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Consider approving a partnership with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) to implement the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative in an effort to begin a systematic approach to evidence-based policy making in Solano County; and Authorize the County Administrator to execute the partnership
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Consider approving a partnership with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) to implement the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative in an effort to begin a systematic approach to evidence-based policy making in Solano County; and Authorize the County Administrator to execute the partnership.
SUMMARY:
CSAC and the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative have created a new partnership in an effort to support county leaders as they engage in evidence-based policymaking. The goal of the CSAC- Pew-MacArthur Results First initiative partnership is to develop in-state capacity to support California county leaders who seek to invest in programs that have been proven to work.
Launched in 2010, Pew-MacArthur Results First is a national initiative currently working with 20 states and seven California counties; the project helps state and local government leaders identify and invest in programs that are not only proven to work in their jurisdictions, but also are the best use of limited resources.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct fiscal implications associated with this action; however it will involve staff time on the part of the public safety departments, courts, and community partners.
DISCUSSION:
Partnering with CSAC to implement the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative (RFI) will allow Solano County to make data driven decisions on how to use limited resources wisely to serve clients (offenders) both in custody and in the community. Using RFI tools, stakeholders throughout the justice system will be able to better understand the research and evidence behind the currently funded services on targeting recidivism reduction. RFI uses a three pronged approach that helps local jurisdictions invest in programs resulting in the best outcomes for clients and society at large. With policy and technical assistance from Results First, the County will learn to:
1. Create an inventory of currently funded programs.
2. Match the programs to the body of evidence
3. Use evidence to inform spending and policy decisions.
CSAC Result First staff has been working with seven California county jurisdictions: Kern, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Ventura, and Nevada. Results First staff work with partner agencies and the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) in each of the counties to build the program inventory, cataloging all in-custody and community based programs offered to offenders. Staff from the Probation Department and County Administrators Office will coordinate the cross-agency initiative, collect cost and program information, and act as liaise with the CSAC Results First team. The approach generally takes between six to twelve months to complete, with monthly stakeholder meetings throughout the duration of the initiative.
The work of the CSAC Results First staff, partnered with criminal justice staff and stakeholders has led to positive results in seven California counties. In each of the counties the program inventory process has resulted in comprehensive, system wide information that has rarely been available to policymakers, such as the level of evidence behind the programs, fidelity and capacity. While agencies may have this information individually, using it to make data driven decisions is new. The implementation of this approach, coupled with the ability of agency leaders to communicate effectively with county leaders has resulted in change efforts throughout the justice system.
The Results First Initiative will provide needed information to help county departments and leaders determine how to best serve offenders both in custody and in the community. Solano County criminal justice system is at a pivotal point and to enter into this kind of inventory and data driven decision making process will help support the criminal justice system now and into the future.
ALTERNATIVES:
The alternative would be to not partner with CSAC to implement the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative; however, the County would not have the opportunity to utilize the RFI and this evidence based policymaking approach.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
On April 26, 2017, CSAC Results First staff made a presentation to the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) regarding this model which advances the use of innovative, evidence-based policymaking to drive government investments toward proven policies and programs. The April 26th CCP meeting was well attended and the CCP unanimously endorsed the effort and recommended that Board of Supervisors formalize a partnership with CSAC to implement the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION