Probation’s New Healthcare Unit Will Enhance Medical Services for Youth

August 20, 2025

San Diego County Probation has established an Integrated Healthcare Services Unit aimed at enhancing medical and behavioral health services for detained youth and probation clients. The initiative is led by Dr. Lou Gilleran and Michael Kelley, who bring significant healthcare expertise to implement comprehensive health assessments for youth upon booking. This effort coordinates with Justice-Involved CalAIM, a new state program allowing Medi-Cal reimbursement for youth medical care 90 days before release, addressing a critical service gap.

Who is affected

Youth in detention
Clients under probation supervision
San Diego County Probation Department staff

What action is being taken

Launching an Integrated Healthcare Services Unit
Implementing comprehensive health assessments for youth upon booking
Integrating health assessments into re-entry plans
Rolling out a new electronic health record system for enhanced tracking and billing
Coordinating Justice-Involved CalAIM implementation to allow Medi-Cal reimbursement for youth medical care

Why it matters

Addresses a major gap in current services by enabling medical care reimbursement 90 days before youth release
Improves medical and behavioral health care for justice-involved youth
Creates a more integrated approach to healthcare and re-entry planning
Combines healthcare with vocational skills development to support successful re-entry

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint