Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with California State University Fresno Foundation for increased Child Welfare training for Family and Children’s Services staff for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 including nonstandard termination, indemnification, and confidentiality provisions, in the amount of $351,443; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($35,144) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $386,587.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with California State University Fresno Foundation for increased Child Welfare training for Family and Children’s Services staff for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 including nonstandard termination, indemnification, and confidentiality provisions, in the amount of $351,443; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($35,144) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $386,587.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This Agreement with California State University Fresno Foundation (CSUFF) provides training to Monterey County Department of Social Services (DSS) Family and Children’s Services (FCS) staff and identified community partners for purposes of professional and leadership development and to improve outcomes for children and families as required by the Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) legislation.
As specified and authorized by DSS, CSUFF will work collaboratively with the FCS Staff Services Trainer, FCS Senior Management Team and FCS staff to support and assess training needs and develop and deliver an enhanced training program for Monterey County FCS. This includes training for new staff, on-going training for existing staff, and other specific audiences as designated by FCS.
CSUFF provides training on evidence-based and promising practices for engagement, assessment, teaming, service planning and delivery, and monitoring and adapting child welfare services. Areas covered include skill development on identifying drug abuse in the home; safety organized practice; structured decision making; child and family teaming; de-escalation; advanced investigation; reducing decision fatigue; adoption; and safe measures and evaluation.
Due to the unique nature of the services provided, the Department recommends approval of this agreement with the nonstandard indemnification, termination, and confidentiality provisions.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to legal form, as has the Auditor-Controller’s Office as to the financial provisions.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded by Title IV-E Federal and State revenues for Foster Care trainings. The County’s match will be provided by CSUFF through in-kind services. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues in SOC005 are included in the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services and Administration Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to improve the quality of life for foster children by expanding the knowledge, skill sets and leadership of the Department’s Social Work team. It also supports the goal of the Department’s compliance with AB403 Continuum of Care Reform (CCR).
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Edward Juarez-Lefevre, Management Analyst III, x3525
Approved by: Roderick Franks, Director, x4430
Attachment: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.