title
Approve a revenue agreement with the State Bar of California for $142,772 for the period October 1, 2024 through January 1, 2026 for the Public Defender to provide legal representation to CARE Court respondents; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the necessary agreements, documents and amendments, with County Counsel concurrence to receive the funds
body
Published Notice Required? Yes No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Public Defender recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a revenue agreement with the State Bar of California for $142,772 for the period October 1, 2024 through January 1, 2026 for the Public Defender to provide legal representation to CARE Court respondents; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the necessary agreements, documents and amendments, with County Counsel concurrence to receive the funds.
SUMMARY:
In 2022, S.B. 1338 was enacted, creating the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program. In 2024, A.B. 107 ("CARE Court Fund") was enacted, allocating $16,750,000 to be distributed by the Judicial Council of California through the State Bar via awards to qualified legal services projects, if any, to public defenders to provide legal counsel pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 5976 of the Welfare and Institutions Code for representation in CARE Court proceedings, matters related to CARE agreements, and CARE plans by December 1, 2024. The State Bar of California calculated the amount of funding each county is eligible to receive; Solano County allocation is $142,772.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Public Defender is required by S.B. 1338 to provide representation to respondents in CARE Court. Receipt of these funds will provide compensation for the time spent by existing employees and fund extra help staff. Due to the uncertainty regarding the number of new clients that will be assigned to the Public Defender ...
Click here for full text