Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with Larkin Street Youth Services for Transitional Housing Placement Plus Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Larkin Street Youth Services to provide Transitional Housing Placement Plus services for the term of September 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031, and for a total obligation amount not to exceed $6,418,592.
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BACKGROUND:
Transitional Housing Placement-Plus (“THP+”) was established in 2006 through a collaboration among the John Burton Foundation, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Corporation for Supportive Housing. THP+ provides transitional housing and supportive services to former foster and probation youth who have aged out of the foster care system but may not yet possess the maturity or financial self-sufficiency necessary for independent adulthood.
The program provides supervised independent living placements and comprehensive supportive services, including regular visits to participants' residences, educational guidance, employment counseling, assistance in achieving the goals outlined in each participant's Transitional Youth Case Plan (“TYCP”), development of essential life skills, and connections to community resources. The goal of the program is to support participants in achieving long-term self-sufficiency and a successful transition to independent adulthood.
On October 28, 2025, Human Services Agency issued a Request for Proposals to identify a provider to operate San Mateo County’s Transitional Housing Placement Plus (“THP+”) Program, and selected Larkin Street Youth Services (“Larkin”) based on the RFP evaluation criteria/scoring that included method and approach, and organizational experience.
DISCUSSION:
HSA requests the County enter into an agreement with Larkin for the term of September 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, and a total obligation amount of $6,418,592, to provide THP+ program services to eligible San Mateo County former foster/probation youth ages 18 to 25 years old under a scattered, host family, and single site model. Each housing model provides various levels of support and placement based on the needs of the youth. In addition, Larkin will provide comprehensive services in the form of rental assistance, living subsidies, assistance with residential services, mentoring, academic support, employability skills, life skills training, financial management, and career counseling. Services provided under this agreement will empower youth to become healthy, self-sufficient members of the community by supporting strength-based resiliency. This agreement is anticipated to serve up to 35 youth annually.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY2026-27 Anticipated |
FY2027-28 Target |
FY2028-29 Target |
|
Percent of participants receiving THP-Plus services will maintain college placement/vocational training or employment. |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Percent of participants that will transition from THP-Plus to an identified stable and positive housing. |
90% |
90% |
90% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Approval of this agreement will support housing stability and help prevent homelessness among former San Mateo County foster/probation youth ages 18 through 25 who are transitioning to independent adulthood. Through THP+, the Contractor will provide safe, age-appropriate housing support, individualized case management, and supportive services designed to promote educational attainment, employment, life skills development, and financial self-sufficiency. By helping participants establish stable housing and build the skills necessary for independent living, these services contribute to improved long-term outcomes, reduce reliance on public systems, and support the County’s efforts to address youth homelessness and promote community well-being.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This term of this agreement is September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031 for a total obligation amount of $6,418,592. This agreement is funded through Child Welfare Services’ State Realignment revenue. Funding for this agreement is included in the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget and will be included in future budgets. There is no net County cost associated with this item.