Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation for provision of services to foster youth placed in out of home care for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028 in the amount of $467,196; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($46,719) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $513,915.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation for provision of services to foster youth placed in out of home care for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028 in the amount of $467,196; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($46,719) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $513,915.
SUMMARY:
The department seeks to continue a contracted partnership with this designated resource and referral (R&R) agency, who provides assistance to families in identifying childcare providers and issuing payment vouchers to chosen providers, as well as assistance to families in navigating the process of finding suitable childcare and providing trauma informed training for potential childcare providers.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement with The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) provides childcare services to eligible children with an open Child Welfare case with the County of Monterey. These services support the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program in Monterey County, funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), to provide counties with the funding needed to provide childcare for foster care children placed in out-of-home care settings. The intent of the program is to alleviate common barriers to placing foster youth with resource families by providing temporary childcare services and resources to assist families in identifying long-term childcare.
The State of California Education Code, Article 12, Section 8279, requires that each county maintains the level of expenditures for child development services provided by the county during the 1970-71 fiscal year. Activities performed in this agreement meet the requirements of this Maintenance of Effort.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to form, as has the Auditor-Controller’s Office as to financial provisions.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded by the CDSS allocation for the emergency childcare bridge program, as well as $89,482 of General Fund Contributions, which is the Maintenance of Effort funding required by Education Code 8279. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues for SOC005 are included in the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget. FY 2027-28 costs will be requested through the corresponding annual budget process. The recommended action does not change the Departments' budgeted general fund contributions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Agreement correlates to the Administration and Health and Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department of Social Services to meet the requirements of, and leverage funding from, the State Funded Child Care Bridge Program, while improving the health, wellness, and safety of foster youth under the supervision of Monterey County.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
__X_Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Patricia L. Hernandez, Management Analyst II, x6767
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.