REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
December 17, 2019
FROM
GARY McBRIDE, Chief Executive Officer, County Administrative Office
SUBJECT
Title v
Status of First Step Group Homes
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Direct staff to research the status of First Step Group Homes and make recommendation(s) to the Chief Executive Officer of San Bernardino County, where appropriate.
(Presenter: Josh Candelaria, Governmental and Legislative Director, 387-4821)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
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 additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
First Step Group Homes (FSGH) is a non-profit 501c(3) organization that provides service to foster children. The non-profit operates two facilities located in the City of Rialto and has been operating since 2015. The California Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for the enforcement of the laws and regulations applicable to the licensing and operations of group homes and short-term residential therapeutic programs (STRTP). Due to changes at the state level, group homes have been transitioning to STRTP.
On or about March 16, 2018, FSGH filed an application with DSS for a license to operate a STRTP. On February 27, 2019, DSS denied the application. FSGH petitioned DSS for a hearing to appeal the denial, which included the issue be heard by an administrative law judge. The judge ultimately affirmed the state’s findings with respect to the organization and the executive director.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Penny Alexander-Kelley, Chief Assistant County Counsel, 387-4270) on December 12, 2019; Finance (Stephenie Shea, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on December 11, 2019; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on December 11, 2019.