Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Amendment to the Agreement with Pivotal Connections to provide educational support to current San Mateo County foster youth
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Pivotal Connections to provide educational support services to current San Mateo County foster youth, increasing the amount by $240,404 for a new total amount not to exceed $721,212, with an amended term of September 1, 2018 through August 31, 2021.
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BACKGROUND:
The Children and Family Services (CFS) branch of the Human Services Agency (HSA) is committed to enhancing the well-being of children, adults, and families by providing professional, responsive, caring, and supportive services. In March 2013, CFS established a Foster Youth Education and Employment Services program to help foster children that are in primary and secondary education ensure their successful enrollment in and completion of post-secondary education. This program is funded under Measure K and includes different services for current and former foster youth. Through the implementation and delivery of this program, CFS has identified a greater need for more focused educational services for foster youth and young adults.
An RFP was completed in January 2018 to seek specific employment services and educational supports for current and former foster youth/young adults to ensure their graduation from high school, college matriculation and graduation (or vocational training) and, ultimately, stable employment with earned income, one of the hallmarks of a successful transition into adulthood.
On September 25, 2018, by Resolution 076128, this Board approved an agreement with Silicon Valley Children’s Fund for the term of September 1, 2018 through August 31, 2019 in an amount not to exceed $240,404 to provide educational and employment support services to current and former San Mateo County foster youth and young adults. They have since changed their name to Pivotal Connections (Pivotal).
On September 4, 2019, by Resolution 076921, this Board approved an amendment to the agreement increasing the amount by $240,404 for a new total amount not to exceed $480,808 and an amended term of September 1, 2018 through August 31, 2020.
DISCUSSION:
Pivotal currently provides academic planning, coaching, college preparation, and internship opportunities to foster youth from 9th - 12th grade. This amendment would add funds in the amount of $240,404 for a new total obligation of $721,212 and extend the current agreement through August 31, 2021. It also provides amended language for meeting via video conferencing and provides post-secondary support to recent graduates due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the amendment and resolution as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 in aggregate.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2020-21 Anticipated |
|
At the completion of each school year, the percentage of current foster youth in grades 9-12 receiving educational case management services will have earned sufficient school credits to achieve grade level advancement and remain on-track for high school graduation. |
92% |
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Based on a quarterly survey administered by the County, the percentage of children enrolled in or exiting the educational services program, or their parents/caretakers, that will report that they are satisfied (or better) with the services received from the provider. |
90% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
This amendment is 100% funded through Measure K Sales and Use tax. Appropriation of this funding is included in the FY 2020-21 Approved Recommended Budget and will be included in the FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget.