Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Memorandum of Understanding with California Department of Social Services for the Resource Family Approval Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the San Mateo County Human Services Agency Director to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Social Services in association with the Resource Family Approval program, for the term of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021, in the amount of $108,040.
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BACKGROUND:
The Resource Family Approval (RFA) program was created to provide a unified, family-friendly, and child-centered process to replace the multiple processes for licensing foster homes, approving relatives and nonrelative extended family members as foster care providers, and approving adoptive families. It establishes a single set of standards for approval which promotes the safety, permanence, and well-being of children who have been victims of child abuse and neglect, reduces the use of congregate care placement settings, and decreases the length of time for each child to obtain permanency. Pursuant to Government Code Section 30029.7, subdivision (a)(3), the County and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) may enter into an agreement for CDSS to provide services or activities related to RFA. The County and CDSS have identified certain services or activities to be provided by CDSS in order to expedite the delivery of services to children and nonminor dependents who reside or may reside in a resource family home.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement, developed by CDSS, details the respective responsibilities of CDSS and San Mateo County in the provision of services associated with the Children & Family Services’ RFA program. This includes family evaluations, complaint investigations, home health and safety assessments, legal consultation and legal representation in administrative action appeals. CDSS requires a Board Resolution to accompany the signing of this agreement.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
There are no performance measures with this agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021. The total obligation is funded through the CDSS Child Welfare Services Resource Family Approval allocation. There is no Net County Cost.