Ventura inmates to be escorted to treatment

VENTURA, Calif. The program is designed to reduce the number of inmates who land back in jail because of a lack of proper mental health care.

The program is voluntary and is set to last 90 days. Officials plan to help 57 inmates looking for treatment during those three months.

Some inmates who suffer from mental illnesses will be given medication and rides to their first appointments following their release from jail.

The program will also help set up the select inmates with agencies that provide housing assistance and help with Social Security benefits.