Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Christina Corpus, Sheriff
Subject: Agreement with Service League of San Mateo County for Programs and Services to the Incarcerated Population
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Service League of San Mateo County to provide programs and services to the incarcerated population, for the term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $733,052.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1989, the Service League of San Mateo County has been committed to providing direct services to the justice-involved population in San Mateo County. Jail Coordinators meet the needs of the incarcerated population in many ways. For example, Jail Coordinators manage the jury clothing process so individuals can attend court appropriately dressed. Jail Coordinators teach the Hope Inside program, which engages both men and women in addressing substance use and encourages post-release treatment. In addition, they teach the domestic violence offender classes. As individuals prepare for release, Jail Coordinators provide clothing, hygiene kits, and transportation vouchers to those in need.
The Chaplaincy Coordinator supports incarcerated individuals' religious and spiritual needs by recruiting religious providers and coordinating group services and one-on-one meetings. The Coordinator establishes and maintains relationships with various denominations throughout the County and the Bay Area, ensuring that the diverse needs of different faiths within the correctional facilities are met. This Coordinator manages the schedule for religious services and keeps track of faith-based holidays and observances. The Coordinator collaborates with correctional staff to ensure that religious materials, prayer supplies, and special religious meals are provided.
The Law Librarian supports incarcerated individuals eligible to represent themselves in court. The Librarian provides books, hard copies of case law, Senate and Assembly bills, and other legal documents. The Law Librarian distributes to eligible individuals pre-addressed legal mailing envelopes.
DISCUSSION:
In Fall 2024, the Sheriff’s Office facilitated a Request for Proposal process for jail programming and services and selected the Service League of San Mateo County. The proposal fulfilled key service areas for the needs of the incarcerated population, including religious and spiritual services, law library support, and coordination of pre-release needs. The Service League helps the justice-involved population reintegrate into the community by supporting them while they are incarcerated.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-2025 Projected |
FY 2025-2026 Projected |
|
Number of incarcerated person requests received |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
Number of incarcerated person requests answered within 5 calendar days |
95% |
95% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
By employing Jail Coordinators to deliver targeted programming such as substance abuse rehabilitation and domestic violence offender classes, incarcerated individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or language proficiency, can overcome challenges, achieve personal growth, reduce recidivism, and build healthier, more productive lives.
Access to professional attire for jury trials reduces potential bias linked to appearance, supports the presumption of innocence, and underscores the principle of equitable treatment in the judicial process. Law library services provide incarcerated individuals with access to legal information to understand their cases, explore legal remedies, advocate for themselves, make informed decisions about their legal situations, and engage with the justice system effectively.
Jail release services provide critical support to individuals transitioning back into society by directly addressing barriers they face during reentry. Jail Coordinators connect clients with resources such as clothing, transportation, housing, and community programs, which reduces recidivism and promotes successful reintegration into the community.
The provision of chaplaincy services supports the right to practice and explore one’s faith or spirituality. By prioritizing inclusivity and cultural responsiveness, these services recognize the diversity of religious and cultural needs among incarcerated individuals and mitigate inequities in access to spiritual care, regardless of religious affiliation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, for an amount not to exceed $733,052. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement, as it is entirely funded by AB109 Public Safety Realignment Funds.