Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with StarVista to provide Transitional Housing Placement-Plus Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with StarVista to provide Transitional Housing Placement-Plus services to former foster and probation youth for the term September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2027 for a total obligation amount not to exceed $4,496,528.
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BACKGROUND:
Transitional Housing Placement-Plus (THP+) 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+ offers transitional housing placement opportunities to address the critical needs of former foster and probation youth who have aged out 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+ 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 January 23, 2024, the Human Services Agency (“HSA”) issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to identify a provider to operate the County’s THP+ program, and selected StarVista based on the RFP evaluation criteria/scoring that included method and approach, and organizational experience.
DISCUSSION:
HSA requests the County enter into an agreement with StarVista to operate the THP+ program to serve former foster/probation youth ages 18 to 25 under a scattered, host family, and single site model. Specifically, StarVista 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 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. Services provided under this agreement will empower youth to become healthy, self-sufficient members of the community by supporting strength-based resiliency. This agreement is anticipated to serve a minimum of 36 unduplicated participants each year.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form and the Contractor meets the insurance certification requirement.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Target |
FY 2025-26 Anticipated |
FY 2026-27 Anticipated |
|
Percent of participants receiving THP+ services who will maintain college placement/vocational training or employment. |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Percent of participants that will transition from THP-Plus to identified stable and positive housing. |
90% |
90% |
90% |
EQUITY IMPACT:
This agreement will positively impact former foster/probation youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing them with safe and stable housing options. This program aims to address systemic inequalities by offering housing support for those most vulnerable in our community, including marginalized populations such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals as they transition into independent adulthood.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027 for a total obligation amount not to exceed $4,496,528 that is 100% funded through Child Welfare Services’ State Realignment revenue. Appropriations have been included in the FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget and similar arraignments will be made for future budgets. There is no Net County Cost related to this agreement.