DATE: September 10, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Retroactive Agreement with the California Department of Social Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a retroactive Agreement with the California Department of Social Services to act as the sole legal representative on behalf of the County of Fresno on appeals to Resource Family Approved Notice of Action, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027 ($0).
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will allow the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to provide legal consultation and representation for the County on appeals of Resource Family Approval (RFA) Notice of Action. These appeals are held at no cost to the County for the FY 2024-25 through 2026-27. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board choose not to approve the recommended action, the County will be responsible for these legal services and all associated costs.
RETROACTIVE AGREEMENT:
The recommended agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2024 due to a delay in processing from CDSS. The recommended agreement was received on July 5, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The cost for services provided under this agreement is funded by CDSS.
DISCUSSION:
As part of the State's Continuum of Care Reform efforts, the RFA program provides a unified set of standards for the licensing of foster homes and approving individuals as foster care providers. The program supports victims of child abuse and neglect by reducing the use of congregate care and shortening the time to permanency for children.
As a component of the unified standards, the County and CDSS may enter into an agreement which allows CDSS to provide services with the RFA process, pursuant to Gove...
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