Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with California State University Fresno Foundation for Child Welfare training for Family and Children’s Services staff for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, including nonstandard termination, indemnification, and confidentiality provisions, in the amount of $351,443; 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% ($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 of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with California State University Fresno Foundation for Child Welfare training for Family and Children’s Services staff for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, including nonstandard termination, indemnification, and confidentiality provisions, in the amount of $351,443; 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% ($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:
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.
DISCUSSION:
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/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 Title IV-E Federal and State revenues for Foster Care training and child welfare dollars for the Clinical Supervision hours. The County’s match will be provided by CSUFF through in-kind services. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues in Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC005 are included in the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This agreement correlates to the Well-Being and Quality of Life, Safe and Resilient Communities, 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).
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
__X_ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
__X_ Administrative
Prepared by: Alexis Boerlage, Program Manager II, x4737
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.