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Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations by $277,628 in the Fiscal Year 2015/16 budget to recognize an unanticipated State allocation. The allocation is for the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Program, which will provide support for the victims, and education and training for the prevention of commercial sexual exploitation among children. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: Federal and State Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve a Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations by $277,628 in Fiscal Year 2015/16 budget. Funding is based on a State allocation for the Commercial Sexually Exploited Children Program (CSEC) and will ensure HHSA meets the requirements of the program by serving eligible individuals.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Senate Bill 855, Chapter 20, Statutes of 2014, amended the Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 300 to clarify that, under existing law, commercially sexually exploited children whose parents or guardians failed or were unable to protect them may become dependents of the juvenile court and the responsibility of Child Protective Services.
On August 11, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 132-2015 affirming the County’s commitment to developing and supporting strategies to prevent, reduce and serve the victims of commercial sexual exploitation of children and to work to eliminate sex trafficking in California.
Through the State's annual budget process, the California Department of Social Services received funding that has been made available to counties who are interested in participating in the CSEC program. In order to access the funds, counties were required to meet certain requirements and submit a plan for this program. HHSA elected to participate in the CSEC Program in order to more effectively serve CSEC victims by utilizing a multidisciplinary approach for case management, service planning, and the provision of services. The funding can be used to pay for services including but not limited to emergency shelter care, case management and foster and/or group home placement in a bed with supportive services for CSEC victims who have been taken into protective custody.
On October 1, 2015, the California Department of Social Services issued County Fiscal Letter 15/16-22, publishing the Fiscal Year 2015-16 State General Fund allocation for the administration of CSEC victims for County of El Dorado. In addition, on November 30, 2015, HHSA received notification from the California Department of Social Services that our CSEC Interagency Protocols were approved.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of the Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations $277,628 unanticipated State allocation will result in a revocation of the allocation for the CSEC Program.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Increased amount of revenue and appropriations in the amount of $277,628 of unanticipated State allocation.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on the Budget Transfer Request.
2. Clerk of the Board to forward signed Budget Transfer Request to the Auditor-Controller’s Office for Processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director