Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with StarVista to provide Transitional Housing Placement-Plus and Aftercare Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with StarVista to provide Transitional Housing Placement-Plus and Aftercare services to emancipated foster and probation youth from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024 for a total obligation not to exceed $4,323,921.
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BACKGROUND:
On February 5, 2021, the Human Services Agency (“HSA”) issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to identify a provider for Transitional Housing Placement-Plus (“THP-Plus”) and Aftercare services, and selected StarVista. StarVista best meets the needs of the County based on their proposed approach and their experience providing THP-Plus services to former probation and foster youth.
THP-Plus originated in 2006 as a collaboration between the John Burton Foundation, the California Department of Social Services (“CDSS”), and the Corporation for Supportive Housing. THP-Plus offers transitional housing placement opportunities to address the critical needs of former foster and probation youth who have aged out (emancipated) of the foster care system but do not possess the maturity or economic self-sufficiency to transition to adulthood.
This program provides supervised independent living housing and support services. Support services include regular visits to participants’ residences, educational guidance, employment counseling, and assistance reaching emancipation goals outlined in participants’ Transitional Independent Living Plan. The goal of the THP-Plus program is to provide a safe living environment, while helping youth learn the necessary life skills and obtain resources and supports to ensure self-sufficiency upon leaving the foster care support system.
DISCUSSION:
StarVista will operate the THP-Plus program under the scattered, host family, and single site model and will provide case management, as well as supervision, for each of the housing site models. Each housing model provides various levels of support and placement based on the needs of the youth. In addition, StarVista will provide comprehensive services in the form of rental assistance, assistance with residential services, mentoring, academic support, employability skills, life skills training, financial management, and career counseling.
StarVista will also provide Aftercare services to eligible foster youth that have exited the THP-Plus program. Aftercare services include ongoing case management and supportive services such as job readiness, and referrals to community-based organizations for up to one year. Services provided under this agreement will empower youth to become healthy, self-sufficient members of the community by supporting strength-based resiliency.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
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Measure |
FY 2021-22 Target |
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Percent of participants receiving THP-Plus services under this Agreement that will maintain enrollment in or complete their GED or high school equivalency; or maintain enrollment in or complete a vocational program; or maintain enrollment in their college placement; or secure and maintain full time equivalent (30 hours or more per week) employment; or a combination thereof. |
90% |
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Percent of participants not enrolled in full-time, post-secondary, education that will experience a 20% increase in their earned income from entrance to exit of the THP-Plus program under this Agreement. |
90% |
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Percent of participants that will transition from THP-Plus to identified stable and positive housing. |
90% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024 with an allocation of $1,441,307 per year over 3 years. Of this amount, $1,359,360 is funded by State Realignment funds and $81,947 is Net County Cost. Budgetary appropriation for this agreement has been included in the FY 2021-2022 Recommended Budget.