DATE: July 12, 2022
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Antoinette Taillac, Public Defender
SUBJECT: Clean Slate Reentry Program Salary Resolution Amendment
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve Amendment to the Salary Resolution adding one Defense Attorney III and one Paralegal II to Public Defender's Org 2880, effective July 11, 2022, as reflected in Appendix "D," for the Clean Slate reentry program (4/5 vote).
REPORT
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions, as the costs for the new positions will be offset by funding approved by the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP). Approval of the recommended actions will add one Defense Attorney III, and one Paralegal II for the Clean Slate reentry program. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended actions are not approved, the Public Defender will be unable to address applications to its Clean Slate Program, discussed below, in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions, as these positions are funded by Assembly Bill 109 (AB 109), managed by the CCP. Appropriations and Revenue have been included in the FY 2022-23 Recommended Budget request. If funding is not renewed, the positions will be deleted if an alternative funding source is not identified.
DISCUSSION:
Initiated in 2017, Clean Slate Program is a reentry program that provides free legal services to indigent and low-income individuals convicted of criminal offenses in Fresno County and are now eligible to have their criminal record cleared (i.e., expunged, reduced, dismissed, and/or sealed). The individuals to be assisted with this program have completed their sentences and have shown a history of being rehabilitated. However, their criminal record can stand in the way of employment, education, licensing, and housing access, which reduces their ability to fully reintegrate back into society as productive citizens. Studies show ...
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