Work is underway on a new Ventura County jail facility specifically intended to treat, and house inmates with medical and mental health issues. The county is building a $61 million dollar, 64,000 square foot complex at the Todd Road Jail, near Santa Paula.
It includes 64 beds, a clinic, and other related facilities. The realignment of the state’s prison system several years ago means county jails often house inmates for longer periods of time. Counties need to be able to better deal with people in custody with chronic health issues.
The state is providing funding for 90% of the of the $61 million dollar project, with the county kicking in the remaining $6.1 million. Plans call for the facility to open in 2021.
