Join us for a live webinar

This webinar will help community members understand DRC's recent Tulare County Settlement Agreement, including its meaning, upcoming steps in the implementation process, and opportunities for stakeholder engagement. We will feature insights from lead attorneys involved in the case, aiming to foster transparency, build trust, and empower community participation in shaping the path forward.

About the webinar:

Join us for an important conversation about the groundbreaking Tulare County Settlement Agreement, which will expand the County’s mental health services and prevent unnecessary institutionalization and incarceration.

The settlement marks the culmination of a multi-year investigation by DRC, finding that the county inappropriately relied on law enforcement to respond to youth and adults experiencing mental health crises. As a result, the County’s arrest rates were more than double the statewide average and were even higher for communities of color.

Tulare County (the County) is home to nearly 480,000 people and is located in California’s Central Valley, which is largely rural and agricultural. Its population is 67% Latine with a growing Black/African American population and Indigenous populations.

This webinar will: 

• Break down the settlement agreement; 
• Outline next steps in implementation; 
• Highlight ways you can stay involved;  
• Offer a space to ask questions and use your voice to help shape the future. 

Whether you’re a community member, advocate, provider, or stakeholder, this is your opportunity to engage and work toward meaningful change. Read more about the settlement.

Speakers:

Michelle Kotval, Senior Attorney, Mental Health Practice Group

Sarah Gregory, Litigation Counsel, Mental Health Practice Group

Oscar Lopez, Managing Attorney, Mental Health Practice Group