Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Amendment to Agreement with the San Mateo County Office of Education for Educational Liaison Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with the San Mateo County Office of Education to provide educational liaison services for children in the shelter/foster care system, for an extended term of August 20, 2018 through August 19, 2021 and an additional $210,058 in funds for a total obligation not to exceed $630,174.
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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.
On September 25th, 2018, this Board by Resolution No. 076169 authorized an agreement with the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) for educational liaison services for children in the shelter/foster care system for the term of August 20, 2018 through August 31, 2020 for a total obligation not to exceed $420,116.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment extends the term of the agreement through August 19, 2021 and adds $210,058 in funding to allow for the continuation of services.
SMCOE provides two educational liaisons to develop educational plans and provide case management services for students placed by HSA and the County of San Mateo’s Probation Department in the shelter/foster care system. The liaisons will facilitate placements of shelter/foster care students into appropriate school settings, obtain educational histories, refer students for educational assessments as needed, and support placement staff in educational planning. Additionally, liaisons will provide referrals for tutoring services and limited case management.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2019-20 Actual |
FY 2020-2021 Projected |
|
Reduction in the average number of school days lost in transferring schools upon entering foster care. |
1.21 days |
1.21 days |
|
Percent of Foster Youth provided support for high school students to ensure the attainment of a High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Certificate and/or Certificate of Completion at a rate that surpasses the foster youth State average graduation rate (58%). |
90% |
90% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this amended agreement is August 20, 2018 through August 19, 2021. This amendment adds $210,058, of which $147,041 are State Realignment 2011 funds, and $63,017 is Net County Cost. Appropriations are included in the FY 2019-20 Revised Recommended Budget and FY 2020-21 Recommended Budget. While Realignment Funding was projected at a 25% reduction, current updated projection is now reflecting a reduction of 11%. Any reductions in funding will be back-filled with Fund Balance/Reserves.