TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Amanda Gibbs, Chief Probation Officer
REPORT BY: Ferlyn Buenafe, Staff Services Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Isadora Asch for Peer Court, Amend No. 4
RECOMMENDATION
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Chief Probation Officer requests approval of and authorization for the Chair to sign Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. 180309B with Isadora Asch for a contract maximum of $48,810 annually for the term July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, with one (1) automatic annual renewal, to provide Peer Court Services.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Peer Court program has been operating in Napa County since 1998. The program originated in the Juvenile Courts but responsibility transferred to the Probation Department in Fiscal Year 2002-2003. This was done to improve how referrals were coordinated with the Juvenile Court Probation Officer. The Amendment extends the term an additional year and revises the Compensation and Expense Reimbursement Exhibit.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN 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? |
Probation, 14200-00 |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
This action is discretionary in that there is no mandate to have this specific agreement. Approval of the requested action allows the Department to continue services with Isadora Asch for the provision of supportive services to at-risk youth in the community who would otherwise impact the juvenile court workload. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Future appropriation will be budgeted accordingly. The Department uses State realigned funds to pay for Peer Court services. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If the Agreement is not approved, Peer Court services will not be performed, impacting workload of juvenile court officers. |
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County Strategic Plan pillar addressed: |
Effective and Open Government |
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.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Peer Court program diverts first-time juvenile offenders who have committed low-level crime from the Napa County Juvenile Court. These juveniles agree to be tried and judged by their peers and to comply with conditions set by them so that justice may be achieved. If a minor completes the program successfully, his or her case is closed and no formal charges are filed. The Peer Court Program Director recruits and trains juvenile volunteers to staff Peer Court. Peer Attorneys work in teams to prepare for the case. The Program Director also oversees all activities needed to produce up to 10 Peer Court sessions during the school year. Examples of cases heard in Peer Court include: minor under the influence, public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol, petty theft, vandalism, tagging, minor assault/battery, false information to a peace officer, stealing, trespass, harassment, unlicensed driver, texting while driving, etc.
Annually, approximately 200-250 students participate in the actual court sessions as volunteers and serve as jurors, attorneys, clerks and bailiffs. Since 1999, more than 22,000 eighth grade students throughout the County have learned about the juvenile system through the educational component of the program known as the Juvenile Justice Curriculum.
This Amendment extends the term an additional year and increase the Consultant’s hourly rate to $30.00.
Isadora Asch is a local vendor.