Homeless multidisciplinary personnel teams.
The bill will especially expand the scope of the multidisciplinary teams to encompass the identification and assistance of individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless. This includes those exiting detention or treatment facilities, or individuals aging out of youth systems. By facilitating the immediate sharing of confidential information among team members for a period of 30 days, the bill aims to streamline access to necessary services and coordination without requiring extensive bureaucratic processes. However, privacy considerations are emphasized, mandating that individuals be informed of potential information sharing and consent to it.
Assembly Bill 728, introduced by Santiago, aims to enhance services for individuals at risk of homelessness in California counties, specifically targeting Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Ventura. This legislation builds upon existing frameworks that allow counties to establish 'homeless adult and family multidisciplinary personnel teams' with the purpose of identifying, assessing, and linking these individuals to necessary housing and supportive services. By expanding these teams to include those at risk of homelessness, the bill underscores a proactive approach to prevent homelessness before it occurs.
Discussions surrounding AB 728 reflect a general consensus on the necessity of supporting at-risk populations, with many stakeholders viewing the bill positively as a critical step towards comprehensive homelessness prevention strategies. There is a recognition that effective teamwork amongst various service providers will enhance continuity of care and improve outcomes for individuals facing homelessness. However, concerns persist regarding the handling of sensitive personal information and the limitations of such interventions, which require careful navigation to maintain trust and ensure privacy rights.
While the bill represents a significant advancement in addressing homelessness, some stakeholders express concern about the implications for individual privacy due to the sharing of confidential information. Critics worry that facilitating the share of sensitive data could deter individuals from seeking help out of fear of privacy breaches. Moreover, the bill's provisions will be evaluated with a sunset clause that will repeal these measures in January 2025 unless further action is taken, leading to discussions about the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the program.