San Francisco's Democratic Mayor, London Breed, has recently put forth a proposal that would make drug testing and treatment compulsory for welfare recipients in the city.
Breed unveiled her plan on Tuesday, aiming to address the city's escalating issues of homelessness and substance abuse. The initiative would mandate drug testing and treatment for individuals suspected of substance abuse who are seeking financial aid through the County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP). Those who decline to participate in the testing and treatment would be disqualified from receiving county-funded financial assistance.
As reported by the New York Post, the CAAP currently provides up to $697 per month to housed residents, while homeless residents receive a guaranteed $105 per month and a bed in a shelter.
KRON-TV reports that San Francisco is home to approximately 8,000 homeless individuals, with nearly half of them refusing to utilize the city's shelter services. In 2023, the city's Healthy Streets Operations Center reached out to 2,344 homeless individuals offering shelter, but 45% declined the offer.
"We need to make a significant change," Breed declared during a news conference on Tuesday. "No more 'anything goes' without accountability, no more handouts without accountability."
The mayor's initiative is designed to "incentivize individuals with substance use disorder to get the help they need to recover." The intervention programs include "residential treatment, medical detox, medically-assisted treatment, outpatient options, and abstinence-based treatment, among others based on the needs of the client," as reported by the mayor's office.
The San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA) revealed that 20% of CAAP recipients from 2018 to 2020 confessed to having substance abuse issues.
"The incidence of substance use disorders among San Francisco's CAAP population is significantly higher than among the citywide population generally, especially among our recipients who are experiencing homelessness," stated Trent Rhorer, SFHSA executive director. "This initiative aims to support our clients who have substance use disorders by motivating them to get the help they need, which we hope will lead to ending their drug abuse and their homelessness."
Before it can be implemented, Breed's proposal must receive approval from the Board of Supervisors. If rejected, the measure could be added to a ballot initiative, allowing voters to decide its fate.
"We will continue to support those struggling with addiction who want help. People who refuse to enroll in our treatment services offered will no longer receive county-funded cash assistance. We're a city of compassion, but we also must have accountability," Breed asserted on Wednesday.
Breed is up for re-election in November 2024.
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