Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Second Amendment to the Agreement with Rape Trauma Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a second amendment to the agreement with Rape Trauma Services to increase funding by $60,000, for a new total obligation of $987,287, with the term remaining February 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, to expand support services provided in connection with the County’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children program.
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BACKGROUND:
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is a significant issue in San Mateo County, affecting youth with complex trauma, health, and child welfare or juvenile justice needs. Through the Human Services Agency's (HSA) Children and Family Services branch, the County addresses these challenges using a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed approach. In partnership with Rape Trauma Services (RTS), the County provides crisis counseling, advocacy, and other specialized services for youth impacted by sexual exploitation and sexual assault.
On February 5, 2026, HSA entered into a director-level agreement with RTS for the term of February 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, in the amount of $105,429, to ensure uninterrupted access to these essential services following the expiration of the parties' previous three-year agreement on January 31, 2026. The short-term agreement allowed services to continue while a Board-level agreement was prepared.
On May 5, 2026, by Resolution No. 081827, the County approved an amendment extending the agreement through June 30, 2029, and increasing funding by $821,858 for a new total obligation of $927,287. The agreement supports the continued delivery of rape crisis services, including a 24-hour crisis line and response, therapy, and school-based prevention groups that promote empowerment, connection, and self-advocacy.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting approval of an amendment to increase the agreement by $60,000, for a new total amount not to exceed $987,287, to expand prevention services for girls who have been identified as experiencing CSEC or who are at significant risk of exploitation.
The additional funding will expand the Girls Empowerment Groups from one San Mateo County high school to four high schools during the contract term, increasing program capacity from approximately 10 participants to approximately 40 participants. Expanding these school-based groups will increase access to early intervention and prevention services for vulnerable youth in settings where they can be consistently engaged before exploitation occurs or escalates. The requested funding increase reflects this expansion of services.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution and amendment as to form.
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 Actuals |
FY 2026-27 Anticipated |
FY 2027-28 Target |
FY2028-29 Target |
|
Percentage of crisis responses occurring within 30 minutes to support and accompany survivors through the initial crisis processes. |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Percentage of Girls Empowerment Group participants who complete the sessions and can identify at least three hallmarks/signs of an unhealthy relationship by the end of the group sessions. |
N/A* |
100% |
100% |
100% |
*New Measure - Tracking begins FY2026-27
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This amendment expands access to trauma-informed prevention and support services for youth who have experienced or are at risk of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) and sexual assault. By increasing school-based Girls Empowerment Groups from one to four high schools, the County will provide earlier intervention, education, and supportive services in settings where vulnerable youth can be consistently engaged. In addition to crisis response, advocacy, counseling, and accompaniment services, these prevention efforts promote safety, resilience, healthy relationships, and long-term well-being, strengthening the County's ability to protect and support at-risk youth and their families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this amendment is from February 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. This amendment increases the agreement by $60,000 for a revised total not to exceed $987,287. Funding for this amendment will be covered by Family First Prevention Services State Block Grant (FFPS SBG) and Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) funding. Appropriations were included in the Recommended Budget, and future years will be incorporated through the annual budget process. There is no Net County Cost associated with this amendment.