Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey County Probation Department, Monterey County Office of Education and participating Monterey County School Districts to provide transportation for foster youth to their School of Origin for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, in the amount of $150,000 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% ($15,000) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $165,000.
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 a Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey County Probation Department, Monterey County Office of Education and participating Monterey County School Districts to provide transportation for foster youth to their School of Origin for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, in the amount of $150,000 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% ($15,000) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $165,000.
SUMMARY:
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a formalized Interagency Agreement between the County of Monterey Department of Social Services (DSS), the County of Monterey Probation Department, and the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE).
DISCUSSION:
The primary intent of this agreement is to implement procedures governing the transportation of foster youth to their School of Origin. Maintaining educational stability is a critical requirement of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), ensuring that students in foster care can remain in a familiar school environment when it is determined to be in their best interest. By establishing clear coordination and funding protocols, this MOU prevents educational disruption during foster care placements or moves.
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 with Title IV-E funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues for SOC005 are included in the FY 2026-2027 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation advances the Monterey County Board of Supervisors 2025-2028 Strategic Plan goal of Well-Being and Quality of Life by ensuring the educational stability of one of the county's most vulnerable populations. Specifically, it fulfills key objectives related to Safe and Resilient Communities by codifying interagency coordination (DSS, Probation, and MCOE) to remove barriers to school access and nurture the developmental success of students in foster care.
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
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Sara Sturtevant, Management Analyst II, x4413
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Memorandum of Understanding
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.