote on these cuts on February 20th, and the potential reduction in hours would significantly impact residents relying on this vital service. The JRAC will be monitoring the situation closely.

What Happens Next?

Several key action items emerged from this meeting: JRAC members are encouraged to engage in the RFP process, providing valuable community input. The council will likely be involved in the driver’s license restoration initiative, potentially participating in proposal reviews and interviews. Residents are encouraged to sign up for court reminders through the AOC website, a simple step that can help avoid further legal issues. Finally, the county is working towards implementing a Pre-Trial Services Assessment (PSA) system to provide magistrates with crucial information, further supporting informed decision-making. The JRAC will continue to monitor the BHUGS situation and advocate for continued access to this essential behavioral health resource.

This meeting underscored a commitment to data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and collaborative efforts across various agencies. Addressing systemic issues related to fines, fees, and driver’s license suspensions was a recurring theme, highlighting the JRAC's focus on creating a more equitable and accessible justice system for all Buncombe County residents.