HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09121989 - T.1 r �
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THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on September 12, 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, and Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Standards for the Administration of the General Assistance
Program, and Shelter Program for General Assistance
Eligibles.
This being the time for hearing on the Standards for the
Administration of the General Assistance Program, and Shelter Program
for General Assistance Eligibles, and the County Administrator having
recommended that the Board limit its discussion today to the General
Assistance Regulations, and then set another time and date to discuss
the designation of sites.
Supervisor Fanden moved that the Board limit discussion
today to the General Assistance Regulations, and to eliminate
discussion of the sites from the report being considered today and
that the sites proposed be struck from the report, and that staff be
directed that a comprehensive report come back on October 3 , 1989 with
a list of the proposed sites for Board consideration.
Supervisor Powers seconded the motion. The vote on the
motion was unanimous.
Chairman Torlakson advised those in the audience that there
would be no discussion today on the selection of sites or on
site-specific concerns.
James Rydingsword, Director of Social Services, presented to
the Board the remaining matters before them today. He advised that
some questions had come up during a September 6 , 1989 meeting with
CHART with respect to some of the proposed changes to the County
General Assistance program, and that the Department is recommending
changes and corrections to the August 31, 1989 submission to the Board
as set forth in his memorandum dated September 11, 1989 which
memorandum is to be considered a supplement to the document entitled:
"Social Service Department Studies Supporting Modifications to
Standards for the Administration of the General Assistance Program. "
The Chair declared the public hearing open. The following
persons appeared and spoke:
Susan Prather, P. O. Box 236, Crockett, opposed the Plan.
Philip J. Berthenthal, 1017 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond,
representing the Contra Costa Legal Services on behalf of recipients
of various assistance programs, who submitted for the record documents
relating to the proposed standards. Mr. Berthenthal reviewed the
items in the proposed standards in some detail.
Paul Baber, 10 Cedar Pointe Loop, San Ramon, submitted a
summary of objections to the proposed standards, and spoke in
opposition.
Cindy Ulmer Brandrowsky, 4850 Starflower Drive, Martinez,
representing Citizens for a Safe Martinez, wanted to speak on site
selection criteria. Chairman Torlakson invited her to return speak on
October 3 , 1989.
Carol Severin, 1070 Concord Avenue, Suite 200, Concord,
Shelter, Inc. , stated that she had just received information that the
new standards might make the County ineligible for certain Federal and
State money if recipients are required to give part of their grants to
providers of shelter. She urged that this concern be reviewed.
Chairman Torlakson asked staff to review Carol Severin' s
concerns.
Kent Stromsmoe, 2215 Pine Street, Martinez, expressed
concerns about a plan that tends to group all individuals into one
class and not address individual service needs.
Doug Klink, 1320 Peach Street, Martinez, Citizens for a' Safe
Martinez, advised that his group had volunteered to help in a site
selection process, and requested that there be a cross section of
citizens involved in the site selection committee.
Supervisor Fanden MOVED that before the Social Service
Department comes back to the Board on October 3 , 1989, with a list of
sites , that it review the proposed sites with members of the
community.
Cheryl Grover, 916 Palm Avenue, Martinez, Citizens for a
Safe Martinez, asked that members of her group be involved in site
selection criteria.
Chairman Torlakson reviewed for Ms. Grover the Board' s
instructions to Mr. Rydingsword to meet with Citizens for a Safe
Martinez, to contact someone from the Contra Costa Board of Realtors,
and to take advantage of expertise that might help in reviewing the
process so that meeting and sharing of information occurs before
October 3 , 1989.
Alice Alderette, 1425 Shell Avenue, Martinez, Citizens for a
Safe Martinez, indicated agreement with Mr. Stromsmoe' s comments.
Russell Leavitt, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District,
advised that his Board on September 21, 1989 , will be considering its
position on a potential site on Imhoff and Blum Road, and would like
some clarification.
Chairman Torlakson advised that the site selection portion
had been struck from the report and from discussion and consideration
today so that the Board could focus on the General Assistance Program
today and that the homeless shelter location criteria will be back to
the Board on October 3 , 1989.
Ray Ulmer, 1357 Peach Street, Martinez, Citizens for a Safe
Martinez, advised that he had requested staff to meet with him on many
occasions and they have not done so. He advised that the Board had
directed staff to make those reports available to him and he had not
yet received any reports.
Supervisor Fanden MOVED that Mr. Rydingsword meet with Mr.
Ulmer and members of the community to resolve the above questions and
to further discuss site selection criteria before coming back to the
Board on October 3 , 1989 . Chairman Torlakson ruled that to be the
order of the Board, including that paper work on a $47,000 budget item
be provided to Mr. Ulmer.
Chairman Torlakson declared that there were no further
requests to speak, and the public testimony was concluded.
Supervisor Powers requested staff to respond to some of the
questions raised in testimony this afternoon. He enumerated the
various concerns and staff members responded to each.
Supervisor Powers commented on the seriousness of the
problem and advised that the Board needs help in meeting the needs of
the citizens of the County, help from the Legislators, AND from the
Federal and State Governments to adequately fund the County needs; and
urged the members of the audience to talk to their legislators and ask
for funds for the County to enable it to meet those needs.
Chairman Torlakson spoke of the need to move forward to
adopt the Standards, noting that the Board is aware of the issues of
greater accountability, linking people to services, that there is not
as full a set of services as the Board would want, but that the Board
is striving with its providers and other sources of dollars to pursue
that goal and to provide a full range of drug and alcohol counselling
services, to provide a full range to job training and counselling
services, to link people into opportunities. He advised that he felt
that the increased allocations under the proposed program can provide
a stronger springboard towards those goals, and therefore he supported
the program and urged the Board to move forward with it.
Supervisor McPeak commented that she believed that the
proposal before the Board for changes in regulations and programs are
actually going to make some important changes to provide immediate
assistance, but that there are more needs in the County than can be
met. She indicated that she felt the increased grant assistance level
and the provision of immediate assistance are positive changes. She
spoke of the need to identify additional resources and to show public
and private agencies what has been done in soliciting their
assistance, and stated that there should be an updated report on what
has been done by the County to both contribute additional dollars to a
variety of the homeless efforts, including the general assistance
program expenditures, and what has been done to raise money privately,
noting that new dollars from new sources have been brought in to meet
a need that suddenly became the Board' s without much help from other
levels of Government. She noted that the Board has tried to respond
in a compassionate and creative way and has done some remarkable
things, but that this needs to be itemized and needs to be available
when seeking additional dollars, and therefore she would like an
updated report.
Chairman Torlakson requested that updated report at or near
the time the Board will be looking at the homeless shelter location
criteria on October 3 , 1989 ..
The Board thereupon unanimously adopted Resolution 89/598
adopting the Standards for the Administration of the General
Assistance Program.
The Board thereupon also unanimously adopted, as modified,
the Board order setting forth the recommendations of the County
Administrator entitled: "Standards for Administration of the General
Assistance Program; Shelter Program for General Assistance Eligibles. "
i hereby certify that this IS a true and correct COPY of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board Of SUPSIVlsors the data shown.
ATTESTED: . � 1a l y'�y
PHIL BATCHELOR.Ciarh of&Board
of S pnIaoa and County Administrator
cc: Social Services
County Counsel By -r-- 'Deputy
County Administrator
Auditor
Health Services
Iry BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
rfmm: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator Cwtra
Costa
DATE: August 31, 1989 Cairty
SUBJECT: Standards for Administration of the General Assistance Program;
Shelter Program for General Assistance Eligibles
SPECIFIC REQUEST(SI OR RECCIAMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND APD JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. Accept and adopt the "Social Service Department Studies Supporting
Modifications to Standards for 'the Administration of the General
Assistance Program, " including the recommendations and Program elements
contained therein.
1 . Adopt the proposed Board of Supervisors' Resolution, "Standards
for the Administration of the General Assistance Program'_ (Welfare
and Institutions Code sections 17000 et seq. ) .
2. Ratify Board of Supervisors' Resolution No. 89/411, "Standards
for Administration of the General Assistance Program. "
3. Ratify the following Board Orders adopted on June 27, 1989:
a. "Standards for Administration of the General Assistance
Program: Immediate Need and Shelter. "
b. "General Assistance Basic Need Allowances . "
4 . Direct the Social Service Department to establish and carry out
the programs and policies set forth in the "Social Service
Department Studies Supporting Modifications to Standards for the
Administration of the General Assistance Program. "
5. Direct the Social Service Department and Health Services
Department to establish and carry out the joint program of referral
and treatment for chemically dependent homeless General Assistance
eligibles, as set forth in the Social Service Department Studies .
B. Accept and adopt the "Homeless Management Team Study on Shelter for
General Assistance Eligibles, " including the recommendations and Program
elements contained therein (Welfare & Institutions Code sections 17000
et seq. ) .
CONTINUED ON ATTACW ENT: X YES SIGNATURE' ac
ACTION OF BOARD ON 7tjl7t, APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED _ OTHER
In approving Recommendation A, the Board adopted Resolution 89/598
setting forth Standards for the Administration of the General
Assistance Program.
In approving Recommendation B, the Board struck the portion of the
last paragrah of Page 1 of the Study designating sites, but retained
the direction to staff to report on the feasibility of a General
Assistance shelter site with the objective of opening a site on
April 1, 1990.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT AMID CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CC: Social Services ATTESTED �' �� 4P f
County Counsel
PHIL BAT HELOR, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
County Administrator
Auditor SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Heal th Services
7q*���•,�'"^ ,� •� BY ,DEPUTY
1 . Designate the National Guard Armory in Richmond as the primary
site for a shelter for General Assistance eligibles from December
1, 1989 to March 31, 1990, and the Armory in Pittsburg as an
alternative site for shelter .for General Assistance eligibles for
such time period.
2. Direct the Social Service Department to establish and carry out
the Armory Shelter Program for General Assistance Eligibles, 1989-
1990, including the negotiation for the use of the Armories in
Richmond and Pittsburg, and the negotiation of contracts with
private, non-profit agencies to administer the Program.
3. Designate the Social Service Department General Assistance
program as the source of funding for the Armory Shelter program,
1989-90, for General Assistance eligibles .
4 . Direct the Social Service Depart ment and County Administrator
to study the feasibility of develop'- g and using one of the seven
potential shelter sites for General ssistance eligibles set forth
in the Study, with the objective of pening a site on April 1,
1990, and to report back to the Boar on the feasibility of each
site by no later than December 1, 19 9 .
5 . Designate the three potential fu ding sources set forth in the
Study (Emergency Shelter Program Graft $85,000; Housing Bond Trust
Fund $50,000; Contribution from Development Community $50,000) to
the development of a shelter for General Assistance eligibles .
6 . Direct the Social Service Department and County Administrator
to study the above and other potential funding sources for the
development and use of a shelter for General Assistance eligibles,
and report their findings and recommndations to the Board by no
later than December 1, 1989 .
7 . Adopt the rules and regulations :et forth in the Study for the
operation of the Armory Shelter Program for General Assistance
Eligibles, 1989-90, with the objective that similar rules and
regulations will apply in the operation of future shelters for
General Assistance eligibles .
8 . Refer the Homeless Management Te m Study to the County
Administrator for further review and recommendations .
C. Ratify the following Board Orders ado ted on June 27, 1989 :
1 . "Contra Costa County Winter and Spring Shelter and Homeless
Hotline Programs" .
2. "Contra Costa County Homeless Hotline. ,,
3 . "County Homeless Programs . "
D. Ratify the following Board Order adopted on July 25, 1989 : "General
Assistance Program; and County Homeless and Hotline Programs . "
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SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
STUDIES SUPPORTING MODIFICATIONS TO
STANDARDS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
r.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 1
II. BACKGROUND AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS. . . . . . .pages 2 - 7
III. ATTACHMENTS
A. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION (ELIMINATION
OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, INITIATION
OF IMMEDIATE NEED AND SHELTER
PROGRAMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 8 - 9
B. HOMELESS SERVICE PROGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 10 - 12
C. SPECIAL NEEDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 13 - 15
D. HOUSING ACQUISITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 16 - 17
E. HOUSING AVAILABILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 18
F. SPECIALIZED ALCOHOL AND DRUG
COUNSELING SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 19 - 22
G. GENERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT LEVELS. . . . . . .pages 23 - 31
r'
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES
1. Increase the General Assistance maximum basic grant to
$323 for persons in unshared housing arrangements, and
to $282 for persons in shared housing arrangements.
2. Eliminate the County Emergency Assistance component of
the General Assistance Program.
3. Establish an Immediate Need application process for
General Assistance.
4. Establish a Shelter Benefit Program for homeless
General Assistance applicants and recipients, which
includes contracts with shelter facility providers, and
housing vouchers for those for whom no shelter bed is
available.
5. Establish a Homeless Services program which will
include Information and Referral, counselling, and case
management services for homeless applicants and
recipients.
6. Expand General Assistance Special Needs to include
Housing Assistance to assist General Assistance
eligible persons with obtaining permanent housing.
7. Expand the Employable Services component of the General
Assistance program to enhance supervision of job search
efforts, and intensify job development and job
placement services. Goal: Reduce the Employable
caseload by 10%.
8. Initiate a joint program with the Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Division of Health Services to provide referral and
treatment for chemically dependent homeless General
Assistance applicants and recipients.
9. Increase County recovery from the Interim Assistance
Reimbursement Program by:
a) participating in the Automated Systems Match
program with the State Department of Social
Services and the Social Security Administra-
tion which will ensure the identification and
proper coding of GA recipients who have
applied for SSI, and
b) initiating a procedure for obtaining
psychological/psychiatric examinations and
reports as needed for General Assistance
recipients whose applications/appeals for SSI
are pending.
1
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BACKGROUND AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
A. GENERAL ASSISTANCE
General Assistance is a program designed to meet the minimum
needs of persons who are temporarily unemployed or who,
because of their present disability, are seeking assistance
to meet their current needs. In administering the General
Assistance Program, considerable emphasis is placed upon
assisting the applicant to rely upon other resources which
may be available to meet minimum needs, in compliance with
the mandate of the Welfare and Institutions Code Section
17000.
Accordingly, assistance from relatives and friends is
requested. Employable persons are required to seek
employment and are provided services that will prepare them
for, and assist then in finding, employment. Similarly,,
unemployable persons are referred to and assisted in
obtaining State and Federal benefits in the form of
Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, Worker' s
Compensation, Social Security, and Supplemental Security
Income (SSI/SSP) .
General Assistance is funded solely from county revenues
with no participation from the State and Federal
Governments. It is a responsibility imposed upon the Board
of Supervisors by the State Legislature, to relieve indigent
residents who are not supported or relieved in any other
manner.
B. IMMEDIATE NEED AND SHELTER
Under the Contra Costa County General Assistance Program, to
date, there has been an absence of Board-adopted General
Assistance standards on homeless services for persons
eligible to General Assistance. The Emergency Assistance
program, supported through the county' s general fund, has
been used in a discretionary manner to attempt to meet the
increasing demands for services to the homeless population,
including many persons who are not within the General
Assistance eligible population of the county.
Since 1985 increased experience with homeless persons has
focused attention on the problem of homelessness at the
local level, prompting the Board and the Department to take
immediate action through the most readily available method:
County funded Emergency Assistance. The adoption of the
General Assistance Immediate Need and Shelter Benefit
programs will render Emergency Assistance unnecessary for
2
i c
persons legally entitled to County aid under Welfare and
Institutions Code Section 17000. General Assistance
eligibles will be provided immediate assistance, including
food, 'shelter, and social services.
The Immediate Need Program is an expedited process for
determining apparent eligibility to General Assistance for
applicants who are in situations of immediate need and who
have no resources to meet that need. It involves making an
expedited determination of probable eligibility, and issuing
advance benefits based on presumptive eligibility. The
addition of this procedure to the Intake process will aug-
ment the existing Expedited Service Food Stamp determina-
tion in order to provide immediate food and shelter to
eligible GA applicants. Most persons who are eligible to
receive GA are also eligible to receive Food Stamps; how-
ever, Food Stamp eligibility has no effect on the
individual' s entitlement to General Assistance benefits.
To implement the Shelter Program, the Social Service
Department will contract with shelter providers who will
establish 24-hour shelter facilities which will provide room
and board, and support services, e.g. job search assistance,
health service referrals, and assistance with locating
permanent housing. The Department will pay the shelter
provider $12 per night per bed for GA and Immediate Need
eligible persons. General Assistance will be granted to
eligible shelter residents to supplement the basic needs
provided by the shelter. This monthly grant of $27 will
include allowances for personal and incidental needs, basic
transportation, and supplemental food. (Note: Although the
shelter providers will be expected to provide certain
personal and incidental items, they will not be expected to
meet these needs in full. Therefore the GA recipient will
receive this allowance. ) Also, shelter residents will not
be prohibited from receiving GA special need allowances
peculiar to their own situations.
Under the Immediate Need and Shelter Benefit programs,
homeless General Assistance eligible applicants and
recipients will be offered aid in the following order:
1) if a shelter facility bed is available for the
individual, s/he will be referred to the facility.
The county will pay the per diem rate to the
facility, grant $27 cash to the individual, and
grant Food Stamps;
2) if no shelter facility bed is available for the
individual, the county will provide a $206 Housing
voucher, a $27 cash grant, $90 worth of Food
vouchers, and Food Stamps;
3
Sacramento County implemented a similar Shelter benefit
program in March 1989 . They have realized a 16% decrease
in their General Assistance caseload, which they attribute
in part to the success of this program.
Individuals who receive General Assistance, including aid in
the form of shelter benefits, must meet all GA program
requirements. These requirements include, but are not
limited to: employable persons must cooperate with the Work
Program requirements, including a monthly workfare
assignment; persons with known or suspected substance abuse
problems must cooperate with treatment programs as
determined by the Health Services Department; and persons
who are permanently incapacitated must apply for SSI .
The county will no longer supplement Federal or state aid
programs, nor provide general fund assistance to persons who
do not meet the county' s General Assistance eligibility
standards; however, services -- both benefit entitlements
and Social Services -- will be significantly augmented for
that portion of the county population whom the Board and the
Department have a responsibility to serve.
There are other programs for the homeless that are not
General Assistance programs, including the State and Federal.
AFDC Homeless Assistance program, the Mental Health Reform
Act of 1985 homeless assistance program, and many programs
operated by other public and private nonprofit agencies.
It is important that these resources -- as well as the
applicant/recipient' s own resources -- be used, where
appropriate, thus alleviating unnecessary burden on the
county General Fund.
The East County District of the Social Service Department
has operated a program designed to obtain shelter for
homeless persons using counseling and the self-help efforts
of the clients. This program has been successful and has
dramatically reduced the need of shelter assistance to the
homeless in that area. The logic and experience of that
program is a primary source upon which the Department' s
Immediate Need and Shelter Benefits programs are based.
Counseling and self-help have worked in East County; they
can also work in the other Districts. This service will
enable the Department to bring actual shelter need within
the parameters of available shelter facilities, and to
provide housing for all General Assistance eligibles.
4
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C. SPECIAL NEEDS
Contra Costa County'.s General Assistance program has the
most elaborate Special Need component of any General
Assistance program in the state. Allowances for certain
items for which there is a verified need may be provided
over and above the basic GA grant. There are two basic
categories of special needs: recurring needs, such as
special diet allowances which may be allowed on an ongoing
basisas part of the recipient' s monthly benefit, and
nonrecurring needs, such as eyeglasses, which may be allowed
on an ;as-needed basis.
The expenditure for FY 1988-89 for nonrecurring special
needs exceeded $400,000. Since recurring special needs are
part of the recipient' s continuing grant, and are not coded
separately, there is no total available to those. However,
job search. transportation alone costs approximately $250,000
per year. (This estimate is based on an allowance of $15
per month per recipient, for 1400 employable recipients. )
The Department recommends certain changes to the Special
Needs component in order to focus the purpose of these
allowances on the program goal of self-sufficiency, to
control expenditure, and to include necessary elements of
the Emergency Assistance program. Some special need
allowances will be provided for the purpose of enabling the
recipient to meet his/her Work Programs requirements, some
for the purpose of obtaining employment, and some for
verified health reasons. A special needs Housing Assistance
allowance will be added to facilitate the client' s efforts
to secure permanent housing. Some allowances, which no
. longer meet the purpose for which they were established,
will be eliminated.
D. DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS
A 1987 Department Study of 1013 Unemployable General
Assistance recipients revealed that 22% were known to be
severely and chronically mentally ill, 31% were known
alcoholics, and 20% were known drug addicts. Although there
is no specific current data available, given the epidemic of
drug abuse which is witnessed by many parts of our communi-
ties and by many sections of county government services, it
can be assumed that these figures have grown, probably
significantly. The symptoms of the drug epidemic range from
5
life-threatening medical conditions to abject poverty. The
toll of this epidemic is high both in terms of human suffer-
ing and in terms of the tremendous demand it creates for
public services.
The Social Service Department' s SSI Advocacy program has
been working to assist those who are mentally ill with
getting SSI benefits; however, alcoholism and/or drug
addiction are not qualifying factors for SSI . Thus, these
recipients are not potentially eligible for SSI, nor are
they suitable for the Employable Services program. These
facts coupled with the Health Services Department' s limited
resources with which to address this problem for the General
Assistance population has led to frustration on all fronts.
This study recommends two programs which will significantly
enhance services to both the mentally ill and substance
abusing GA recipients. Both of these proposals will strongly
encourage self-sufficiency for the GA recipient, either by
qualifying the individual for categorical aid, or by
increasing his/her employability.
The first recommendation is to contract for psychological/
psychiatric examinations and reports which will provide
necessary documentation to substantiate SSI claims.
The second recommendation is developed jointly by the Social
Service Department and the Health Services Department,
Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Division at the
direction of the Board of Supervisors. The Health Services
Department will provide treatment services for county
residents who are homeless, receiving General Assistance,
and known or suspected of being alcohol and/or drug
dependent.
While this treatment service is needed in the three regions
of the county, a pilot program will be implemented in
Richmond for West County clients. A demographics study
conducted by the Social Service Department in February, 1989
showed that over 600 of the county' s General Assistance
population resides in the west county area, and the Richmond
AIRS (Alcohol Intervention Recovery Services) office already
provides a program for outpatient treatment for General
Assistance recipients with alcohol dependency problems. The
new program will be based on the existing one. At the end
of six months ' operation, an evaluation will be conducted to
determine what programmatic modifications should be made in
order to improve the program, and expansion to the other
regions of the county will be pursued. The focus of the
program will be to assist the alcohol and/or other drug
dependent clients to better understand chemical dependency
and to achieve a clean and sober lifestyle.
6
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E. WORK PROGRAMS
One of the most important facets of General Assistance, with
regard to the program goal of self-sufficiency, is
Employables Services, also known as Work Programs. This is a
multiphase service program designed to assist unemployed
persons in preparing for, obtaining, and keeping unsubsi-
dized employment. The components of the Work Programs are
program orientation, employability assessment, workfare/work
experience, job club/job search, job development/job
placement, and vocational training assignments.
A July 1989 survey of several California counties conducted
by Alameda County reveals that while almost every county has
experienced significant growth in their General Assistance
caseloads for the period September 1988 to August 1989,
(including 43% in Alameda, and 32% in San Francisco) ,- two
large counties with vital Employable Services programs have
actually experienced decreases in their caseloads (Santa
Clara 8%, and San Diego 8%) . Both Santa Clara and San Diego
offer meaningful services to their employable recipients,
particularly in the area of job development and job
placement.
Based on this information, as well as our own previous
experience with a successful job placement program, the
Department proposes to expand this component of our service
program. The proposal includes the -addition of Social
Worker/Vocational Counselors to provide an enhanced
employability assessment for applicants, which will reveal
the level of job-readiness and suitability of assignment to
one or more of the program components, and to intensify job
development and job placement efforts. The Department also
recommends that, job development services be augmented by the
development of performance-based contracts with other
agencies. Mindful of the importance of the other elements
of Work Programs, the proposal also includes the addition of
Social Service Program Assistants to maintain. Program
Orientation, Job Search and Workfare.
7
ATTACHMENT A
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
(ELIMINATION OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE,
INITIATION OF IMMEDIATE NEED AND SHELTER PROGRAMS)
I . Background
The Emergency Assistance program was established by the
Board of Supervisors as a subsection of the Standards for
Administration of the General Assistance Program to provide the
Department with a method for dealing with certain emergency
circumstances, and is supported entirely through the county' s
general fund. Because attention on the problem of homelessness
increasingly has been focused on the local level, the Board and
the Department have been prompted to utilize this program in a
discretionary manner to attempt to meet the growing demands for
services to the homeless population; including many who are not
within the General Assistance eligible population of the county.
Emergency Assistance has been used to assist persons in obtaining
permanent housing and temporary housing, and acquiring food,
among other things.
II . Program Recommendations: Immediate Need and Shelter Programs
An expedited process will be established for determining
probable eligibility to GA for applicants who are in immediate
need and who have no resources to meet that need. The immediate
need program will involve an immediate -- on the day of
application, where possible -- determination of probable
eligibility, and issuing advance benefits based on that
determination. Advance payments issued based on probable
eligibility will be deducted from the first month' s benefit when
eligibility is confirmed. A simple, one-page application form
will be used; and those persons who apply will be required to
clearly establish their identification. This program will
augment the existing Expedited Service Food Stamp determination
in order to provide immediate food and shelter to Immediate Need
eligibles.
Shelter eligibles will be assigned first to county-shelters
and second to private shelters. The 24-hour shelter facilities
will provide room and board, and support services, e.g. job
search assistance, health service referrals, and assistance with
locating permanent housing. The Department will pay the shelter
provider $12 per night per bed for GA and Immediate Need eligible
persons. General Assistance will be granted in the amount of $27
per month to eligible shelter residents to supplement the basic
needs provided by the shelter, and Food Stamps will be granted.
Additionally, shelter residents may be eligible to receive
certain GA special needs relative to their own situations. If no
shelter facility bed is available, a shelter eligible will be
provided with a housing voucher, a cash grant, food vouchers, and
Food Stamps.
8
A j '
The implementation of the General Assistance Immediate Need
and Shelter Benefit Programs will render Emergency Assistance
unnecessary for persons legally entitled to County aid under
Welfare and Institutions Code Section 17000, in that the elements
of the emergency Assistance Program are met for General
Assistance eligibles and probable eligibles under the Immediate
Need and Shelter Benefit Program. Under these programs, General
Assistance eligibles will be provided immediate assistance,
including food, shelter, and social services.
III . Department action, among other things, will involve the
following:
A. Delete Dept. Manual section 51-100, County
Emergency Assistance.
B. Add 4 Intake Eligibility Workers, 1 Clerk,
and 1 Eligibility Supervisor.
C. Revise Dept. Manual section 49-102 , Application and
Determination of Eligibility, to provide for the
Immediate Need Process.
D. Develop form GA 200, Immediate Need Application.
E. Contract with Shelter providers at $12 per night per
bed for GA eligibles.
F. Revise Dept. Manual Sections 49-102 (Application and
Determination of Eligibility) 49-402 ( Items of Need)
and 49-501 (Aid Payment) to add reference to referrals
for Shelter benefits.
9
e t
ATTACHMENT B
HOMELESS SERVICES PROGRAM
The Homeless Services Program will enhance the capacity of
homeless General Assistance and Immediate Need eligibles to
obtain housing.
Homeless General Assistance and Immediate Need eligibles are
entitled to receive Social Servies at one of the District
Offices of the Social Services Department in Contra Costa
County.
These services are provided as part of the Information and
Referral program, and they include:
An opportunity for the homeless person to discuss
his/her situation with a Social Worker.
Information about, and referrals to shelters,
transitional residential programs, and emergency
housing resources.
An opportunity to review the District' s list of
available low cost housing.
Referrals to other public and private agencies offering
housing services.
Referrals to Health, and Mental Health resources, as
appropriate.
In addition to the counseling services of a Social Worker,
aid recipients and applicants may qualify for special need
payments to assist with the acquisition of housing.
It is the responsibility of the Social Worker to assist
clients in reviewing all available resources they may have
(relatives, friends, etc. ) and to inform clients of
available housing resources.
It is the responsibility of the clients, to the extent of
their abilities, to conduct their own housing search and
follow up on the Social Worker' s referrals. In this way,
homeless clients may use their own financial resources to
best advantage in order to find a permanent place to live as
soon as possible.
Homeless Program Services generally will be performed by the
Adult Generalist Units in the District offices. Services to
those individuals who fit the definition of Dependent Adults
in need of Protective Services (DM 30-810) will be provided
under the Adult Protective Services program.
10
R ,
A shelter and housing resource list will be provided to each
District. The Adult Generalist Unit in each District office
will be responsible for updating that file weekly for the
region served by that District. These Social Workers will
outreach to owners and managers of low and moderate rate
rental units in the area. In addition, the resource list
will include listings of public and private shelters,
rooming houses, shared housing situations, transitional
housing faciities, and special user facilities (alcohol,
drug, and mental health residential treatment facilities. )
Adult Generalist Units will have current "For Rent" sections
of local newspapers available for client review in the
office, and will subscribe to "Tenant Finder' s"
publications.
The Social Worker will review the available housing
resources with the client. When potential rentals are
selected, the Social Worker will telephone to assure a
vacancy, and may help the client negotiate move-in terms
with the landlord.
The Social Worker will assist with completing rental
agreements, if needed, and will also assist the client in
obtaining references, if appropriate.
GA recipients who find permanent housing may be eligible for
the General Assistance Housing Assistance special need
allowance to cover moving-in costs.
General Assistance Shelter Program
A. County-sponsored Shelters
Homeless adults who are General Assistance eligible and who
are unable to obtain shelter through their own efforts will
be referred to a County-sponsored shelter.
The Social Worker will make a referral to the County
sponsored shelter using the shelter provider' s entry
criteria as a guide for making referrals. Persons who will
not be referred to the shelter are:
Persons with uncontrolled substance abuse problems;
Persons who are in need of psychiatric treatment;
Persons who are known to carry weapons;
Persons who have exhibited violent behaviour in the
past and/or have damaged property.
In the event that the individual is accepted into the County
sponsored shelter, the shelter will be staffed to provide
case management services in addition to shelter and three
meals a day. Each resident will be assessed within three
days of entry, a services contract will be negotiated with
11
his/her case manager, and s/he will carry through with
personal efforts to complete a rehabilitation plan as a
condition for continued residence. Services of the Social
Services Departments ' s SSI Advocate and/or Work Programs
staff may be utilized during the course of the GA
recipient' s stay at the shelter.
B. Private Shelters
If there is no bed available for the individual at a
county-sponsored shelter the Social Worker will refer that
individual to a private shelter resource if a bed is
available.
While the client resides at the private shelter, the Social
Worker will continue to assist the client in his/her efforts
to find permanent housing within the GA maximum appropriate
housing allowance.
C. Housing vouchers
If there is no bed available for the individual at either a
county-sponsored shelter or a private shelter, the client
will be given a housing voucher for an amount equal to the
maximum appropriate General Assistance housing entitlement.
The County will reimburse the amount of the voucher to any
person who provides verified shelter to the shelter eligible
client for at least one month prior to the expiration date
of the voucher.
D. Uncontrolled Substance Abuse and Psychiatric
Problems
GA eligibles who cannot be referred to county-sponsored or
private shelters for one of these reasons will be referred
to the Health Services Department, Alcohol, Drug Abuse and
Mental Health Division resources. Mentally disabled homeless
persons may be eligible to receive shelter at the Antioch
Mental Health Shelter facility. Those for whom there is no
bed available at the Antioch shelter, and those with
uncontrolled substance abuse problems will be given a
housing voucher. Substance abusing clients will be required
to participate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Services
as a condition to receiving General Assistance.
E. Violent behavior/weapons carriers/property damage
GA eligibles who cannot be referred to county-sponsored or
private shelters because of these reasons will be given a
housing voucher.
12
ATPACIMNT C
SPECIAL NEEDS
In addition to Basic Needs provided for all General Assistance
recipients, the Department recognizes that some recipients have
needs which are not common to recipients in general, and these
are provided for as "special need" allowances. Some changes are
recommended to expand the Special Needs element of the General
Assistance program to include necessary elements of the Emergency
Assistance program and to eliminate inappropriate special-need
expenditures.
I. In order to assist persons eligible to General Assistance to
secure permanent housing, the following special need will be
added:
a. Housing Assistance
1) may be authorized only if client demonstrates
satisfactory effort to obtain housing and cannot
obtain housing without a special-need allowance.
2) may be authorized if the monthly rent amount does
not exceed 800 of the individual' s/family' s
monthly income.
3 ) the first and last months ' rents and required
deposits, subject to maximum allowances determined
by the Department.
4) may be authorized not more than once in a
twelve-month period;
2. In order to assist Employable recipients to meet the Work
Programs requirements of the General Assistance program, the
following special needs will be allowed:
a. Workfare transportation
b. Job search workshop/job placement transportation
3. In order to assist Employable recipients to obtain employ-
ment, the following special needs will be allowed:
a. Union dues/fees/licenses
b. Haircuts - not more often than every third month
C. Eyeglasses
d. Special clothing
13
4. The following special needs will be allowed for verified
health reasons:
a. Special diet
b. Telephone basic monthly rate
C. Medical/treatment program transportation
d. Utility shut-off/deposit
e. Eyeglasses
5. Because some recipients may not possess all of the items
considered essential to a minimum wardrobe, and in
consideration of normal wear and tear of these items, a
special need allowance for clothing may be provided
annually.
6. Because they no longer meet the purposes for which they
were established, the following special needs will be
eliminated.
a. Excess housing costs
This is an allowance of $11 per month, allowed for GA
Households of three or more whose housing costs exceed
the maximum allowance for housing. Because less than
30 of the caseload consists of Households of more than
two persons, this allowance is seldom -- if ever --
used.
b. Restaurant meals
This is an allowance of $49 per month, allowed for two
months for recipients who do not have cooking facili-
ties. This was adopted when persons without cooking
facilities were ineligible for Food Stamps. The Food
Stamp regulations have changed; the need which this
allowance was established to meet is no longer unmet.
14
C. Employable transportation
This is an allowance of $15 per month, established to
enable, the recipient to conduct in-person job search
activities, which were then reported on a monthly job
search report form. The form has been eliminated, and
the required job search activity will be performed by
telephone at the monthly Job Club meeting.
d. Household linen
This is an annual allowance of $15 per household to
replace items of household linen. For FY88-89, this
allowance was used by less than 100 of the GA
recipients.
15
s
ATTACHMENT D
HOUSING ACQUISITION
A survey of the General Assistance caseload conducted in
July, 1989 confirms that, with few exceptions, General
Assistance recipients are able to secure and maintain
permanent housing within this County' s General Assistance
grant levels.
The vast majority ( 78%) of General Assistance recipients
live in shared housing arrangements. A smaller portion of
recipients ( 15%) live in an unshared arrangement. It is
noted that these figures have remained constant for at least
the past five years, as shown by previous Department studies
in 1984 and 1986. It is the Department' s experience that, as
a general rule, if the individual can pay his or her share,
there are friends or relatives willing to share.
The current GA flat rate housing allowance for persons in
shared housing is $136; the maximum basic grant is $250. The
current flat rate for persons in unshared housing is $170;
the maximum basic grant is $284. Those recipients whose
housing costs equal or are less than the allowance realize a
cash advantage over those whose costs exceed the flat rate
allowed. Those recipients whose housing costs exceed the
allowance must use other portions of the basic grant to meet
their additional housing need.
According to the data provided by the survey, the average
actual cost for rent and utilities for a recipient living in
a shared housing arrangement is $165. Less than to of the
recipients living in shared housing receive free housing and
utilities, and were excluded from the computation of average
costs.
The average actual cost for rent and utilities for a
recipient living in an unshared housing arrangement is $206.
Three percent of the current General Assistance recipients
live in homes which they own or are buying. For the most
part, these homes are paid for, and the housing allowance is
used to pay taxes and insurance, and utilities.
16
GENERAL ASSISTANCE
HOUSING SURVEY
JULY, 1989
GA Cases, Housing: 2200 GA Persons, Housing: 2251
1. NUMBER OF PERSONS IN AN UNSHARED HOUSING ARRANGEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
A. Number who live in the following type of arrangement:
1. Single family dwelling. . . . .. ... . . . . . . . . . 123
2. Apartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
3 . Separate structure/no interdependence. . 7
4 . Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5 . Rooming House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6. Room rental/private dwelling. . . . . . . . . . . 6
7. Institution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8 . Room and Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
B. Average cost of unshared housing, including utilities. . . . . . .$206
2. NUMBER OF PERSONS IN A SHARED HOUSING ARRANGEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1883
A. Number who live in the following type of arrangement:
1 . Shared dwelling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1872
2 . Separate structure/interdependence. . . . . 11
B. Average cost of shared housing, including utilities. . . . . . . .$165
3 . NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO OWN OR ARE BUYING THEIR OWN HOME. . . . . . . . . .. . . 13
4. NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO RENT FROM:
A. Relative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 996
B. Friend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761
C. Housing Authority. . . . . . . . . . . . 75
D. Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
17
ATTACHMENT E
I
HOUSING AVAILABILITY
The survey of the General Assistance caseload conducted in
July, 1989 provides additional information regarding
resources and actual availability of housing for General
Assistance applicants/recipients.
The majority of recipients 44. 2% rent housing from
relatives, primarily parents, grand-parents, and siblings;
this is followed by33.8%who rent from friends. As noted in
Attachment D, Housing Acquisition, it has been the
experience of the Department that most GA
applicants/recipients are able to secure housing with
relatives or friends, once those relatives/friends are
assured that the applicant/recipient will receive a General
Assistance grant with which to pay his/her share of the
housing expenses.
Only18. 6.%rent from some other source including Hotels,
rooming houses, institutions, and apartments or houses, some
of which are subsidized by Section 8. A small percentage
3. 3% rent directly from the Housing Authority. However, this
does not include those who share housing with another person
who rents from the Housing Authority, nor does it include
Section 8 Subsidies. The Department has no specific data on
those GA recipients who may be living in Section 8
subsidized housing, either alone, or in a shared situation.
18
,
ATTACHMENT F
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COUNSELING SERVICES
This program will provide alcohol and drug abuse counseling
services for GA eligibles who are homeless. .
This program will cost approximately $60, 000 for staffing
and basic operations for six months in the West Region of
the county, and can serve up to 150 individuals at any point
in time. One full-time counselor and support staff will be
hired to provide the specialized services. The program will
use an existing physical plant.
This program was developed jointly by the Social Service
Department and the Health Services Department, Alcohol, Drug
Abuse and Mental Health Health Division, at the Board of
Supervisors ' request, to provide treatment services for
county residents who are homeless, receiving General
Assistance, and who are known or suspected of being alcohol
and/or drug dependent. Structured counseling services will
be provided to this particular population. Program
participation, when required, will be a condition to
eligibility for General Assistance benefits.
The focus of the six month program will be to assist the
alcohol and/or other drug dependent clients to better
understand chemical dependency and to achieve a clean and
sober lifestyle. Clients will be expected to attend two
group education/counseling meetings per week and one
"twelve-step" meeting per week for a period of six months.
Clients will be expected to participate actively and remain
clean and sober while in the program. Clients will be
requested to sign any necessary releases of information and
will be provided a more detailed description of program
rules and guidelines upon attending the initial intake
interview. .
In addition to the structured outpatient counseling program,
additional services are being directed by the Alcohol, Drug
Abuse and Mental Health Division towards improving outreach
services to the homeless at such sites as the Richmond
Armory and the Richmond Rescue Mission. These outreach
services will provide alcohol and drug prevention
information and attempt to link clients up with available
intervention and treatment services.
At the end of the six month pilot period in West county, an
evaluation of the program will be conducted to determine
what programmatic modifications should be made in order to
improve the program, and the consideration will be given to
expanding it to provide this service on a county-wide basis.
19
t
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COUNSELING SERVICES
I . General
A. The provider of services is AIRS (Alcohol
Intervention Recovery Services) , and outpatient
treatment program operating under the Contra Costa
County Health Services Department, Alcohol, Drug
Abuse and Mental Health Division.
B. AIRS offers a six month outpatient treatment for
chemical dependency.
C. The focus of the 26 week program is to assist
participants in making those significant lifestyle
changes that will contribute to a more productive
lifestyle as well as address many of the issues
related to the participant' s problem of chemical
dependency.
D. Participants enrolled in the AIRS General
Assistance program agree to comply with the
following program rules, conditions and client
requirements: to participate for a minimum period
of six months in an intensive program of education
counseling and treatment, and to abide by the
rules, conditions and requirements of the program.
Time in excess of six months will be due to the
time lag while pending assignment to the program,
counselor, holidays or emergencies that may arise.
E. An Intake appointment will be completed within ten
days of the date of referral from Social Service.
II . Program Requirements
A. The requirements of the AIRS-GA program are:
1. Total and continuous abstention from the
consumption of any alcoholic beverage or
mind-altering drug on the part of the
participant for the duration of the program.
2. Full participation for a minimum of six
months in a program of education,
counselling, and other treatment deemed
necessary by the AIRS staff.
B. If a participant fails to maintain total
abstinence, that participant will be referred to
20
f ` t
an appropriate alcoholism program for
detoxification, and/or other services deemed
appropriate. Such participants shall then be
required to participate in an antabuse monitoring
program upon completion of a medical examination.
Refusal to accept such referral shall be grounds
for program termination.
III . Program Description
A. The contents of the AIRS-GA program is designed to
work on the participant' s problem of alcohol or
drug abuse and other problems that contribute to
disruption in his/her life.
B. Participation in the program will require
attendance at a minimum of 78 meetings in the
course of the duration of the program. This
includes group session, individual services, and
"twelve-step meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous or
Narcotics Anonymous) .
C. Program participants will be required to attend a
1 1/2 hour group meeting each week. The purpose of
this meeting is to impart factual information
about alcohol and drug abuse. In addition,
participants will attend a second group meeting
each week to discuss problems related to alcohol
and drug abuse. Individual problems and general
areas of concern will be dealt with by the use of
group interaction.
D. All educational materials will be provided by the
program staff. Some of the subjects to be covered
will be causes of and treatment for chemical
dependency, effects of substance abuse on the
family unit, coping skills (how to deal with fear,
anxieties, anger, depression and becoming a part
of the mainstream, etc. )
E. Each participant will be required to attend
Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous once
per week, for a total of 26 meetings. These
organizations offer valuable assistance by
providing a social support system of a personal
nature. This support system can continue to be of
value to the participant even after s/he
terminates from the AIRS-GA program.
IV. Failure to Participate
A. Regularly scheduled sessions may be missed only on
the basis of emergencies, and participants will be
21
1
required to make up any such absence. The
participant will be allowed two weeks vacation, to
be scheduled in advance, during the six month
program. All scheduled activities within the two
week period will be considered excused absences,
providing the absences are scheduled in advance.
B. Excused absences will include approved vacations
and medical emergencies. All absences must be made
up in order to complete the program requirements.
C. Tardiness of more than five minutes will result in
participant being denied admission to that
particular event, and being rescheduled for a
make--up session. The participant will be charged
with an unexcused absence unless the absence
incurred is excused.
D. Every attempt will be made to identify and correct
problems to avoid participants being terminated
unsuccessfully.
1. A pre-termination conference will
be held prior to program termination to give
the participants an opportunity to defend
themselves against the issue of
non-compliance, and to show why they should
not be dismissed from the program.
E. The following documented reasons shall result in
termination from the program:
1. Failure to maintain total abstinence.
2. Failure to accept a mandatory referral.
3 . Failure to attend the "twelve-step" meetings.
4. Failure to test for substance abuse.
5. Behavior which is disruptive to program
functions.
6. Four unexcused absences.
22
1 �
ATTACHMENT G
GENERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT LEVELS
The following information is submitted to establish the
basis for General Assistance Program maximum allowances for
1989-90, based upon surveys conducted by the Department.
1. Housing (including rent and utilities)
A. Premises:
A reasonable maximum monthly allowance should be
provided for General Assistance housing costs, including
rent and utilities. This allowance should not exceed the
cost of housing actually available to General Assistance
recipients.
B. Derivation of a Reasonable Allowance:
For the Fiscal Year 1988-89, those allowances
were $170 for persons living in an unshared living
arrangement, and $136 for persons living in a shared living
arrangement. Based on the July, 1989 survey, the Department
recommends that the Board establish the following standards
for housing allowances for Fiscal Year 1989-90: For persons
residing in shared housing, the allowance would be $206; for
unshared housing, the rate would be $165. Additionally, we
believe a further rate of $330 should be established for
persons residing in shared housing involving two or more
persons receiving General Assistance. One-person budget
units represent about 97% of the GA caseload. Almost all of
the remaining 3% are two-person budget units, usually
consisting of a husband and wife. It is possible for there
to be budget units of three or more persons.
23
r
II. Food
A. Premises•
A reasonable monthly allowance which is sufficient
to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet, without regard to
the availability of the Food Stamp Program to increase food
purchasing power, should be provided to all General
Assistance recipients.
B. Derivation of a Reasonable Allowance:
The United States Department of Agriculture
prepares statistical data on the cost of several
nutritionally adequate diets. The least costly of these
diets is described as the "Thrifty Food Plan", and it is the
basis for the benefits established by the UDSA for the Food
Stamp program. Under the Food Stamp program a table of
graduated allowances provides for the actual monthly cost of
any given number of persons comprising a single household to
purchase an adequate and nutritionally sound diet. (See
Appendix 1. ) In order to avoid the unnecessary duplication
of effort that would be required in the development of a
minimum standard for a nutritionally adequate diet, the
Department has proceeded on the basis of the USDA Thrifty
Food Plan allowance, and recommends a monthly allowance for
food in accordance with the USDA published standards.
C. Proposed maximum food allowance
In view of the foregoing facts, the Department
hereby recommends that the Board establish the following
monthly allowances for food: for a one-person household,
$90; for a two-person household, $165; for a three-person
household, $236; for households of greater size, refer to
Appendix 1. In addition, the Department recommends that the
Board retain the Supplemental Food Allowance of $3 per
person, which is provided to enhance the purchasing power of
the food allowance for persons who have little or no storage
and/or refrigeration space, and must shop more frequently
and buy in smaller quantities.
24
III. Personal Needs
A. Premises•
A reasonable monthly allowance should be provided
to all General Assistance recipients to encourage acceptable
standards of appearance and hygiene.
B. Derivation of a Reasonable allowance for Personal
Needs:
In 1988 the allowance for personal and incidental
needs was established at $16. A June, 1989 survey of six
county stores establishes that no further increase is
necessary. The items and cost data included in that study
reasonably represent the cost of those items of personal
needs essential for an individual. Laundromat services are
included as a personal need item since the majority of
General Assistance recipients do not have access to private
laundry facilities. A summary of this data is set forth in
Appendix 2. The data from this study indicated that the
average monthly personal need of a recipient is $15.85
As this is a reasonable allowance, we have
established our recommended 1989-90 allowance at that
amount.
C.Proposed Personal Needs Allowance:
In view of the foregoing facts, the Department
recommends that the Board adopt a standard allowance of $16
per month for the miscellaneous personal needs of General
Assistance recipients.
25
e y
IV. Transportation:
A. Premises:
The General Assistance grant should include an
allowance for essential local transportation.
B. Derivation of a Reasonable Allowance for Local
Transportation:
Public bus transportation is available in the
County. A 1988 survey established the monthly cost of $8 as
necessary to meet the minimum need for essential local
transportation. A July, 1989 survey indicates no further
increase is necessary. The cost of a round trip by bus on
the local lines is $1.40. Six trips per month is adequate to
meet the minimum need for essential local transportation.
Accordingly, the Department recommends $8 as the monthly
allowance for essential local transportation. This figure
is arrived at by multiplying the cost of one local round
trip by bus times six trips.
As this is a reasonable allowance, we have
established our recommended 1989-90 allowance at $8.
C. Proposed Transportation Allowance:
In view of the foregoing facts, the Department
recommends that the Board establish $8 as the standard
monthly allowance for transportation.
26
V. Special Needs
In addition to the aforementioned basic needs provided for
all recipients, the County recognizes that some recipients
have needs which are not common to recipients in general,
and these are provided for as "special need" allowances.
Allowances for extraordinary needs not included in the basic
need allowance shall be determined by the Social Service
Director.
A. Housing Assistance:
The County recognizes that some recipients
may need assistance covering the initial costs of securing
permanent housing, including deposits.
B. Clothing
The County recognizes that some recipients
may not possess all of the items considered essential to a
minimum wardrobe, and also considers normal wear and tear of
these items.
C. Other Special Needs
The standards for administration of the General
Assistance Program should continue to authorize Special Need
allowances for special diets, special transportation,
certain employment and training expenses, haircuts,
eyeglasses, and other extraordinary needs.
27
VI. Medical
Indigent persons under 21 years of age are aided under
the Medi-Cal program. Indigent persons over 21 years of age
receive medical care through the State-mandated Basic Adult
Care Program provided by the Contra Costa Health Services
Department. All recipients of General Assistance are
eligible for either Medi-Cal of Basic Adult Care.
28
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF MAXIMUM GENERAL ASSISTANCE GRANT ALLOWANCES
The Social Service Department recommends that the maximum General
Assistance grant be:
$323 per month for one person living in an unshared housing
arrangement ( 1) ,
and
$282 per month for one person living in a shared housing arrangement
( 2) •
BASIC ALLOWANCES
Supple-
GA mental Pers.
Budget Unit Housing Food Food needs Trans. Total
1 person/
unshared $206 $90 $3 $15 $9 $323
1 person/ ------_
shared $165 $90 $3 $15 $9 $282
2 persons/
mutually
responsible $330 $165 $6 $30 $18 $549
( 1) Present maximum is $284
( 2) Present maximum is $250
29
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Appendix 1
Thrifty Food Plan Allowances as of November 1, 1988
Household Size Allowance
1 $ 90
2 $165
3 $236
4 $300
5 $356
6 $427
7 $472
8 $540
9 $608
10 $676
30
Y
Appendix 2
ANNUAL COST OF PERSONAL NEED ITEMS AT SIX STORES, JUNE, 1989
Stores surveyed: Food 4 Less, Antioch
Shop & Save, West Pittsburg
Longs, San Pablo
Food Bowl, San Pablo
Lucky, Richmond
Payless, Martinez
NEED ITEMS ANNUAL QUANTITY AVERAGE ANNUAL COST
Toilet soap 18 bars ( 3 . 5oz) $11. 26
Tooth brush 2 2.49
Tooth paste 7 tubes ( 4. 6oz) 11. 17
Comb & brush 1 each 2.74
Sham o0 4 bottles ( 16oz) 7 . 37
Deodorant 4 bottles (2. 5oz) 10.80
Dishwashing soap 3 bottles ( 22oz) 3. 38
Laundry soap 5 boxes ( 42 oz) 10. 66
Razor Blades 3 pkgs ( 10) 7. 55
Toilet paper 12 pkgs (4 roll) 12. 88
Cosmetics 1 lipstick, 1 mascara 4. 51
Sanitary pads 6 boxes ( 30 ct) 18. 40
Aspirin 1 bottle ( 200 ct) 5. 68
Antacid 1 bottle (7o ct) 2. 24
Band-aids 1 box ( 70 ct) 2.78
First Aid cream 1 tube ( . 5 oz) 1.99
Cough syrup 1 bottle ( 4 oz ) 2. 82
Laundromat 52 loads 71 . 50
ANNUAL TOTAL $190. 22
MONTHLY AVERAGE $15. 85
31
f
Appendix 3
Transportation Allowance
Cost per round trip:
A.C. Transit: $1.70 round trip
Service available in west county.
County Connection: $1.20 round trip
Service available in central and east county.
Average cost per round trip:
$1.45
Number of trips per month deemed adequate to meet the minimum need
for essential transportation :
6 trips. (One trip every 5 days. )
Proposed monthly allowance:
$9. ($8.70)
32
SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
DATE: September 11, 1989
MEMO TO: Members of the Board of Supervisors
FROM: James A. Rydingsword, Director
SUBJECT: General Assistance Program Supplemental Report:
CHART Questions, Corrections, and Recommended Changes
-----------------------------------------------------------------
At the September 6, 1989, meeting of CHART, questions were raised
concerning some of the proposed changes to the County General
Assistance program. This responds to several of those questions,
and makes two recommended changes and corrections to the August
31, 1989, submission to the Board.
A) Recommended Changes:
. 1) Change the General Assistance Resolution to authorize
vouchers in place of cash grants at the discretion of
the Social Service Director.
2) Change the General Assistance Resolution to reduce the
personal needs allowance by $1.00 and to increase the
transportation allowance by $1. 00.
B) Responses to CHART:
1) "What is the housing voucher procedure when a client
comes in to a Department office in the .middle of the
month?" General Assistance benefits for the month of
application are prorated from the date of the
application, using a reciprocal table. The housing
voucher will be issued in the prorated amount of the
housing allowance.
Example: The date of application is November 10.
The prorated grant is $226. 10.
The individual prorated need allowance is
$144.20 (the amount of the housing voucher) .
-1-
Gen 9c (New 3/86).
Memo to: Board of Supervisors September 11, 1989
Subject: GA Supplemental Report: CHART
Questions, Corrections, and Recommended Changes
21 "What are 'food vouchers'?" While housing vouchers will
be redeemable by any person who has provided verified
shelter to the recipient, food vouchers are payable to
a specific grocery store. These vouchers are issued to
the client, payable to the grocery of their choice,
after confirming that the specific store will, in fact,
accept them. It is our experience that most grocery
stores in the County will accept our vouchers. The
issuance of food vouchers does not affect the client's
eligibility for Food Stamps. The Board of Supervisors' .
Resolution on the "Standards for the Administration of
the, General Assistance Program" should be amended to
expressly provide the Department with authority to
substitute vouchers for any cash grants.
3) "Why are the personal need allowances for laundry and
transportation low?" These personal need allowances
are not low. I am not aware of any other county
providing a laundry allowance. The basic transporta-
tion allowance covers six round trips a month on public
transportation, and a special need allowance. is also
available for transportation to, among other things,
medical' appointments, treatment programs, and workfare
assignments. Upon review, the Department has concluded
that the laundromat element of the personal needs
allowance is unnecessarily high and that an increase in
the transportation allowance is desirable; accordingly,
the Department is modifying its recommendation to
reduce the personal needs allowance by $1. 00 and to
increase the transportation allowance by $1.00.
4) "How are clients expected to get to: and from the
meetings required by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Counseling Service?" The General Assistance Program
provides a special need allowance for transportation to
medical appointments or treatment programs. A client
who is assigned to participate in this treatment
program, and who has a need for transportation in order
to participate, will be provided this special need as
long as she/he continues to participate.
5) "Isn't the 'East County Homeless Services' system based
on the extensive use of Emergency Assistance? How will
the elimination of Emergency Assistance impact that
system?" The "East County system" is a case management
program providing counseling and information and
referral services. The Antioch office, which .is
currently providing this service, has not used an
-2-
r
Memo to: Board of Supervisors September 11, 1989
Subject: GA Supplemental Report: CHART
Questions, Corrections, and Recommended Changes
extensive amount of Emergency Assistance. Clients are
assisted to utilize their own resources, and to
identify other available resources, e.g. , General
Assistance Housing Assistance special need, AFDC
Homeless Assistance, SSI Special Circumstances, and
private resources.
6) "Are clients disadvantaged by the identification require-
ments prior to the issuance of benefits?" The County
has always required verification of identification prior
to the granting of General Assistance, and will continue
to require this verification under the Immediate Need
and Shelter programs. It has been our experience that
this is not a large problem for applicants. The
identification verification requirement is reasonable.
Moreover, the Department's intake staff offers
assistance to applicants having difficulty providing
verification, including necessary fees.
7) "What shelter programs will be in effect between November
1, 1989, and December 1, 1989?" The County will
continue to make referrals to shelter facilities such as
the Volunteers of America, Inc. , shelter in Richmond
(which will remain- open through the month of November) ,
and the Richmond Rescue Mission.
C) Corrections•
1) Correct Attachment E to the Report on General Assistance
Standards (page 18) to show: 44.2% rent from relatives,
33.8% rent from friends, 3.3% rent from Housing
Authority, and 18. 6% rent from others.
JAR:KTK:sjb
-3-
t 1
t
H O M E L E S S MANAGEMENT TE AM
S T U D Y
ON SHELTER
F O R
GENERAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLES
STUDY ON SHELTER FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLES
Under Welfare and Institutions Code 17000, the County is required
to provide support and care for those persons eligible to the
County General Assistance Program. Part of that program can be
temporary shelter to assist such eligibles in moving towards
self-sufficiency. The program described in this report is
designed to move General Assistance and immediate-need eligibles
toward self- sufficiency and requires active participation on the
part of the General Assistance eligible in that process.
We recommend that the County operate the Richmond Armory as its
primary General Assistance eligible shelter from December 1,
1989, through March 31, 1990. We estimate a potential daily
population of 125 persons who are eligible to this program. The
maximum estimated costs of a four-month shelter program in the
Richmond Armory is $181,500 (125 persons per night x 121 nights x
$12.00 per night) . The recommended funding sources for this
program will be the General Assistance program.
We recommend that the County designate the Pittsburg Armory as an
alternative site for a General Assistance eligible shelter from
December 1, 1989, through March 31, 1990. This site can be used
if the Richmond Armory exceeds capacity and on days when the
Richmond Armory is not available due to other obligations by the
National Guard.
The Richmond Armory site is recommended as the primary site
because daytime directed activity programs can be operated in
connection with the Volunteer of America's Souper Center in
Richmond. The Pittsburg Armory is recommended as an alternative
site because of the potential availability of daytime directed
activity in conjunction with sites at Loaves and Fishes and St.
Vincent dePaul in Pittsburg.
We recommend that the Board
}'n 7 e:.,.�. i e..au -'-e,xal-is %J N/le _e1 i gi_b_Lw �L.w1 w...c. —i n rn
7
-�, * ^ � ^ a.. direct County staff to report back yew
_ on the feasibility of ieot
opening a site on April 1, 1990.
hied andBrookside, Richmond
♦ 6 ookside Dr. , Richmond
♦ Work ugh site, 847 Brookside Drive, Richmond
(ava a 9/l/90)
♦ Junkyard site, Lo Parr Blvd. & Garden Tract, Richmond
♦ 1321 Shell Avenue, a nez (Church)
♦ Blum and Imhoff, Martinez
♦ Corporation Yard, 1801 Shell A u6, Martinez
-1-
Study on Shelter for GA Eligibles (Continued)
The estimated costs for development . of any single site is a
maximum of $500,000.. Funding sources for such site development
will need to be identified. Potential funding sources are as
follows:
♦ Emergency Shelter Program Grant - $85,000
♦ Housing Bond Trust Fund - $50,000
♦ Contribution from Development Community - $50,000
Other sources that need to be explored are further allocations of
McKinney Act Funds and Proposition 84 funds, and Community
Development Block Grant. We recommend that the County
immediately designate the three potential funding sources to the
development for long-term General Assistance shelters in Contra
Costa County and direct County staff to identify these and other
funding sources in a report by December 1, 1989.
We recommend that the .Board adopt the. attached rules and
regulations for operation of General Assistance eligible shelter
programs at the Armories, with similar rules and regulations for
the operation of General Assistance eligible shelters in the
future in Contra Costa County.
Finally, we recommend that this report be adopted and referred to
the County Administrator for further recommendations.
JAR:sjb
-2-
I
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE
ARMORY SHELTER PROGRAM
1989-90
FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLES
The 1989-90 Armory Shelter Program is designed to provide housing
for homeless County General Assistance and Immediate Need
eligibles who meet program requirements, at the National Guard
armories in Richmond, and alternatively in Pittsburg. The program
will provide night shelter, 3 meals, a daytime program, and
supportive services designed to assist the General Assistance and
Immediate Need eligible in becoming employed, self-sufficient, or
in receiving needed treatment. A screening process will require
identification, need, and compliance with minimum program
standard, and shelter entitlement will be for specific terms. An
RFP will be prepared directed to private non-profit agencies to
provide shelter management and operation at the armories.
It is recommended that Contra Costa County undertake to house
homeless single adults in National Guard Armories during the
Winter of 1989-1990, within the following program parameters:
ARMORY SHELTER BASIC OPERATIONS
1. Open Armories 12/1/89: Richmond
Pittsburg (as needed)
2. Negotiate with California National Guard for:
a. Assured continuous use from 12/1/89 to
3/31/90.
b. Favorable terms for "Drill Nights" .
C. Storage of shelter equipment inside
Armory buildings.
3. Negotiate contracts with private, non-profit agencies
to administer the 1989-1990 Armory Shelter Program for
General Assistance and Immediate Need eligibles.
a. One contract per Armory shelter.
b. Proposed funding source for this program:
Social Service Department funds will
provide $12/day/person and public
C
transportation costs for homeless
General Assistance and Immediate Need
Eligibles (Welfare and Institutions
Code Sect. 17000) .
4. Both Volunteers of America (VOA) and SHELTER, Inc have
expressed interest in running the 1989-1990 Armory
Shelter Program.
5. Armory Shelter contractors will:
a. Operate the dormitory program at the
Armory at night.
b. Provide daytime support services at
an off-site location.
C. Provide three ( 3 ) meals per day. Dinner
and breakfast at the Armory and lunch
at the off-site service center. In the event
that residents cannot be present for lunch
(i.e. have Work Program assignments or
appointments) , bag lunches will be provided.
d. Provide bed, blankets, linens, toiletries
for each resident.
e. Provide storage for property at the owner' s
risk.
6. Supportive Services, including the following:
a. . Intake and Assessment
b. Case Management
C. Housing search assistance
d. Referrals to drug, alcohol treatment
programs as appropriate
e. Referrals to employment services
f. Information & Referrals. to other
services, medical, and financial resources
g. Coordination with other agencies
offering services to the Homeless
h. Grievance conciliation and Discharge
Planning.
-2-
SCREENING PROCESS:
General Assistance (GA) and Immediate Need Eligibles will
primarily arrive prescreened by Social Service staff and in
possession of a written referral from Social Service.
Residents will have to identify themselves, and will be required
to participate in housekeeping chores and intake procedures. In
addition, residents will be required to negotiate a case plan and
follow through with personal efforts aimed at ending, homelessness
and achieving a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Persons who choose not to meet the conditions of continued
residence at the shelter will not be authorized extended shelter,
will be given notice to vacate, and will be offered discharge
planning services.
A three-stage program is planned:
1. Intake (up to 5 days)
Adults without children will be accepted at the shelter
initially with or without ID, but they must:
Within 2 days:
Provide acceptable ID documents.
Within 3 days:
a. Have a Life History interview and
assessment by the Case Manager in
the Daytime Program.
b. Receive and participate in chore
assignments
Within 5 days:
a. Be screened by Social Service for
eligibility to General Assistance.
b. Negotiate and commit to a
services contract.
2. Services Contract
GA and Immediate Need Eligibles must agree to develop
and follow a case plan as a condition for continued
residence. The case plan will be individualized and
will have as its objective obtaining housing, and
restoring the person to self-sufficiency, either
through employment or through qualifying for disability
programs. In implementing this case plan, shelter
staff will offer support services similar to those
available in rehabilitative shelters such as VOA' s
-3-
Lifeline Shelter Program in Richmond. Failure to
follow the case plan will result in termination from
the shelter on 3 days notice for failure to comply.
Persons being terminated for failure to comply will be
offered discharge planning services by the Case
Manager.
The Shelter Case Manager will work with Social Service
staff toward ensuring that employable GA recipients
meet their Work Program obligations.
3. Failure to Cooperate
Persons who do not cooperate with the conditions for
continued residence will be authorized to stay for the
balance of their program stage or a period not to
exceed 3 days, whichever is less. The Case Manager
will offer to assist them in discharge planning,
including arranging transportation.
SECURITY
The Armory building will be supervised by both a Shelter Security
person and a National Guardsman. The off-site daytime service
center will maintain staff adequate to supervise the facility,
its staff and clients.
During the registration process, on the first night of
admittance, the enrollee will be presented with a written list of
rules and expectations of the shelter. These rules will be
explained and discussed by shelter staff and the client will sign
acknowledging his/her understanding and acceptance of these
rules. Rules will cover not only conduct within the shelter, but
within the neighborhood as well. Residents of the shelter who
panhandle, steal, or commit other misconduct will be subject to
immediate expulsion or termination upon 3 days notice, depending
upon severity of the misconduct.
Shelter residents may enter the Armory Shelter only between the
hours of 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Once admitted to the Armory, a
resident may not leave and then come back in again, unless
specifically authorized to do so by shelter staff (e.g. , for job
schedule or medical treatment) . Residents must vacate the Armory
by 7: 30 a.m. each morning. During the daytime, residents will be
assigned to report to the Service Center or to pursue their case
assignments. It is anticipated that since lunch will be served
at the Service Center, residents will tend to gather there rather
than loiter throughout the neighborhood.
Persons who, in the opinion of shelter staff, are inebriated or
under the influence of drugs to the point of being disruptive or
being a danger to themselves or others will be subject to
immediate termination. The Shelter Supervisor will take
-4-
appropriate action: Call police, transport the person to
Detoxification Centers, etc.
In instances where residents attack staff, each other, carry
weapons, commit theft or other crimes on the premises, etc. , the
police will be called and residency will be terminated
immediately, without right of readmission.
RE-ADMISSION TO ARMORIES
Fifteen (15) days after termination, persons will be eligible for
re-admission provided that they have acceptable identification,
are not excepted from re-admission (e.g. those previously
expelled for violent behavior are excepted from re-admission) and
have established eligibility to the General Assistance Program. -
APPEALS UPON TERMINATION ARMORIES
Termination upon expiration of a program stage is not subject to
appeal.
Termination upon 3 days notice may be appealed within. 2 days to
the Shelter Supervisor who will offer to meet with the person
affected prior to termination.
Immediate termination is immediately effective, but may be
appealed within 3 days to the Shelter Supervisor who will offer
to meet with the person affected within 2 days of the appeal and
may grant reinstatement.
END OF ARMORY PROGRAM
The Armory Shelter Program will close March 31, 1990. Notice of
closing will be given to all persons residing in the Shelter on
March 1, 1990.
STAFF TRAINING--ARMORIES
The Shelter staff, both paid employees and volunteers, will
undergo a program of orientation and training before assuming
duties at the Shelter. Selection of staff and the content of
staff training must be approved by the County.
NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVEMENT
At least sixty (60) days. before opening the Armory Shelters,
representatives from the County will meet with neighborhood
groups, representatives from Cities, local law enforcement, and
other interested groups to explain plans and receive input.
After the shelters open, monthly meetings will be scheduled to
discuss neighborhood concerns and to resolve problems of ongoing
operations.
armshel.cu
disk #1, cu t
-5-
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on September 12 , 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: :. Suoervisars Powers, Fanden, Schroder, McPeak and Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Standards for Administration of the
General Assistance Program
RESOLUTION NO. 89/598
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors RESOLVES that:
In accordance with California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 17000
et seq. , Resolution No. 79/88 and Resolution No. 79/446 and subsequent
amendments thereto, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby
amends Resolution 88/576 to substitute the following provisions, ADOPTS the
Report and recommendations of the County Welfare Director as its findings
and ADOPTS the following standards of aid and care for the indigent and
dependent poor of the County (General Assistance) , effective November 1 ,
1989. These standards govern the General Assistance Program of Contra Costa
County.
I. Persons Eligible for General Assistance Y
An applicant for or recipient of General Assistance must meet all of
the following criteria:
A. Must be at least 18 years of age or legally married or
disqualified for categorical assistance.
B. Must be a legal resident with an address in Contra Costa County
which can be given to the Social Service Department as the
applicant' s place of residence. Other conclusive evidence of
residency, as determined by the Department of Social Service, may
be substituted for the address requirement if the applicant or
recipient does not have an address.
C. Must be without sufficient income or resources to meet basic
needs, based upon the following basic need allowance:
GA Budget Unit
1 person, independent living arrangement
Supplemental Personal Maximum
Housing Food Food Allowance Needs Transportation Grant
$206. $ 90. $3 . $15 . $ 9. $ 323 .
1 person, sharing housing
$165. $ 90. $3 . $15. $ 9. $ 282.
2 persons, mutually responsible
$330. $165. $6. $30. $18. $549.
RESOLUTION NO. 89/ 598
Page 2
1. For budget units of 3 or more applicants or recipients:
a. Basic need allowances for food shall be calculated as
follows:
Budget Food Supplemental Food
Unit Size Allowance Allowance
3 $236. $9
4 $300. $12
5 $356 . $15
6 $427 . $18
7 $472. $21
8 $540. $24
9 $608. $27
10 $676. $30
b. Personal need and transportation allowances shall
be the amount provided for 1 person times the number of
persons in the budget unit.
D. Must not be in receipt of, or eligible to, categorical cash
assistance in the same month. Where an individual fails to take
all reasonable steps to establish or maintain his or her
eligibility for categorical aid, or refuses to cooperate with GA
program requirements, he or she renders himself or herself
ineligible for General Assistance.
E. Must meet the General Assistance eligibility standards outlined
below.
II . Eligibility Determination
A. Employability
1. An applicant or recipient who does not have a medically
verified physical or mental disability, or who has not been
determined to be vocationally unemployable by the Vocational
Services Division, shall be determined to be employable.
2. An applicant or recipient who is determined to be employable
is subject to the following additional conditions of
eligibility:
a. Must be available for and actively seeking employment.
b. Must not have failed to continue in employment without
good cause within 60 days of application.
c. Must actively participate in the General Assistance Work
Programs of the Social Service Department.
d. Must actively participate in any manpower program to
which the applicant or recipient is referred.
e. Must accept any reasonable job offer.
f. To be eligible for General Assistance, an employable
applicant or recipient must agree to participate in the
Workfare Program. Failure to participate or cooperate
without good and sufficient reason will subject the
applicant or recipient to denial or discontinuance of
cash aid and imposition of a period of ineligibility as
set forth in Part V.
RESOLUTION NO. 89/ 598
Page 3
3 . An applicant or recipient who is determined to be unemploy-
able (this is, mentally or physically disabled, as verified
by a physician) , or determined to be vocationally unemploy-
able, is subject to the following additional conditions of
eligibility:
a. Must cooperate in obtaining medical verification and
confirmation of unemployability as directed by the
Social Service Department.
b. Must, if aged, blind, or disabled, apply for that
assistance program provided for under Title XVI of the
Social Security Act as implemented by Welfare and
Institutions Code 12000 et seq, known as Supplemental
Security Income/State Supplemental Program (hereafter
SSI/SSP) and follow through with appeal processes
through the Social Security Administration. In
addition, such applicants must sign an agreement
(SSP-14) authorizing the Social Security Administration
to make the initial SSI/SSP payment to the County and
authorizing the County to deduct from such payment the
amount of General Assistance paid to the recipient while
SSI/SSP was pending.
c. Must cooperate in the determination of eligibility for
benefits from any State, Federal or other source.
d. Must cooperate in obtaining medical or psychiatric
examinations and medical or psychiatric care or
treatment to correct or alleviate medical or psychiatric
conditions which cause unemployability.
e. Must actively participate in any training, re-training,
educational or rehabilitation program as required by the
Social Service Department.
B. Property
1. Real Property
a. Home: The applicant' s or recipient' s own home in which
he or she is living is excluded in determining
eligibility.
b. Real Property other than the home renders the applicant
or recipient ineligible for General Assistance.
2. Personal Property
In so far as it is possible, an applicant for or recipient
of General Assistance shall be required to apply his or her
own personal property to his or her support; subject to the
provisions set forth below:
a. Liquid Assets: Liquid assets are defined as cash, bank
accounts, credit union shares, securities, stock or
bonds, cash surrender value of insurance policies or
other negotiable instruments readily convertible to
cash. Liquid assets which are immediately available
must be applied towards the applicant' s or recipient' s
support. In determining need and eligibility, such
assets shall be budgeted as though they were income.
Other liquid assets are subject to the rule governing
available property.
b. Motor Vehicle: One motor vehicle is excluded in deter-
mining eligibility if its value as determined by the
Social Service Department does not exceed $1,500. In
RESOLUTION NO. 89/598
Page 4
determining this value, the Social Service Department
shall not reduce the value by any amounts owing on the
vehicle.
c. Personal effects: tools of the trade, an interment
space, crypt or niche, and the first $500 for a burial
or funeral trust for each budget member is excluded in
determining eligibility.
d. All other personal property: the value of other
personal property may not exceed $500 in order for the
GA applicant or recipient to be eligible.
3 . Available Property
Where the applicant or recipient owns and possesses liquid
assets that are not immediately available or other property
in excess of the standards set forth above, and is unable to
utilize such property for his or her immediate support, he
or she may be aided for a period of one month upon the
Social Service Director' s authorization, to provide him or
her with an opportunity to convert the property for use
toward his or her support.
4. Transfer of Property
a. When property is transferred by an applicant or
recipient, within 12 months preceding the date of
application, whether by conversion to other property,
conversion to cash, or expenditure of liquid assets, the
purpose and intent of the transferor must be evaluated.
The burden of proof that the transfer was not made to
qualify for aid, or for a greater amount of aid, or to
avoid utilization, is on the applicant or recipient.
b. Transfers of property made to qualify for aid or for a
greater amount of aid, or to avoid utilization, result
in ineligibility.
C. The applicant or recipient who has transferred property
which results in ineligibility remains ineligible for
the period not to exceed twelve months during which the
proceeds would have supported him at the rate of $325
per month for one person, plus $150 per month for each
additional person.
C. Income
All currently available net income (which shall include
liquid assets) as determined by the Social Service
Department shall be deducted from the maximum basic need
allowance to determine the amount of the grant which may be
authorized.
D. GA Budget Unit
1. The GA budget unit consists of the GA applicant or
recipient and those household members who are legally or
financially responsible for him or her. Other .household
members who are legally or financially dependent on any
member of that group will also be included except that
minor children who are receiving OASDI survivors
benefits are excluded.
2. The GA budget unit must meet the property and income
limits as a group in order for anyone to be eligible for
GA.
3 . If responsible persons receive categorical cash
assistance, they are not included in the budget unit,
and their property and income is excluded in determining
eligibility of the GA applicant or recipient.
RESOLUTION NO. 89/598
Page 5
III . Additional Conditions of Eligibility
A. Review of Eligibility
1. A review of eligibility factors will be made at intervals as
determined by the Social Service Department but at least
once every 12 months.
2. Monthly determinations will be made by review of the Monthly
Eligibility and Income Report required from all GA
recipients. Failure to submit the required report shall
result in the discontinuance of aid.
B. Exploration of Resource Potential
GA applicants or recipients must take all actions necessary to
obtain any available resources.
C. Responsibility for Support
1. A determination of support from all sources shall be made at
the time GA is granted.
2. Responsible persons include the spouse and parents of minor
children who have a legal responsibility to support, as well
as any other persons who have assumed responsibility for the
support of the applicant or recipient.
3 . An applicant or recipient is not eligible unless such person
has made reasonable efforts to obtain support from all
sources including legally responsible relatives.
4. As a condition of eligibility for General Assistance, an
applicant or recipient must provide available information as
to the identity and whereabouts of persons who may or may
not assume responsibility for his or her support as well as
information as to the source and amount of support provided
from any source during the past 12 months.
5. An applicant or recipient who lives with a responsible
person(s) is not eligible unless the entire budget unit
meets the property limits and need standard of General
Assistance.
D. Verification
1. An applicant or recipient must provide all information
required for the determination and verification of eligi-
bility and compliance with these standards and the Social
Service Department Manual of Policies and Procedures,
including, but not limited to, name, address, and person
identification.
2. An applicant or recipient is required to consent to the
Social Service Department' s investigations and inquiries
reasonably necessary to verify eligibility at any time.
3 . An applicant or recipient must consent to reasonable inspec-
tion, review, monitoring and audit of his or her household
and records by authorized representatives of the Social
Service Department.
E. Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Applicants or recipients must accept referral to County Health
Services Alcohol Information and Rehabilitation Services (AIRS)
or to the Drug Abuse Program, and actively and cooperatively
participate in any treatment program recommended by Health
Services for such persons.
RESOLUTION NO. 89/ 598
Page 6
IV. General Assistance Payments
A. Basic needs are budgeted as specified in the Social Service
Department Manual of Policies and Procedures for food, personal
needs, clothing, transportation, and housing, the total of which
shall not exceed the GA maximum basic need allowances stated in
Section I . C above.
B. The amount of basic need assistance allowed is determined by
adding need items and subtracting net income as determined by the
Social Service Department.
C. In addition to ,basic need assistance (for persons determined
eligible for a GA grant under IV.B above) , an allowance for
special needs may be provided for housing assistance, required
special diets, transportation to seek work or to participate in
required treatment programs, restaurant meals, employment or
training expenses, or other extraordinary needs not
included in the basic need allowances in such amounts as may be
approved in writing by the Social Service Director or his
designees.
D. Overpayments of aid are subject to liquidation in accordance with
the Social Service Department Manual of Policies and Procedures.
E. The Social Service Department may substitute vouchers for any
cash grant or allowance provided hereunder at the disrcretion of
the Social Service Director.
V. Sanctions for Failure to Cooperate or Comply
Initial and continued eligibility is conditioned upon the applicant ' s
and recipient' s full cooperation with the Social Service Department
and upon compliance with all applicable policies and regulations
governing the GA program. Applicant and recipient responsibilities
embodied in this resolution include, but are not limited to, those set
forth on forms GA 201A and GA 34, which are provided to and shall be
executed by all applicants prior to the granting or restoration of
aid. Where work-related failures or failures to cooperate with
Quality Control are made by applicants or recipients, sanctions may be
imposed as follows:
A. Once forms GA 201A and GA 34 are executed, an applicant who demon-
strates his or his unwillingness to cooperate or to comply with
program requirements by failing to meet any one of his or her
responsibilities without good cause shall be denied aid and a
thirty day period of ineligibility shall be imposed.
B. Once aid is granted, a recipient who demonstrates hLs or her
unwillingness to cooperate with the Social Service Department or
to comply with program requirements by failing to meet any one of
his or her enumerated responsibilities without good cause, shall
be discontinued and a one month period of ineligibility
imposed.
C. When an applicant for aid is denied, a new application shall be
required to establish eligibility; when a recipient is
discontinued, a new application shall be required to establish
eligibility.
RESOLUTION NO. 89/598
Page 7
D. Notice and Appeal Procedure re: Sanctions
1. aBefore denying aid or establishing ineligibility pursuant to
part V.A, the applicant shall be advised of the reason for
denial of aid or ineligibility.
2. Before discontinuing aid or establishing ineligibility
pursuant to parts V.B, or V.C, the recipient shall be
advised of the reason for discontinuing aid or establishing
ineligibility and given an opportunity to respond personally
or in writing to the Department regarding the proposed
action. Any timely response shall be considered before
action is taken.
3 . Any person denied aid, discontinued from aid, or for whom
ineligibility for aid is established may request a hearing
and determination from the Department, and appeal the
Department' s determination to the Board of Supervisors.
VI.. Interim General Assistance Reimbursement Program
A. County' s Program
In accordance with P.L. 94-365 and 42 U.S.C. 1383 (8) , and with
the "Agreement for Reimbursement to State for Interim Assistance
Payments Pursuant to Section 1631(8) of the Social Security Act"
between the U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and
the State of California, as executed on February 11, 1975, which
provides for reimbursement to the State, or certain counties
thereof, for "interim assistance" paid to eligible applicants
for SSI/SSP benefits while such application is pending; and
pursuant to the "Contract for the Interim Assistance Program"
between the State of California Department of Social Services and
the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which permits the
County to participate in the State' s "Interim Assistance
Program" , the County hereby adopts and establishes a Contra Costa
County Interim General Assistance Reimbursement Program.
B. Interim General Assistance
Under the County' s Program, General Assistance paid to those
persons who are subject to paragraph II .A,3 ,b herein, shall be
considered "Interim General Assistance" where it is paid during
the period beginning with the filing of an application for
Federally paid SSI/SSP benefits for which said person is
ultimately determined eligible, and ending with the first regular
SSI/SSP payment made thereunder.
C. Program Operation
Subject to the recipient' s right to State hearing, Interim
General Assistance shall be repaid to the County from the
recipient' s Federally paid SSI/SSP benefits.
VII . Additional Provisions
A. Return to Residence
Persons who are not residents of Contra Costa County, but other-
wise would be eligible for General Assistance on the basis of
property and income, may be provided County funds by the Social
Service Department in order to return such persons to their place
of residence. In order to discourage a transient life-style
which is a drain on county taxpayers, persons who return to this
County after being transported out of County are ineligible to
further County funds for 60 days from date of departure. If the
place of residence has a source of support which is still
available, such persons are not eligible to any further General
Assistance.
RESOLUTION NO. 89/598
c
Page 8
B. Immediate Need and Shelter
1. Immediate Need Program for General Assistance Applicants:
a. Persons who apply for General Assistance benefits and
who clearly establish their identification and probable
eligibility will be granted benefits upon the
determination of their qualification for immediate need
(if possible, upon the day of their application) and
prior to a determination as to their eligibility.
b. Immediate need benefits shall be pro-rated for the
calendar month in which application is made and shall be
continued beyond such calendar month upon
re-applicaiton, for a total period not to exceed one
month within one year.
C. Immediate need benefits shall be credited against
General Assistance entitlements upon a determination of
eligibility.
d. Immediate need benefits shall terminate upon a
determination of ineligibility, or upon failure to
cooperate in determining eligibility. In the event of
termination, an applicant may not reapply for Immediate
Need benefits for one month.
2. Shelter benefits for homeless Immediate Need and General
Assistance eligibles:
a. An eligible applicant for shelter benefits must clearly
establish that the applicant is unable to obtain shelter
through the applicant' s own efforts.
b. The provision of shelter benefits, including alternative
housing vouchers, is contingent upon:
i. The eligible' s continuing eligibility for Immediate
Need or General Assistance.
ii. The eligible' s acceptance of shelter or housing
facilities assigned by the Social Service
Department or its designee.
iii. The eligible' s obedience to the reasonable rules
and regulations of the shelter program to which the
applicant is assigned.
1v. The eligible' s abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
V. The eligible' s participation in directed activity '
assignments, including but hot limited to work,
alcohol, and drug programs.
C. The Social Service Department or its designee will
assign shelter eligibles first to County-sponsored
shelters, and second, to private shelters, as determined
by the Department, at a cost not to exceed $12. per
night.
BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 89/ 598
page 9
d. If assigned shelter facilities are not available, the
Social Service Department shall provide to the shelter
eligible once in a month a voucher for an amount equal
to the maximum appropriate General Assistance housing
entitlement, upon which the County will reimburse in the
amount of the voucher any person who has provided
verified shelter to the shelter eligible for at least
one month prior to the expiration date of the voucher.
Such vouchers must be presented for payment within seven
days from the expiration date.
3. Actions denying immediate need or shelter benefits or
terminating immediate need or shelter benefits shall be
expressed in writing, stating the reason(s) for the action,
and are effective immediately subject to appeal without aid
paid pending as provided in Part IX. Pending appeal, the
applicant or eligible may request in writing an
administrative review. Such review shall be conducted within
three working days after the request is received, by the
Social Service Director' s designated Reviewer. The appellant
shall have an opportunity to meet with the Reviewer and to
offer evidence and argument. The Reviewer shall affirm,
reject, or modify the action, which decision shall be final,
pending appeal.
VIII. Social Service Department Manual
A. Subject to the provisions contained herein, the General Assist-
ance standards and policies of the Contra Costa County Board of
Supervisors are expressed in the Social Service Department Manual
of Policies and Procedures.
B. The County Welfare Director is empowered to adopt procedures and
policies for the operation of the General Assistance program
which are consistent with and within the scope of this
resolution, and to publish same in the Social Service Department
Manual of Policies and Procedures.
IX. Hearings
Applicants and recipients are entitled to notice, hearings and appeals
as provided in the Social Service Department Manual, this Resolution,
and Resolutions Nos. 74/365 and 75/28.
X. Administrative Review Panel
A. The Department of Social Service shall establish an Administrative
Review Panel which shall review and make recommendations to the
Director of Social Service regarding evidentiary hearing
decisions which are appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
B. Any interested person may file a written challenge with the
Director of the Social Service Department objecting in whole or
in part to regulations of the Department, or of the Board of
Supervisors governing the General Assistance Program. The
Administrative Review Panel shall review any such challenge. It
shall make a recommendation to the Director of the Social Service
Department concerning such a challenge within six weeks from the
date of its receipt. The Director' s determination may be
appealed to the Board of Supervisors by written notice of appeal,
stating the facts and authorities on which it is based, delivered
to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, within two weeks from
the date the Director' s determination is mailed to appellant.
RESOLUTION NO. 89/598
Page 10
XI . Reimbursement
A. As a condition precedent to the receipt of Immediate Need or
General Assistance benefits, eligible persons must execute a
repayment agreement and lien upon their property as provided in
Welfare and Institutions Code Section 17109, and repay such
benefits.
I-hereby certify that this is a true and Correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors n the date shown.
ATTESTED: /9 9
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By .Deputy
cc : Social Services
County Counsel
County Administrator
Auditor
Health Services
RESOLUTION NO. 89/598