Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Department of Social Services to sign the Tri County Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Program Agreement, with the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department, and the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, retroactive to July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020.
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Service to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the amendments do not significantly change the terms of this agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Department of Social Services to sign the Tri County Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Program Agreement, with the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department, and the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, retroactive to July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020.
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Service to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the amendments do not significantly change the terms of this agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Tri County Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Agreements have been approved by the Board on April 7th, 2015 (#A-12669), December 8th, 2015 (#A-13010), and June 21st, 2016 (#A-13198). The purpose of these agreements was to define a collaborative effort between the parties to develop a standard regional program with which to identify and serve child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. This regional approach recognizes common barriers and strengths within the Counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito; including the transitory nature of the target population, the closeness in proximity of the counties, the limited resources for CSEC victims in the region, and the rich history of collaboration and cooperation between the three counties.
After the successful development of a regional model program protocol, as well as implementation efforts on the part of each county and a regional prevalence study, the counties are now in the process of fine tuning their individual county programs in collaboration with their respective partners. This includes identifying gaps in resources and services to address these needs, as well as continued community outreach, messaging, and training for first responders and staff who regularly engage with this population of youth. The counties have received funding for FY 17/18 to be utilized towards these efforts and unspent allocations for FY 2016/17 will be rolled over into the allocation, as has been the case in past years. The continued and evolving partnership between Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties supports past efforts and continuing endeavors to develop a sustainable program to serve CSEC victims and survivors within the region.
This Agreement was delayed in being brought forward for Board consideration prior to the term start date due to the extended negotiations required to reach consensus amongst the three counties. In consideration of the time frames of this agreement, and the need for each county 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 Federal and State general funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in SOC005 in the FY 2017-18 Adopted Budget. Appropriations for future fiscal years will be included in the Departments requested budgets.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health and Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department of Social Services to improve the health, wellness, and safety of victims of commercial sexual exploitation, by and through the Department’s CSEC program and efforts.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Patricia L. Hernández, MA II, X6768
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director of Social Services, x4430
Attachments: Tri County CSEC Agreement 2017 - 2020
Proposed Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report