Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Peacock Acres Inc. for $648,000 to implement the Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+) for eligible former Foster and Probation youth for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($64,800) of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Peacock Acres Inc. for $648,000 to implement the Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+) for eligible former Foster and Probation youth for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($64,800) of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The agreement with Peacock Acres, Inc. provides Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+) Services to eligible former Foster and Probationary youth through the Department of Social Services. The goal of THP+ is to reduce homelessness among these youth, ages 18 to 24. THP+ is founded on four key principles, which are certified in statute, including: 1) Age-appropriate services to ensure THP+ youth are treated as adults; 2) Ensuring the program is distinct from foster care; 3) Allows participants the greatest amount of freedom possible; and 4) provides a strong emphasis on supportive services. THP+ has several distinct housing models that include scattered site, host family, and single-site models. All of these housing models may be incorporated in the Peacock Acres THP+ program plan. Since opening its doors in 2008, Peacock Acres THP+ has served 115 youth. Nearly, 75% of these 115 youth came into the program in a condition of homelessness, near homelessness, or had experienced homelessness in the months prior to entering THP+.
Reviewing data from the 32 youth who have participated in the THP+ foster care since January 2015 shows that 31% entered THP+ in a condition of homelessness, near homelessness, or had experienced homelessness in the months prior to entering THP+. While in THP+, 69% of the 32 youth obtained or remained employed during their tenure in THP+. Close to 47% of the 32 youth were enrolled in higher education and matriculating towards an associates, bachelors, or vocational certificate while in the program. Of the 14 youth who have exited the program since January 2015, 13 (or 94%) exited or transitioned into stable housing. This is a 14% increase from the previous contract year.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this agreement. County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded with 2011 Tax Realignment revenues. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in SOC001 in the FY 2016-17 Recommended Budget. There is no impact to the County General Fund contributions.
Prepared by: Ginger Pierce, MA III, x8784
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director of Social Services
Attachments: Peacock Acres, Inc. Agreement 2016/18
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report