San Diego City Wire

The California State Auditor has released a report criticizing the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) for its handling of the Sexually Violent Predator Conditional Release Program (SVP CONREP). The audit reveals significant shortcomings in DSH's oversight of Liberty Healthcare, the state contractor responsible for managing the program. Despite nearly $100 million spent since the program's inception, concerns persist about public safety and management efficiency.

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones initiated the audit after numerous complaints regarding sexually violent predators being placed near schools and residential areas. "Today’s audit reinforces exactly what we’ve long been warning about: the Newsom Administration’s Department of State Hospitals has failed to properly oversee the dangerous sexually violent predator release program contracted out to Liberty Healthcare," said Leader Jones.

The audit outlines several issues, including high costs associated with a no-bid contract and reoffenses among released individuals. It notes that since 2003, only 56 participants have been managed under this program at an average cost of $1.66 million per person. Additionally, there have been instances where participants reoffended post-release.

Criticism is also directed at DSH for not holding Liberty Healthcare accountable for addressing deficiencies in their administration of SVP CONREP. "DSH has not held Liberty Healthcare accountable for resolving the various deficiencies in its administration of the program," states one finding from page 51 of the report.

The auditor suggests exploring transitional housing options similar to those used by other states as a potential improvement measure. "As we’ve said all along, SVPs should be housed on state property under constant supervision," added Leader Jones.

Leader Jones emphasizes that reform is necessary to ensure public safety and accountability within this costly program. "The bottom line is that the safety of children, the elderly, and other vulnerable Californians have been given short-shrift by Liberty Healthcare and casual monitoring by DHS," he concluded.

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee had approved Leader Jones's request for this audit last year following widespread public support demonstrated through a petition signed by nearly 1,600 Californians concerned about community safety.