TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Jennifer Yasumoto, Director of Health and Human Services Agency
REPORT BY: Jennifer Ivancie, Staff Services Analyst I
SUBJECT: Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 250004B with Expressions of Hope
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 250004B with Expressions of Hope upon approval through June 30, 2026, and each subsequent renewal, to increase the contract maximum by $100,000 for a new contract maximum of $285,953 per fiscal year to administer the County’s Kinship Support Services Program. (Fiscal Impact: $285,953; Health and Human Services Agency Fund, Child Welfare Services; Budgeted; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
Under the Kinship Support Services Program (KSSP), the State provides funds for the start-up and expansion of county Family Support programs, which provide community-based family support services to relative and non-relative extended family member (NREFM) caregivers for children/youths who would otherwise enter foster homes or are at risk of dependency or delinquency services and to caregivers who have become the legal guardians or adoptive parents of formerly dependent children.
Expressions of Hope (EOH) has been serving the population of foster, adopted, and Kinship families since 2005 by providing essential resources, building community and offering connection, so that each child feels valued, loved and supported by someone who understands what they are going through. Additionally, EOH has become a well-known resource throughout the community where Community Based Organizations (CBO’s), schools, county agencies, and community members reach out to get emergency and concrete needs met for families.
These services increase stability and safety; reduce recidivism into the child welfare system (CWS); increase the likelihood that family members and non-relative extended family members will assume and maintain responsibility and care for abused and neglected children/teens; reduce court hearings; reduce utilization of more restrictive placements; reduce out-of-county placements; and increase the likelihood that children/youths will remain in their own neighborhoods and schools.
This amendment incorporates additional SB163 Wraparound funds to increase the current contact maximum.
Requested action:
1. Approve and authorize Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 250004B with Expressions of Hope upon approval through June 30, 2026, and each subsequent renewal, to increase the contract maximum by $100,000 for a new contract maximum of $285,953 per fiscal year to administer the County’s Kinship Support Services Program.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Health and Human Services Agency, Child Welfare Services Division |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
While there is no mandate to contract with this vendor, the services provided further CWS goals to clients in the community. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
This Agreement contains a provision for automatic annual renewal. Appropriations have been included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget and future fiscal years will be budgeted accordingly. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Additional KSSP services will not be available to reach into the community to facilitate the uniting of children and youth with relative caregivers. |
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Additional Information: |
Strategic Initiative: Compassion & Access |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.