REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 8, 2023
FROM
TRACY REECE, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Department
SUBJECT
Title
Agreement with County of San Luis Obispo for Placement Services at Coastal Valley Academy
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve agreement, including non-standard terms, with County of San Luis Obispo to provide placement services for justice involved youth at Coastal Valley Academy in the total amount of $2,555,000 for the period of August 9, 2023 through August 8, 2028.
(Presenter: Tracy Reece, Chief Probation Officer, 387-5692)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The $2,555,000 cost of the agreement is funded with the Youthful Offender Block Grant (YOBG). Sufficient appropriation and revenue have been included in Probation Department’s (Department) 2023-24 budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Coastal Valley Academy (CVA) in the County of San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a residential commitment program for justice involved youth ages 14 to 17 years who are moderate to high risk and in need of intensive case management, treatment, and educational services. Services are offered in collaboration with local treatment providers, Family Care Network, and the County Office of Education. The self-contained program maintains exclusive resources including living units, classrooms, and a recreation yard, distinguishable from the SLO detention facilities. The physical features of the unit are more home-like, while still maintaining compliance with Title 15 and Title 24 of California Board of State and Community Corrections.
CVA provides a safe and effective alternative to traditional placement options such as group homes and engages families in the treatment and re-socialization process of these moderate to high-risk justice involved youth. Youth participate in Child and Family Team meetings as well as individual, family, and group treatment. CVA staff are trained in comprehensive substance abuse curriculums and positive behavioral interventions and supports. Groups are facilitated by both treatment staff and CVA probation officers. Youth also participate in pro-social activities, including off-site activities, community service projects, and home passes. Placement services under this agreement are provided at a cost of $140 per day, per youth, with approximately 10 youth participating annually, resulting in an annual cost of $511,000.
CVA provides this range of evidence-based services in a setting outside of San Bernardino County. The location of the facility is ideal because it provides opportunities for the youth to participate in activities outside of CVA grounds while minimizing the risk of flight due to the physical distance between San Bernardino County and SLO. A program of this type does not exist within San Bernardino County.
The terms in the agreement are set forth by the SLO, which differ from the San Bernardino County (County) standard contract terms. The non-standard terms include the following:
1. The agreement provides for reciprocal (mutual) indemnification.
• The County standard contract requires contractors to indemnify the County in accordance with County Policy 11-07.
• Potential Impact: By agreeing to indemnify SLO, the County would be responsible to defend and reimburse SLO for costs, expenses, and damages. Both County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the mutual indemnification language.
2. The agreement requires the venue to be in the County of San Luis Obispo.
• The County standard contract requires the venue to be in San Bernardino County in accordance with County Policy 11-05. County Policy 11-05 allows for the venue to be in another California County.
• Potential Impact: If a dispute arises and needs to be litigated, the case will be heard in the County of San Luis Obispo.
The Department recommends the approval of this agreement, including non-standard terms, to provide effective placement, rehabilitative, and treatment services at a lower level of supervision than a secure youth treatment facility for the County’s high-risk justice involved youth at CVA.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Jolena Grider, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on July 17, 2023; Risk Management (Victor Tordesillas, Director, 386-8623) on July 14, 2023; Finance (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on July 24, 2023; and County Finance and Administration (Robert Saldana, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-4342) on July 24, 2023.