Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Amendment One with Rape Trauma Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) An Amendment One to the agreement with Rape Trauma Services (RTS) to continue to provide support services in connection with the County’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program, increasing the term by 36 months for a new term of February 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029, and increasing the amount by $821,858, for a new total amount not to exceed $927,287; and
B) A waiver of the County’s requirement for a competitive procurement process.
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BACKGROUND:
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is a serious concern in San Mateo County. Youth who are victims of, or at high risk for, exploitation often experience significant trauma, overlapping mental and physical health needs, and involvement with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. Addressing these complex needs requires specialized, trauma-informed services, including crisis response, counseling, advocacy, and accompaniment.
San Mateo County participates in statewide efforts coordinated through the California Child Welfare Council and has established a multidisciplinary approach to serving CSEC youth. The Human Services Agency’s (HSA) Children and Family Services (CFS) branch leads the County’s response and facilitates the local CSEC collaborative. Rape Trauma Services (RTS), a nonprofit serving San Mateo County, partners with the County to provide crisis counseling, advocacy, and support services for survivors of sexual exploitation and sexual assault.
RTS is the only organization in San Mateo County providing comprehensive rape crisis services, including crisis response, counseling, advocacy, and accompaniment for survivors of sexual assault. RTS has the experience, infrastructure, and partnerships necessary to deliver these services effectively to the County’s high-risk populations.
On February 5, 2026, HSA entered into a director-level agreement with RTS for the term of February 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026, for a total amount of $105,429, to ensure continuous access to these essential trauma-informed services. The County’s prior three-year agreement with RTS expired on January 31, 2026. Implementing the short-term director-level agreement allowed services to continue while preparing a Board-level amendment.
DISCUSSION:
HSA requests the County enter into an amendment with RTS, to increase the term by 36 months for a new term of February 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029, and increasing funding by $821,858 for a new total obligation amount of $927,287, to ensure continued provision of rape crisis services in San Mateo County without interruption. Specifically, services include maintaining a 24-hour crisis line and response, therapy services, and prevention groups at schools that promote empowerment, connection, and self-advocacy.
Pursuant to County Administrative Memorandum B1, Section IV, Paragraph B(2), a waiver of the formal competitive procurement process may be authorized when services are proprietary or available from only a single source. HSA recommends the Board authorize waiving the County’s requirement for a competitive procurement process, because RTS is the only organization in San Mateo County capable of providing the full scope of trauma-informed sexual assault and commercially sexually exploited (CSEC) youth support services, including crisis response, counseling, advocacy, and accompaniment, ensuring these critical services are delivered locally to meet the needs of high-risk populations.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
The County Procurement Department has reviewed and approved the waiver of the formal competitive procurement process.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 in the aggregate.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Anticipated |
FY 2026-27 Target |
FY 2027-28 Target |
|
Percentage of engaged participants reporting at least one positive adult relationship. |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Percentage of crisis responses will occur within 30 minutes. |
90% |
92% |
95% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This contract supports survivors of sexual assault by providing confidential, trauma-informed services tailored to their needs. Survivors in high-risk communities will have access to crisis response, advocacy, counseling, and accompaniment services that promote safety, empowerment, and long-term healing. These services strengthen community well-being by ensuring vulnerable youth and families receive the support necessary to recover and thrive.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is February 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. This amendment adds $821,858 for a new total obligation of $927,287. Services are funded through Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) funding. Appropriations were included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget, will be included in the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget, and in future budgets.