DATE: October 8, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Retroactive Revenue Agreement with the Children & Families Commission of Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a retroactive revenue Agreement with the Children & Families Commission of Fresno County to contribute to and support the infrastructure and expansion of Neighborhood Resource Centers in Fresno County, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026, total not to exceed $400,000.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will allow the County to accept $400,000 from the Children & Families Commission of Fresno County (First 5) to support the Department’s effort to provide child abuse prevention services through the strategic expansion of Neighborhood Resource Centers (NRC) in metro and rural Fresno County. The contribution of First 5 funding will allow more children and families, in areas of higher rates of maltreatment, to have greater access to services in their community. If approved, the retroactive revenue agreement will be effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended action is not approved, the County would forgo $400,000 available to enhance family strengthening services provided through NRCs for two additional years.
RETROACTIVE AGRREMENT:
First 5 notified the Department of their intent to amend and extend the original agreement on May 20, 2024. The finalized agreement and supplemental materials were provided to the department on June 6, 2024. Due to the timing of receipt of materials, the original agreement could not be amended prior to expiration. This item is being brought to your Board as a new agreement, in accordance with the agenda item processing timelines.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. If approved, the agreement will provide $400,000 ($200,000 per fiscal year) to offset the costs associated with the infrastructure development of community child abuse prevention services through the expansion of NRCs in Fresno County. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget for DSS Org 5610 and will be included in the subsequent budget request.
DISCUSSION:
On September 13, 2016, the Department presented to the Board a strategic plan to address child abuse through the development of NRCs. A total of 13 sites have since been established and supported by the Department in both rural and metro Fresno. The establishment of this infrastructure, in areas identified as in significant need, is intended to strengthen families to reduce and prevent occurrences of child abuse and neglect.
On September 25, 2018, the Board approved Agreement No 18-565 to accept funds ($500,000) over a two-year period to support the expansion of NRC sites. On June 23, 2020, your Board approved Amendment I to extend the term for an additional two years and increase the maximum revenue to $900,000. On May 3, 2022, your Board approved Amendment II to extend the term for an additional two years and increase the maximum revenue to $1,300,000. These funds have contributed to the provision of services to families and children in need and are consistent with First 5’s mission to enhance early childhood services. The amended agreement with First 5 expired on June 30, 2024. If approved, this retroactive agreement will be effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.
NRCs are strategically placed in the areas of the County with the highest rates of child abuse referrals and/or removals and provide an array of services including home-based case management, counseling, referrals, and linkages to community services. NRCs are currently located in the following areas: Sanger, Selma, Huron, Coalinga, Reedley, Kerman, and in the Fresno zip code areas of 93702/93703, 93705, 93706, 93722, 93727, 93726 and in the Clovis zip code area of 93612.
The recommended agreement deviates from the County’s standard agreement language as it was drafted by First 5. On December 6, 2023, the First 5 Commission approved the use of $400,000 for this agreement.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #50, May 22, 2022
BAI #52, June 23, 2020
BAI #71, September 25, 2018
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with First 5 Fresno County
CAO ANALYST:
Dylan McCully