Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Monterey County Department of Social Services and the Consulate General of M?xico in San Jos?, California regarding Consular Involvement in Cases Involving Minors, effective upon execution until either Party terminates.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Monterey County Department of Social Services and the Consulate General of M?xico in San Jos?, California regarding Consular Involvement in Cases Involving Minors, effective upon execution until either Party terminates.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The recommended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Social Services and the Consulate General of M?xico in San Jos?, California assures that Mexican Nationals (parents and/or children) involved with the child welfare dependency system are provided with consular rights and representation as specified in international treaties. In addition, this MOU will help promote and maintain family and near-kin relationships in Mexico when in the best interest of children and families.
The current MOU between the Department of Social Services and the Consulate General of M?xico in San Jos?, California was executed in 2007. The agreement includes notifying the Consulate General when a child has been taken into protective custody and a dependency petition has been filed; confidentiality requirements; contacting family and near-kin in Mexico; coordination with the Departamento de Desarallo Integaral de la Familia (DIF - the Mexican counterpart to Social Services); and support for children who are eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
This updated MOU continues the aforementioned agreements while including additional requirements to enhance services to Mexican Nati...
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