Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Rising Worldwide for outreach and prevention services within the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Program for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $326,000; 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% ($32,600) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $358,600.
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 Rising Worldwide for outreach and prevention services within the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Program for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $326,000; 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% ($32,600) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $358,600.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This agreement will address prevention of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Monterey County through outreach, and awareness services within the community. Rising Worldwide will increase awareness of this issue in Monterey County by providing community based outreach and engagement through partnering with the Department of Social Services, and other partners, in hosting the annual Human Trafficking Symposium, and providing awareness and educational materials throughout the year by attending and community events.
In addition, Rising Worldwide will address prevention at a school-based level by providing prevention and awareness trainings to students and parents at schools throughout Monterey County with a specific focus in the Salinas and South Monterey County regions. Lastly, Rising Worldwide will facilitate leadership training and education to identified survivor mentors, who will act as mentors and advocates for identified victims of CSEC receiving services through the County’s Child Welfare and Juvenile Probation offices.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
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 the federal and state CSEC Allocation from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues of $163,000 are included in the Social Services SOC005 FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. DSS will incorporate future appropriations/revenues in the upcoming budget process. The program is fully funded by the CSEC allocation and has no impact on County funds.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This amendment correlates to the Administration of Health and Human Services Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department of Social Services to identify and provide services to youth who are victims, or at risk of becoming victims of CSEC.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Patricia L. Hernandez, Management Analyst, x6768
Approved by: Roderick Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report