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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Accept one-time funding (FENIX 6328) from the California Department of Social Services for an estimated amount of $226,606 to enhance Child Welfare Services’ Emergency Response services, for a term to begin upon execution through June 30, 2025;
2) Delegate authority to the Health and Human Services Agency Director, or designee, to sign the County Notice Letter to secure the funding; and
3) Authorize the Health and Human Services Agency Director, or designee, to execute and administer any subsequent administrative documents relating to said award, including any extension(s) or amendment(s), which do not increase net county cost, and required fiscal and programmatic reports.
FUNDING: State General Funds.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) issued All County Letter 22-02 (ACL 22-02) on December 30, 2021 notifying counties that $50 million of state general funds were appropriated in the State Budget Act of 2021 to enhance Child Welfare Emergency Response (ER) services.
Emergency response services, as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501(f), consist of the response system providing in-person response, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to reports of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation, for the purpose of investigation and to determine the necessity for providing initial intake services and crisis intervention to maintain the child safely in their own home or to protect the safety of the child.
ACL 22-02 describes the allowable uses of the funding, which include, but are not limited to:
Workforce Strategies:
- Hiring additional ER social workers to complete hotline and/or investigation activities;
- Hiring additional ER supervisors or other ER support staff;
- Fund staffing and supportive services to conduct prevention Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings during an ER investigation;
- Offering a pay differential for ER staff...
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