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File #: 23-969    Version: 1 Name: Stanford Sierra Youth and Families Contract Amendmentt
Type: Contract Status: Approved
In control: Health and Social Services
On agenda: 12/5/2023 Final action: 12/5/2023
Title: Approve a first contract amendment with Stanford Sierra Youth and Families for $165,788, for a total contract amount of $1,276,496, to create a Shared Leadership Advisory Group that ensures those with lived experience are authentically engaged and partnering with Child Welfare Services with the goal of a shared voice in the decision-making processes for the current period through June 30, 2026; and Approve a $51,234 Appropriation Transfer Request to increase appropriations and recognize the unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required)
District: All
Attachments: 1. A - Stanford Sierra Youth & Families Amendment 1, 2. B - Link to Stanford Sierra Youth & Families - Original Contract, 3. Minute Order, 4. Executed Agreement

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Approve a first contract amendment with Stanford Sierra Youth and Families for $165,788, for a total contract amount of $1,276,496, to create a Shared Leadership Advisory Group that ensures those with lived experience are authentically engaged and partnering with Child Welfare Services with the goal of a shared voice in the decision-making processes for the current period through June 30, 2026; and Approve a $51,234 Appropriation Transfer Request to increase appropriations and recognize the unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required)

 

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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 of Supervisors approve a first contract amendment with Stanford Sierra Youth and Families for $165,788, for a total contract amount of $1,276,496, to create a Shared Leadership Advisory Group that ensures those with lived experience are authentically engaged and partnering with Child Welfare Services with the goal of a shared voice in the decision-making processes for the current period through June 30, 2026; and approve a $51,234 Appropriation Transfer Request to increase appropriations and recognize the unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required).

 

SUMMARY:

 

H&SS’ Child Welfare Services Division (CWS) currently contracts with Stanford Sierra Youth and Families to provide Parent Partner services to parents and families involved in the Child Welfare system. This amendment expands the current contract to include the development, oversight, and coordination of a Shared Leadership Advisory Group, which will ensure that those with lived experience are engaged and participate in meaningful work to inform and improve the delivery of services in Solano County.

 

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

 

CWS received a State Family First Prevention Services (FPPS) Block Grant (State Block Grant) allocation of $1,629,550 to support the implementation of the Families First Prevention Services Act, which prioritizes services that keep children safe, and whenever possible, with their families. The State Block Grant allocation is one-time funding to engage in prevention and/or early intervention planning, including supporting evaluations, continuous quality improvement and coordination of an advisory committee, and must be used by June 30, 2025. The $165,788 increase in the contract amount will be funded with the State Block Grant allocation. There is no impact to the County General Fund.

 

The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.

 

DISCUSSION:

 

The mission of Child Welfare Services is to protect children from abuse and neglect by strengthening families or finding safe, permanent homes so that children can grow into healthy and productive adults.  Solano County Child Welfare Services opted into the State’s Family First Prevention Services Program which is designed to increase the availability and early access to quality prevention services for children, parents, and kin caregivers to help children remain at home while simultaneously reducing the use of foster care placements.  An integral component of the Family First Prevention Services Program is the incorporation of those with lived experiences including parents, youth, caregivers, and those in the community. In addition to the Family First Prevention Services Program, other State mandates, including System of Care and California Child and Family Services Review mandate Child Welfare Services to seek information and feedback from those who have directly experienced the system. Developing a Shared Leadership Advisory Group will allow Child Welfare Services to work directly with those with lived experience on an ongoing basis to better outcomes for the families and children currently served and those served in the future.

 

On June 27, 2023, the Board approved a contract with Stanford Sierra Youth and Families for $1,110,708 to provide Parent Partner services to parents and families involved in the child welfare system for the term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026. Parent Partners are birth parents who have successfully navigated the child welfare system as clients and have returned to share their lived experience and support parents currently navigating the child welfare system by serving as mentors, guides, and advocates.  Stanford Sierra Youth and Families works with various stakeholders with lived experience and has experience developing and coordinating Shared Leadership Advisory Groups to inform policies and practices.

 

This first contract amendment will increase the contract by $165,788 for a total contract amount of $1,276,496. The increase represents $165,788 for those with lived experience to serve on a Shared Leadership Advisory Group to inform and improve the delivery of services in Solano County. The involvement of individuals with lived experience provides critical insight into Child Welfare Services operations.

 

ALTERNATIVES:

 

The Board may choose not to approve this contract amendment; however, this is not recommended as the Shared Leadership Advisory Group will help to inform and improve services delivered in Solano County and Stanford Sierra Youth and Families has experience and expertise in the development and coordination of these groups.

 

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:

 

H&SS’ Child Welfare Services Division worked with Stanford Sierra Youth and Families.

 

 

 

CAO RECOMMENDATION:

 

APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION