The Enriched Residential Care (ERC) Program, an initiative by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), is designed to help individuals requiring continuous 24/7 care and supervision find stable housing within licensed residential facilities. This program plays a crucial role in securing housing for LACDMH clients, particularly those who are experiencing homelessness, transitioning from institutions like hospitals or Institutes for Mental Disease, under conservatorship, or at risk of homelessness due to complex care needs. Licensed residential facilities, encompassing Adult Residential Facilities and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (often referred to as Board and Cares), are vital resources in this housing framework.
Through the LACDMH-ERC Program, eligible clients gain access to the financial support necessary to secure and maintain their housing in licensed residential care settings. This support includes provisions for rent, Personal & Incidental (P&I) expenses, and enhanced services tailored to meet the specific needs arising from their mental health conditions. Referrals to the ERC program are facilitated through LACDMH Directly-Operated and Contracted agencies, which identify clients who would benefit from the specialized care and supervision offered in licensed residential facilities. Priority for ERC program admission is given to referrals originating from DMH’s homeless outreach teams, the Public Guardian, Full Service Partnership programs, and DMH’s Intensive Care Division. Currently, due to program capacity, the LACDMH-ERC program is focused on accepting referrals for clients who are newly entering a licensed residential facility.
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Brilliant Corners acts as the essential fiscal intermediary between LACDMH and the licensed residential facilities. In this capacity, Brilliant Corners manages the disbursement of payments to the residential facilities and offers housing-related case management services to all clients enrolled in the LACDMH ERC Program.
ERC Program Guidelines, Procedures, and Resources
To ensure smooth operation and access to information, the ERC Program provides comprehensive guidelines, procedures, and necessary forms. These resources are crucial for both clients and service providers involved in the program.
Addressing the Sustainability of Licensed Residential Facilities
Recognizing the critical role of licensed residential facilities in the continuum of care, Los Angeles County has taken proactive steps to address challenges faced by these facilities. On September 11, 2018, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors issued a Board Motion to tackle concerns related to the closure of licensed residential facilities serving clients with mental illness who rely on Social Security Income (SSI). The motion underscored the financial strain on these facilities, operating on state-set rates of $35 per day per SSI resident, which have not kept pace with escalating operational costs. This initiated a collaborative effort involving the Department of Mental Health, Department of Health Services, and Department of Public Health to engage stakeholders. The goal was to gain deeper insights into the crisis affecting these facilities and determine the resources needed to sustain these vital community-based housing options.
Following the initial Board Motion, the Department of Mental Health conducted an extensive stakeholder process. This resulted in a comprehensive report, “Sustaining a Vital Permanent Housing Resource: Analysis and Stakeholder Input to Support Adult Residential Facilities and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly in Los Angeles County,” released in July 2019. Since then, DMH and DHS have maintained their commitment to supporting licensed residential facilities. Further details on the County’s ongoing efforts to ensure the viability of these facilities can be found in subsequent Board motions and Board Memos.
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COVID-19 Guidelines for Congregate Living Facilities
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles County issued the Safer at Home order on March 19, 2020, aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus. The County recognized the heightened vulnerability of congregate living settings, including licensed residential facilities, during this health crisis. To support these facilities, guidelines and resources were developed to address COVID-19 related challenges in licensed facilities and similar congregate settings, ensuring the health and safety of residents and staff.
Guidelines for Congregate Living Facilities and COVID-19 Resources are available to help navigate these challenges effectively.
This Enriched Residential Care Program represents a significant commitment to providing crucial housing and support for individuals with mental health needs in Los Angeles County, ensuring they have access to stable and enriching living environments.
