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Approve a contract with the Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) in the amount of $190,000 to provide enhanced vocational services to youth under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department for the period of March 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021; Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any future amendments that remain within budgeted appropriations up to 20% of the total contract amount; and Authorize the Chief of Probation to execute contract amendments which are technical in nature and remain within budgeted appropriations
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Probation Department recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a contract with the Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) in the amount of $190,000 to provide enhanced vocational services to youth under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department for the period of March 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021;
2. Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contracts and amendments and any future amendments that remain within budgeted appropriations up to 20% of the total contract amount;
3. Authorize the Chief of Probation to execute contract amendments which are technical in nature and remain within budgeted appropriations.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department has contracted with SCOE since FY2014/15 to provide vocational training and/or job readiness services for youth participating in the Challenge Academy at the Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF). Currently, a vocational specialist provides career exploration and employability skills to include résumé and cover letter writing, appropriate use of social media, and customer service. As a result of the vocational training program, several youth have obtained jobs and received food handling certificates. The proposed contract would enhance the vocational training program to include the “Introduction to Construction Trades” course. This course would be offered to identified youth under the jurisdiction of the Department at the JDF and/or in field services.
SCOE and the Department have a common interest in supporting the development of career and college readiness for youth. Career and technical education (CTE) provides youth with the skills and knowledge to pursue post-secondary goals and options for those who might otherwise be at risk of leaving high school. CTE programs are pathways which can reduce dropout rates, and increase post-secondary success and the ability to obtain employment following release from detention and/or Department jurisdiction.
The “Introduction to Construction Trades” course will be operated at the JDF and youth who are released can continue the program through Golden Hills Community School. The “Introduction to Construction Trades” course is a three-semester program that provides an overview and introduction to the trades. Students are introduced to calculation and characteristics of materials, carpentry, framing, basic electrical wiring, welding, and plumbing. Students learn about the construction trades and construction careers. Coursework is project-based, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal and occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifications verifying their competence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of the contract will be paid through Juvenile Probation Camps Funding (JCPF). The cost not to exceed $45,000 was included in the Department’s Midyear Budget for FY2018/19. JCPF will also be used to support the remaining cost of the contract ($145,000) beginning July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021. The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. There is no anticipated County General Fund cost at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to consider the recommendation to approve the contract with SCOE, however, this alternative is not recommended. The ability to enhance vocational services for youth at the JDF and/or in the community is an important component in preparing them to complete Probation successfully and live independently.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION