Title
Probation Department recommending the Board:
1) Accept a grant award, in accordance with Board Policy A-6, in the amount of $100,000 with California Health and Human Services Agency, Office of Youth and Community Restoration;
2) Authorize the Chief Probation Officer, on behalf of El Dorado County, to execute retroactive grant Agreement 2023-330-OYCR, FENIX Agreement 8243, for the term of October 19, 2023, through September 30, 2025; and
3) Authorize the Chief Probation Officer, or Deputy Chief Probation Officer, to execute any subsequent administrative documents, including required fiscal and programmatic reports, and any extensions or amendments thereof which would not increase net county cost contingent upon County Counsel approval.
FUNDING: California Health and Human Services Agency, Office of Youth and Community Restoration, Secure Youth Treatment Facility placement to Less Restrictive Programs Grant (100%).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Agency, Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR), is awarding grants to county probation departments and community partners who demonstrate innovative approaches to assist youth in secure track facilities to transition quickly to less restrictive programs (LRPs). Funding must be devoted to developing, expanding, or adapting community-based care options. Services to support youth transitions should include coordination with community service providers to help prepare youth for LRP transitions, community-based housing placement and case management, community-based career development and education, access to community education resources with demonstrated experience serving post-carceral youth, income support, and linkage to workforce development.
Beginning June 1, 2023, OYCR solicited to county probation departments about funding available for LRPs. The Probation Department (Probation) submitted a Letter of Interest to OYCR on July 27, 2023. Probation was notified by OYCR of receipt of funding for the Step-Down Less Restrictive Placement Grant on August 14, 2023. Probation will receive up to $50,000 for the first year of the grant agreement and up to $50,000 for the second year.
Probation proposes to use the funding to assist non-minor dependents currently housed at the South Lake Tahoe Juvenile Treatment Center (JTC). Additional programming and transitional services may include vocational skills training in the kitchen at the JTC, employment opportunities at Lake Tahoe Community College, the California State University (CSU) Project Rebound, or courses with Northern California Construction Training. Project Rebound is a student success program for formerly incarcerated students in the CSU system. Non-minor dependents could also benefit from case management services and resources offered through the Department of Rehabilitation. Direct income assistance will be needed for housing, furnishings, household items, and day-to-day expenditures for groceries, laundry services, and transportation.
The first youth slated to be the recipient of services funded through the OYCR Step-Down Less Restrictive Placement Grant was scheduled for Court approval of their transition to LRP status on October 2, 2023. Considering the potential need to move forward with services as soon as possible after this Court approval, the grant period was determined to be retroactive beginning October 19, 2023, and ending on September 30, 2025. A final draft of the Agreement was received from CalHHS OYCR on October 19, 2023, and processed as soon as practicable to be approved by the Board.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board decline to approve the acceptance of the CalHHS OYCR funds, the County would not be awarded the funding identified for El Dorado County.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no General Fund impact. Funding provided through CalHHS, OYCR, Secure Youth Treatment Facility placement to Less Restrictive Programs Grant.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities, Good Governance
CONTACT
Jackie S. Cook, Administrative Analyst, 530-621-5588