Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a no cost Agreement with U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, effective upon execution and remaining in effect for nine (9) years, to provide the framework to establish jurisdictions, responsibilities and procedures for the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the military community.
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 no cost Agreement with U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, effective upon execution and remaining in effect for nine (9) years, to provide the framework to establish jurisdictions, responsibilities and procedures for the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the military community.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this agreement between the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center is to clarify responsibilities between the Navy in Monterey County and the civilian community to establish procedures for the investigation and management of child abuse and neglect cases.
The agreement will ensure the County of Monterey and the Navy maximize resources and avoid duplication of effort and role confusion. Additionally, the agreement will improve accuracy and timeliness of case reporting.
Collaboration between the County of Monterey and the Navy is critical to the identification and prevention of child abuse and neglect, while optimizing treatment efforts for Navy families. A close working relationship between the County of Monterey and the Navy promotes a better understanding among civilian service providers of the issues affecting the lives of the Navy families living in the local community.
The Department chose a start date of “Upon Execution” due to the unknown length of time it takes to receive an authorized copy from the U.S. Navy Fleet. The Department of Social Services and U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center are committed to a continued successful working relationship for the protection of military children.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreements as to form.
FINANCING:
This is a zero-dollar agreement. There is no impact to the County General Fund
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services and Administration Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to collaborate with the County’s military community to protect all children in the County from child abuse and neglect and by ensuring efforts are not duplicated and resources are used as efficiently as possible in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__ Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Sara Sturtevant, MAII, x4413
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director x4430
Attachment: MOU U.S. Navy Fleet
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report