Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with First 5 San Mateo County
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and First 5 San Mateo County, increasing the authorized amount by $1,000,000 to an amount not to exceed $1,300,000, and extending the term through June 30, 2026.
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BACKGROUND:
In November 2022, a comprehensive Community Program Planning (CPP) process began to develop the County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Plan. Over 400 community members participated in the CPP process via surveys, 31 community input sessions, key interviews, and a 30-day public comment process. Through this process, behavioral health support for children ages 0-5 was confirmed as an ongoing key priority within MHSA’s Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) component.
Recognizing the profound impact of early childhood experiences on long-term mental health outcomes, the MHSA Steering Committee prioritized collaboration with First 5 San Mateo County’s (First 5’s) Trauma-and-Resiliency-Informed Systems Initiative (TRISI). This partnership aims to expand trauma-informed practices across child- and family-serving organizations, increasing workforce capacity to support vulnerable communities affected by trauma. The long-term goal is to embed trauma- and resiliency-informed policies and practices at every level of the system, aligning with both the PEI component and the System Transformation Priority.
In December 2023, this Board approved an MOU with First 5 for the term of October 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025 for an amount not to exceed $300.000 to expand trauma-informed efforts in the County.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment expands the contract to include $850,000 in MHSA funds that have been allocated for the System Transformation Priority, along with an additional $150,000 in ongoing PEI funding for FY 2025-26, as outlined in the 2023-26 MHSA Three-Year Plan. Therefore, we are returning to this Board to seek approval for this amendment.
The expanded agreement enables TRISI efforts to focus on coordination and advocacy, working to leverage resources and align strategies across county agencies, community-based organizations, and private entities, including the three largest child serving agencies: San Mateo County Office of Education, Children and Family Services (Human Services Agency), and Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.
Key components of the agreement include:
1. Training and Assistance:
o Provide training and technical support to early childhood mental health agencies to advance trauma-informed practices, integrate trauma- and resiliency-informed policies, and develop sustainable strategies while identifying future funding opportunities.
2. Resources for Professionals:
o Provide training on reflective practice and supervision.
o Support Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation at early childcare and education sites, focusing on sites with limited access to resources, prioritizing equity.
3. Parent Education:
o Co-fund critical mental health supports for young children and caregivers facing trauma, particularly from homelessness or intimate partner violence.
o Provide legal education to families and child-serving agencies about immigration rights and protections to reduce stress and trauma.
BHRS remains committed to a strong partnership with First 5 to ensure alignment in decision-making and strategic direction. First 5 will continue to participate in Children and Youth System of Care Committee meetings to facilitate ongoing collaboration, while also overseeing project management and contracting subject-matter experts to lead trauma-informed systems trainings and activities. These efforts will ensure that service providers are well-equipped to support children and families effectively.
The MOU and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Attorney as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing further amendment of the County fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
It is anticipated that 100%of the agencies that have previously completed the training and coaching will develop a workplan based on their TIO Practice Assessment .
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
|
Percentage of agencies that have previously completed the training and coaching that develop a workplan based on their TIO Practice Assessment |
33% 1 of 3 agencies |
100%* 3of 3 agencies |
EQUITY IMPACT:
The collaboration between BHRS and First 5 advances equity by embedding trauma-informed policies and practices, ensuring vulnerable children and families have access to inclusive, supportive environments. However, disparities persist: 10% of all children in San Mateo County live at or below the federal poverty level, with rates rising to 31% for Black children and 20% for Latinx children. Youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth face systemic inequities, increasing their risk for trauma-related challenges like depression and suicidality.
Barriers such as limited social support further impact families. Research shows that 37% of low-income families lack a trusted neighbor for help, and 24% of high-need families report having no friends to support them in parenting. Expanding trauma-informed practices across three child-serving systems will help create safer, more responsive spaces for families.
Strengthening culturally responsive and trauma-informed support systems is essential to addressing these inequities. By continuing this work, we can ensure that San Mateo County’s most vulnerable children and families receive the support they need to thrive.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the amended MOU is October 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026. The amount of the MOU is not to exceed $1,300,000 for the 33-month term. Funds in the amount of $150,000 were included in the BHRS FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 Adopted Budgets. $1,000,000 will be included BHRS FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. The Mental Health Services Act will fund 100% of the full amount of $1,300,000 for the contract term. There is no Net County Cost.