DATE: March 17, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Kirk Haynes, Chief Probation Officer
SUBJECT: Agreement with Valley Teen Ranch for Step-Down Housing for Juvenile Justice Campus Youth
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Valley Teen Ranch to operate the Probation Department’s Step-Down Housing for youth in the Secured Youth Treatment Facility at the Juvenile Justice Campus, effective upon execution, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes an approximately three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $8,825,000;
2. Authorize the Chief Probation Officer, or their designee, to make changes to expense category subtotals set forth in the Agreement budget, provided such changes do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum compensation payable to the Contractor, and provided such changes do not increase the Agreement maximum compensation;
3. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing FY 2025-26 appropriations and estimated revenues for Probation Org 34403458 in the amount of $905,210 (4/5 vote); and
4. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing the FY 2025-26 appropriations for the DJJ Realignment Fund 0075, Subclass 17305, Org 1145 in the amount of $905,210 (4/5 vote).
REPORT
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the first and second recommended actions will allow Valley Teen Ranch to operate the Probation Department’s new eight-bed “step-down” residential house, currently referred to as the Jefferson House, and provide supportive services to Secured Youth Treatment Facility (SYTF) youth placed at the step-down home in transitioning from the Juvenile Justice Campus (JJC) into less restrictive environments while reintegrating into the community. Approval of the remaining recommended actions will establish appropriations and estimated revenues in FY 2025-26 to fully fund services through the Juvenile Justice Realignment Block Grant (JJRBG). This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended actions are not approved, the Department will be unable to secure a service operator for the step-down house, which is designated as a community-based least restrictive placement under the County’s JJRBG Annual Plan. As a result, the facility would remain vacant, and the Department would need to rely solely on existing least restrictive placement options, such as Pine Grove Conservation Camp or community living with family while monitored by GPS.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The recommended agreement is fully funded with the JJRBG funds. The maximum cost of the recommended agreement is $8,825,000 over the full five-year term. The annual maximum compensation includes an annual rate increase based on National Consumer Price Index not to exceed 3%. Approval of the third and fourth recommended actions will increase appropriations and estimated revenues in Probation Org 34403458 and appropriations in DJJ Realignment Org 1145. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues will be included in subsequent budget requests for the remainder of the agreement term.
DISCUSSION:
On July 16, 2025, the County issued Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 26-002, which solicited bids for operation of a 24/7 step-down housing facility located near the Fresno County JJC for SYTF youth. The RFP closed on August 15, 2025, with two responsive proposals received.
• Focus Forward, $6,027,448
• Valley Teen Ranch, $8,825,000
The RFP Evaluation Panel recommended funding the proposal submitted by Valley Teen Ranch after determining it to be the most responsive. The proposal demonstrated strong readiness through established policies for operating a 24/7 residential facility, robust performance tracking and evaluation processes that incorporate youth feedback, and the use of evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is not currently available at the Juvenile Justice Campus. Although the maximum compensation is higher than the competing bid, it is primarily driven by full-time staffing, which supports staff retention. In addition, the two-tiered budget structure provides scalability based on bed capacity, with separate compensation levels for an average of two or fewer beds and for three or more beds.
The recommended agreement will allow the Department to fully implement the step-down house as a community-based, least restrictive placement option for up to eight male SYTF youth between the ages of 18 and 25. Under the recommended agreement, Valley Teen Ranch will support youth transitioning from restrictive housing to less restrictive environments by operating the step-down house and providing a safe and structured setting for up to nine months. During this time, youth will practice essential independent living skills, such as meal preparation, while gradually reintegrating into the community with the goal of secured housing after completing the program. The step-down housing program will also provide and coordinate access to a comprehensive range of supportive services, including structured work experiences, vocational training, specialized tutoring, athletic programming, counseling, and diverse opportunities for social enrichment, all aimed at promoting rehabilitation and successful reentry. Valley Teen Ranch will lease vehicles dedicated to transporting youth; however, youth will also be permitted to use their personal vehicles. The associated risk is mitigated by Valley Teen Ranch collecting and monitoring each youth’s valid driver’s license and insurance status, requiring monthly certifications disclosing any traffic accidents or violations, and obtaining a signed County Release of Liability from each youth, releasing both the County and Valley Teen Ranch from liability.
Valley Teen Ranch will use the approximately 65,000 square foot step-down house including backyard, parking area, and side basketball court, to operate the Department’s step-down facility. The modification clause in the agreement and action item 2 of this item, delegate the Board’s authority to the Chief Probation Officer or their designee to make non-material changes to the agreement budget. These changes shall not result in any change to the maximum compensation amount.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Valley Teen Ranch
On file with Clerk - Resolution (Org 34403458)
On file with Clerk - Resolution (Org 1145)
CAO ANALYST:
Fine Nai