Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Iliana Rodriguez, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Amendment to the Agreement with Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Mateo County for Training
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Mateo County to provide court advocacy to San Mateo County dependent children, increasing the amount by $108,211 for a total amount not to exceed $316,271 and extending the agreement by one year, for a new term of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.
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BACKGROUND:
The County entered into an agreement with Court Appointed Special Advocates on June 16, 2015 by Resolution 073842 for a total obligation of $208,060 and a term of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Mateo County pairs caring community volunteers with dependent children. Each CASA volunteer is appointed by the Juvenile Court to represent the best interests of the child and to advocate for services to meet the child’s needs. CASA facilitates effective collaboration among families, social workers and community partners to support the well-being of dependent children.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment extends the term by one year and adds funds to allow CASA to continue to provide court-advocacy services to San Mateo County dependent children. CASA will train and support community volunteers who serve as officers of the Juvenile Court who are appointed to investigate, report, and advocate on behalf of children and youth. For FY 2017-18 CASA will focus on conducting targeted recruitment of volunteers willing to provide advocacy services to children living outside of San Mateo County.
The amendment and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
This amendment contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by providing San Mateo County dependent children with a CASA volunteer who will advocate for them and their best interests throughout their Juvenile Court matter, and serve as a consistent supportive adult for the child. For fiscal year 2017-2018, it is anticipated that 365 children will receive court advocacy services. Based on a mailed and/or electronic anonymous survey, of those youth who receive CASA services for one year and respond to the survey, 85% will report feeling supported by their CASA worker in fiscal year 2017-18. It is also anticipated that 95% of children, who have a CASA (346 children), will have a CASA volunteer and/or their supervisor present at their court hearings during fiscal year 2017-18.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2016-17 Projected |
FY 2017-18 Projected |
|
Based on a mailed and/or electronic anonymous survey, of those youth who receive CASA services for one year and respond to the survey, the percentage of youth who report feeling supported by their CASA worker. |
N/A |
85% |
|
Percentage of children, who have a CASA, for which a CASA and/or their supervisor was present at their court hearing. |
N/A |
95% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this Agreement is extended to July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. The amount of the Agreement is increased by $108,211 for a total obligation of $316,271. This Agreement is 100% Net County Cost. Of the amended amount, it is anticipated that 100% will be funded by Measure K Sales & Use tax revenue. Funds have been included in the FY2015-17 Adopted Budgets and FY2017-18 Recommended Budget.