Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Iliana Rodriguez, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Amendment to the agreement with San Mateo County Office of Education
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with San Mateo County Office of Education to provide educational services for children in foster care, extending the term by twelve months to June 30, 2018 and increasing the amount by $210,058 to an amount not to exceed $617,938.
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BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) assists children in foster care by obtaining educational histories and school placements, maintaining data on their academic progress, and providing case management 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. Therefore, to meet this critical need, the Human Services Agency (HSA) provides support above and beyond what the SMCOE receives from the California Department of Education for these educational services.
On March 31, 2015, the Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with SMCOE by resolution 073722 for the term of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017 in an amount not to exceed $407,880 to provide two educational liaisons to develop educational plans and provide case management services to students placed by HSA and the Probation Department into the foster care system
DISCUSSION:
HSA is submitting an amendment for approval that will increase the current agreement with SMCOE by $210,058 for the purpose of continuing services an additional year. This increase will permit SMCOE to support liaisons in facilitating placements of foster care students into appropriate school settings, obtaining educational histories, referring students for educational assessments as needed, and supporting placement staff in educational planning. Foster youth face multiple challenges that lead to a higher than average school drop-out rate. SMCOE provides individualized educational services to foster youth to ensure that they are given the support and advocacy they need to succeed in school.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
This agreement contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by helping foster children avoid the loss of valuable school credits and ensuring they are placed in appropriate school programs. This agreement further contributes to educational stability for youth by ensuring educational advocates are available to support youth in navigating different school districts. It is anticipated that there will be a high school graduation rate of 85% for foster youth who participate in educational and employment foster youth program contracts, including those served under this agreement, and that 325 foster children will have an updated Educational Passport*.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2016-17 Estimated |
FY 2017-18 Target |
|
High school graduation rate for dependent foster youth who participate in educational and employment foster youth program contracts, including those served under this agreement. |
82% |
85% |
|
Number of school age foster children who have an updated Educational Passport*. |
320 |
325 |
|
*Educational Passport is a document in the Child Welfare System and Case Management System database. Under Federal and State law, all caregivers are expected to receive this vital information so that they can continue coordinating the needed services. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
This amendment extends the term of the agreement by twelve (12) months, for a new term of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018. The amount is being increased by $210,058 for a total obligation of $617,938. Of the increase, it is anticipated that 34% or $71,420 will be funded by Children and Family Services Federal funding, 33% or $69,319 via State Realignment, and 33% or $69,319 is Net County Cost. The $407,880 has been included in the FY 2015-17 Adopted Budgets, and the $210,058 has been included in the FY 2017-18 Recommended Budget.