REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 22, 2026
FROM
JANKI PATEL, Acting Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT
Title
Allocation and Integrated Systems of Care Division Plan for the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Accept allocation from the California Department of Health Care Services for Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care funding, to support the coordination of medical, dental, mental health, and developmental support services for enrolled foster children, in the amount of $6,520,745, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
2. Approve and authorize the submission of the 2026-27 Integrated Systems of Care Division plan to the California Department of Health Care Services for Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care funding, in the amount of $5,420,791, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
(Presenter: Janki Patel, Acting Director, 387-9146)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The allocation in the amount of $6,520,745 from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) for the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) does not require a local match. Adequate appropriation and revenue are included in the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) 2026-27 budget.
DPH is annually required to submit an Integrated Systems of Care Division (ISCD) plan to DHCS to administer the HCPCFC program. The 2026-27 ISCD plan does not align with DHCS’ 2026-27 allocation because DPH is required to base the ISCD plan on its estimate of annual program expenditures, while DHCS’ allocation is based on a State-determined methodology. Actual reimbursement of costs is based on program expenditures and the availability of DHCS funding, up to $6,520,745. The DHCS allocation is calculated in advance based on available funds for the HCPCFC program, and the DHCS ISCD provides local health jurisdictions allocation notices in July of each year. Subsequently, the ISCD plan must be developed retroactively and is submitted to the State for reimbursement based on actual expenditures incurred.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
DHCS provides HCPCFC funding to local health jurisdictions to support the medical, dental, mental health, and developmental needs of children and adolescents in foster care and out-of-home placement. The program aims to enhance access to health services through case management, clinical consultation, and linkage to the appropriate levels of care. DPH has received funding for this program since 2008.
DPH public health nurses collaborate with the Department of Children and Family Services social workers to coordinate HCPCFC services for enrolled children. In 2025-26, 5,242 individuals received support as a result of this funding.
On July 7, 2026, DPH received the allocation notice from DHCS for HCPCFC funding in the amount of $6,520,745, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. DHCS requires the ISCD plan to be developed based on an estimate of actual expenditures, which is often less than the amount of State and Federal funding allocated. As such, the recommended ISCD plan estimates expenditures of $5,420,791. If actual expenses exceed the estimated budget, DPH can submit an amended plan to continue to draw down funding up to the allocated amount.
DPH recommends approval of this item to secure reimbursement for the continued provision of support services for children in foster care.
This item is being presented at this time as this is the first date available for presentation following the development of the 2026-27 ISCD plan, which is not developed until the allocation notice is received, and the required operational, fiscal, and legal reviews. Approval at this time will not impact DPH’s services or activities.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Adam Ebright, Deputy County Counsel 387-5455) on September 4, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Iliana Rodriguez, Administrative Analyst, 386-8392) on September 4, 2026.