Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicole Pollack, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with San Mateo County Office of Education
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with the San Mateo County Office of Education to provide educational liaison services for children in the shelter/foster care system, for the term of August 20, 2018 through August 31, 2020, and a total obligation not to exceed $420,116.
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BACKGROUND:
Foster youth and youth in shelters face various challenges that lead to a higher than average school drop-out rate. The California Department of Education does not provide funds to ensure that all eligible youth are connected to critical educational 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 quality education. To meet this critical need, the Human Services Agency (HSA) will provide support through educational liaison services for foster/shelter youth and connect them with the appropriate educational resources.
Under Federal law, the Uninterrupted Scholars Act (Public Law 112-278) allows educational agencies to share a foster youth's education records directly with appropriate child welfare agency representatives. California law was amended as well to allow for the sharing of this information. The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) specializes in direct instruction for a variety of at-risk student populations including foster youth students. SMCOE helps children in shelter/foster care by obtaining educational histories, school placements, maintaining academic progress data, and providing them with case management services. SMCOE ensures that these youth are given the support and advocacy they need to succeed in school. SMCOE is the only organization within the county that has access to both educa...
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