Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with San Mateo County Office of Education
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a waiver of the Request for Proposals process and approving the execution of an agreement with the San Mateo County Office of Education to provide educational liaison services for the term of August 20, 2024 to August 19, 2027 for a total obligation amount not to exceed $890,796.
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BACKGROUND:
Foster youth and youth in shelters face various challenges that lead to a higher-than-average school drop-out rate. The California Department of Education does not provide funding to ensure that these youth are connected to critical educational services. It is essential to ensure that youth in foster care receive these services so their (out-of-home) placement does not hinder their ability to receive a quality education.
The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) operates the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP) which is designed to serve the unique educational needs of children in foster care. The program seeks to improve educational outcomes for foster youth by establishing a level of collaboration and communication between schools, social services agencies, and foster youth caretakers that previously did not exist. The FYSCP, through Educational Liaisons, ensures that health and school records are obtained to establish appropriate placements and coordinate instruction, counseling, tutoring, mentoring, vocational training, emancipation services, training for independent living, and other related services. FYSCP seeks to improve the children's educational performance and personal achievement, increasing the stability of placements for foster youth.
DISCUSSION:
The Human Services Agency (HSA) requests the County enter into an agreement with SMCOE to provide Educational Liaisons to serve San Mateo County foster youth and youth in shelters that are enrolled/attending a San Mateo County school. Under this agreement, the Educational Liaisons will consult with the County regarding the youth’s educational issues, gather their educational records, participate in meetings related to the youth’s education, advocate for youth on educational issues, and provide resources and referrals. In addition, the liaisons will provide training to the County regarding educational issues affecting foster youth. SMCOE will work with the County and others to ensure the services provided are meeting the needs and goals of each of the youth. HSA estimates a minimum of 80 youth per year will be served under this agreement.
Pursuant to Section 2.83.070(b) of the County Ordinance Code, the Board of Supervisors may waive the requirement of a request for proposals in any situation where the Board of Supervisors determines that it is for the best interest of the County.
Pursuant to Administrative Memorandum B-1 paragraph IV. B. Non-Emergency Specific Exemptions item 3, a competitive solicitation may be waived when entering into an agreement with a public or government agency including schools and universities. HSA recommends the Board waive the competitive requirements as SMCOE is a public agency.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 for the agreement.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Target |
FY 2025-26 Anticipated |
FY 2026-27 Anticipated |
|
Reduction in the average number of school days lost upon entering foster care and transferring schools. |
1.25 days |
1.21 days |
1.21 days |
|
Percentage of students that will secure a High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Certificate and/ or Certificate of Completion. |
88% |
90% |
90% |
EQUITY IMPACT:
This agreement will positively impact San Mateo County foster youth at risk of dropping out of school, by providing them with resources and knowledge necessary to improve their educational performance/outcomes and personal achievement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is August 20, 2024 to August 19, 2027, for a total not to exceed amount of $890,796. It is anticipated the agreement will be funded by Child Welfare Services revenue (70% 2011 State Realignment and 30% Net County Cost), of which the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) allocation is part of. Funding and appropriations for these services are included in the FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget and similar arrangements will be made for future budgets.