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Approve contract amendments for Youth and Family Services, Inc., Mission Solano, and Nena Messina in the total amount of $156,230 to extend Solano County Women's Reentry Achievement Program Services from March 31, 2013 through October 31, 2013
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board approve contract amendments for Youth and Family Services, Inc. in the amount of $61,158, Mission Solano, Inc. in the amount of $49,872 and Nena Messina, in the amount of $45,200 for a total amount of $156,230 to extend Solano County Women's Reentry Achievement Program services from March 31, 2013 through October 31, 2013.
SUMMARY:
In 2010, the County was awarded Federal "Second Chance Act" funds to implement the Women's Reentry Achievement Program (WRAP), which is a national demonstration project that tests the effectiveness of evidence-based, gender-focused, and trauma responsive practices for re-entry. Solano County's WRAP was selected by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) as one of eight national demonstration projects to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing the evidenced based model nationwide. DOJ has extended its agreement with Solano County through October 31, 2014; the proposed amendments to the existing contracts will allow the providers to continue services through the end of the October and allow for the additional time needed for evaluation of the program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Second Chance grant requires a 50 percent local cash or in-kind match. The $156,230 for the three contract amendments will be funded by a portion ($59,365) of the County General Fund allocation ($150,000) for the Mission Solano Re-entry Program, which has been included in the Department's FY 2013/14 Requested Budget, matched by DOJ grant funds. There is no further impact on the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
On September 22, 2009, the Board spearheaded the County's prisoner re-entry program by approving an appropriation of $150,000 in County General Fund for Mission Solano and the faith based community to coordinate re-entry services for non-violent offenders. This bold step toward re-entry innovation, together with strong re-entry partnerships in Solano County, gave Solano the competitive edge to be selected for participation in the DOJ's final evaluation of the Second Chance Act national demonstration project.
Since the program began, more than 180 women have received services while in the County Jail or State prison, including substance abuse treatment, housing, mental health services, primary care, education, vocational training, and job placement services. Program participants continue to receive services in the community for up to six months after their release. The program is supported by the Sheriff, District Attorney's Office of Family Violence Prevention, the Public Defender, the Probation Department, the Solano Re-entry Council, and three Solano County judges. The program currently yields a recidivism rate of 22 percent compared to a 46 percent recidivism rate for all women state-wide. The current amendments will extend services by seven months through October 30, 2013. The amended scope of work for the independent evaluator will add a data entry assistant and to conduct an expanded data analysis to report to the U.S. Department of Justice for additional performance measures.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the contract amendments. This is not recommended as this program extension provides an opportunity to further develop the Board's comprehensive crime prevention, intervention, and re-entry system. This program also supports AB109 services and helps to create a stable and lasting program for women who re-enter the Solano community.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
H&SS and its contracted partners worked with the Solano Reentry Council, the Probation Department, the Superior Court, Sheriff, Solano County Office of Education, and the Workforce Investment Board to develop the framework for the ongoing program. These agencies are also member of the Solano Reentry Council and are committed to implementing the Second Chance Act services if funded.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION