Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicole Pollack, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Amendment to Agreement with StarVista to provide Transitional Housing Placement-Plus and Aftercare services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with StarVista to provide Transitional Housing Placement-Plus and Aftercare services to emancipated foster and probation youth, extending the term by one year to June 30, 2020, and adding $1,684,421 for a revised total obligation not to exceed $2,968,842.
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BACKGROUND:
On November 15, 2017, 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 (TILP). 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.
On June 26, 2018, by Resolution 075992, this Board authorized an agreement with StarVista for the term of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, in an amount not to exceed $1,284,421 to provide THP-Plus and Aftercare services to emancipated foster and probation youth.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment extends the current term by one year to June 30, 2020 and adds $1,684,421 in funds for a revised total amount not to exceed $2,968,842.
StarVista will continue to 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 is 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 amendment 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).
Approval of this amendment contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by providing former foster and/or probation youth, who have recently emancipated from the foster care system, with access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing, as well as financial and educational tools that will help participants achieve self-sufficiency, permanency and lifelong connections. It is anticipated that 36 youth will participate in THP-Plus Program for Fiscal Year 2019-20, and that 90% of participants will: maintain enrollment in or complete their GED or high school equivalency; or maintain enrollment 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. It is also anticipated that 90% of participants not enrolled in secondary education will demonstrate a 20% increase in their earned income from entrance to exit of the program. In addition, it is anticipated that 90% of participants will transition into stable and positive housing upon exiting the program.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
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Measure |
FY 2019-20 Projected |
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Percentage of participants receiving THP-Plus services who 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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Percentage of participants not enrolled in full-time, post-secondary, education who will experience a 20% increase in their earned income from entrance to exit of the THP-Plus program under this Agreement. |
90% |
|
Percent of participants who will transition from THP-Plus to an identified stable and positive housing environment. |
90% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this amended agreement has been extended one year to June 30, 2020. The amount of this amended agreement has been increased by $1,684,421 for a revised total amount not to exceed $2,968,842. Of this increase, $1,600,000 is funded by State Realignment funds and $84,421 is Net County Cost. Budgetary appropriation for this amended agreement has been included in the FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget.