Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with the Young Men's Christian Association of San Francisco for Parent Partner Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Young Men's Christian Association of San Francisco to administer a Peer Parent Partner Program in San Mateo County, for the term of September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2027, and a total obligation amount not to exceed $896,908.
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BACKGROUND:
Families involved in the child welfare system often face complex challenges and may distrust agencies due to fear, stigma, or past trauma. Traditional services alone may not fully address these barriers. The need for Peer Parent Partner Program stems from the recognition that peer-to-peer support can bridge these gaps by offering relatable, credible guidance that professionals alone may not provide. A Peer Parent Partner Program is an evidence-based practice that pairs parents currently involved with the child welfare system with a mentor (Parent Partner), who has successfully navigated similar experiences.
Peer Partners use their lived experience to guide families through the system, encourage active participation in case planning, and support reunification efforts. This approach is essential for building equitable, compassionate, and effective family support systems. The primary objective of this program is to employ a peer-to-peer support model that leverages the expertise of life-trained paraprofessionals to enhance parenting skills, promote and/or sustain family reunification, and mitigate the risk of future abuse or neglect.
In December 2024, the Human Services Agency's (HSA) Children and Family Services (CFS) branch issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify a provider to administer a Parent Partner Program in San Mateo County, and the Young Men's...
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