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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Funding Out Agreement 9693 with ASPIREKids for the purpose of providing financial assistance to foster and probation children and youth in El Dorado County (County), in the amount of $10,000 and for the term upon execution through June 30, 2026;
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 9693 which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or extend the term of the Agreement, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or Chief Assistant Director, to execute programmatic, administrative, and fiscal documents relating to Agreement 9693.
FUNDING: 100% California Department of Social Services Flexible Family Supports and Home-based Foster Care Allocation.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Funding for FFS and Home-Based Foster Care is provided through Assembly Bill (AB) 179, the Budget Act of 2022. These funds are intended to support foster and probation-involved children and youth placed with relative caregivers, resource families, tribally approved homes, homes funded pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 11461.3, and the homes of relatives or non-relative extended family members. For Indian children, eligible placements also include extended family members as defined in WIC Section 224.1. The funds may also be used to support emergency placements under WIC Sections 309, 319, 361.45, or 727.05, or compelling reason placements as outlined in subdivision (e) of WIC Section 16519.5. Additionally, these funds can be used to transition children and youth from more restrictive placements into family-based care.
The FFS Allocation was previously approved by the Board on June 25, 2024, through Funding In Agreement 7600 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 funding (Legistar file 24-0407). HHSA was able to opt in to and receive a FY 2023-24 funding allocation with CDSS, with this funding expiring June 30, 2026. This funding is designed to strengthen and stabilize home-based placements, reduce the need for placement changes, and support lasting familial connections for children and youth in care. Through increased access to family-based care and supportive services, FFS and Home-Based Foster Care funding aims to improve the overall outcomes and well-being of children and youth involved in the foster care and probation systems.
HHSA is recommending the Board approve Funding Out Agreement 9693 with ASPIREKids to allocate $10,000 of County allocated FFS funding for a term upon execution through June 30, 2026, to coincide with the funding allocation's expiration date. Under this agreement, ASPIREKids will provide access to financial assistance for foster and probation children and youth and their caregivers. This support includes costs related to child and youth enrichment activities that are not covered by the caregiver-specific rate but are intended to stabilize placements or enhance the child’s well-being. It also includes other activities or direct supports and services that align with the intent of AB 179, as defined by CDSS in written guidance or as approved by CDSS in response to county requests.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA Child Welfare Services (CWS) would have to return unspent funding back to CDSS which could result in lessening HHSA CWS’ ability to provide timely, necessary, and mandated services to foster or probation children and youth along with their foster families/caregivers.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
06/25/2024, 24-0407, HHSA Director Annual Signature Authority and Resolution FY 2024-25
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no General Fund Cost associated with this agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the FY 2025-26 Budget and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement. The Agreement is being funded with 100% FFS and Home-based Care allocated to HHSA.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS:
Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one original Funding Out Agreement 9693.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT:
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency