Title
Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign the Tri-County Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Project Agreement, with Santa Cruz County Human Services Department, and the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency for the period July 1, 2015 - March 31, 2016.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign the Tri-County Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Project Agreement, with Santa Cruz County Human Services Department, and the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency for the period July 1, 2015 - March 31, 2016.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
A Tri-County CSEC Agreement (#A-12669) for the period March 1, 2015 - June 30, 2015 was approved by your Board on April 7, 2015. The purpose of the agreement is the development of a regional approach to serving and identifying Commercially Sexually Exploited Children, and to develop a model which the counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito can use to develop interagency protocols. These efforts aim to recognize common barriers and strengths within the three counties that include limited funding made available by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) for protocol development, and limited resources for CSEC. This Agreement represents a continuation of the collaborative efforts of the three counties to implement a shared CSEC Protocol.
As a result of the extended time frame afforded to counties by CDSS in developing and implementing this agreement and model protocol, the tri-counties have found it necessary to maintain the original CSEC agreement (#A-12669) for a longer period than originally anticipated. This new agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2015 and reflects the extension of the time frames provided by CDSS for completion of the protocol development process and implementation of the CSEC program, as well as a rollover of the funding made available for FY 2014-15. The approval process for this Agreement was delayed to ensure the terms were consistent with extensions and guidance from CDSS regarding applicable deadlines.
In consideration of the time constraints associated with this funding, as well as the need for each of the counties to obtain Board approval, the current Agreement is being signed in counterpart.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this Agreement. County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
Funding for the Department’s share of costs will be provided by state general funds. There is no impact to County General Fund contributions
Prepared by: Patricia L. Hernández, MA II, x3768
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director, x 4434
Attachment: Tri-County CSEC Project Agreement (July 1, 2015 - March 31, 2016)
Proposed Agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report