HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 07252022 - FHS Cte Agenda Pkt
FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE
July 25, 2022
9:00 A.M.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, in lieu of a public gathering, the meeting will be accessible
via Zoom to all members of the public as permitted by Government Code section 54953(e).
To join virtually via Zoom:
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/84983385190?pwd=NW5Sckx3TFFEZVJvVEI1YVdOVGtOQT09
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Supervisor Diane Burgis, Chair
Supervisor Candace Andersen, Vice Chair
Agenda Items:Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the Committee
1.Introductions
2.Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda (speakers may be limited
to three minutes).
3. RECOMMEND to the Board of Supervisors the reappointment of Talia Moore to the Member At-Large Seat 3 on
the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board with a term expiring on June 30, 2025, as recommended by the
Health Services Department.
4. CONSIDER accepting the status report from the Employment and Human Services (EHS) Department on CalFresh
participation, benefit enhancements and expansions, as well as outreach efforts, and FORWARD to the Board of
Supervisors for their information. (Rebecca Darnell, Interim Workforce Services Director)
5. CONSIDER accepting the status report from the Employment and Human Services (EHS) Department on the
Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) activities and presentation on youth services, and FORWARD to the
Board of Supervisors for their information. (Don Graves, ILSP Coordinator)
6.The regularly scheduled meeting for August is canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 26, 2022.
7.Adjourn
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 1 of 36
The Family & Human Services Committee will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to
attend Family & Human Services Committee meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the
meeting.
Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by the County to a
majority of members of the Family & Human Services Committee less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are available for
public inspection at 1025 Escobar St., 4th Floor, Martinez, during normal business hours.
Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day prior to the published meeting
time.
For Additional Information Contact:
Danielle Fokkema, Committee Staff
Phone (925) 655-2047, Fax (925) 655-2066
Danielle.Fokkema@cao.cccounty.us
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 2 of 36
FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 3.
Meeting Date:07/25/2022
Subject:Reappointment to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board
Submitted For: Monica Nino, County Administrator
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: N/A
Referral Name: Advisory Board Appointment
Presenter: N/A Contact: Fatima Matal Sol; (925) 335-3307
Referral History:
On January 7, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2020/1 adopting policy amendments governing
appointments to boards, committees, and commissions that are advisory to the Board of Supervisors. Included in this resolution
was a requirement that applications for at large/countywide seats be reviewed by a Board of Supervisors committee. At-Large
seats on the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board (AODAB) are assigned to the Family and Human Services Committee
(FHS) for review and recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board provides input and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and the Health
Services Department concerning family and community needs regarding prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug related
problems. The mission of the Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board is to assess family and
community needs regarding treatment and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse problems. The board reports their findings and
recommendations to the Contra Costa Health Services Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the communities they serve.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board works in collaboration with the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services of Contra
Costa Health Services. The board provides input and recommendations as they pertain to alcohol and other drugs prevention,
intervention, and treatment services.
Referral Update:
Dr. Talia Moore was previously appointed to the Member At-Large Seat 3 of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board by
the Board of Supervisors for the term December 10, 2019 through June 30, 2022. The AODAB’s Executive Committee
reviewed Dr. Moore's new application and requested that the Family and Human Services Committee recommend the
reappointment of Dr. Moore to the Board of Supervisors.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECOMMEND to the Board of Supervisors the reappointment of Talia Moore to Member At-Large Seat 3 on the Alcohol and
Other Drugs Advisory Board with a term expiring on June 30, 2025.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
Attachments
T. Moore Application_Redacted
AODAB Reappointment Recommendation Memo
AODAB Roster
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 3 of 36
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CCCAODS will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend the meetings who should contact staff at least
24 hours before the meeting at (925) 335-3307.
The Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board welcomes and encourages public participation at each meeting. Public comments on the agenda or any
item of interest within the jurisdiction of the Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board are restricted to a maximum of three minutes per speaker. Topics
not posted on the agenda may be addressed by the general public, however, California Law prohibits a Board or Commission from taking action on matters which are not on
the agenda, unless in specific instances as stated under the Brown Act. Any person wishing to address this Board on matters not posted on the agenda should bring their
request to the attention of the Chair, Vice Chair or Staff of the Board. Thank you. For more information, contact Fatima Matal Sol (925) 335-3307.
“The mission of the Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board is to assess family and community needs regarding prevention and treatment of
alcohol and other drug-related problems. Resultant findings and recommendations are forwarded to the Health Services Department and the Board of Supervisors. The
Board also serves as an advocate for these findings and recommendations to the communities that we serve.”
Date: June 21, 2022
To: Family and Human Services Committee, Contra Costa Board of Supervisors
From: Fatima Matal Sol, Staff contact for the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board
RE: Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board – At Large Member Vacancy Seat 3
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board (AODAB), in its continued efforts to maintain full
membership that represents the diversity in our community and county, hereby makes the
following recommendation to reappoint Dr. Talia Moore to the Member At Large Seat 3 with
a new term expiring 6/30/2025. Dr. Talia Moore is currently the Chair of the Alcohol and
Other Drugs Advisory Board.
NOMINEE SEAT TERM EXPIRATION
Talia Moore Member At-Large 3 6/30/2025
Dr. Moore is a resident of District I. She was previously appointed by the Board of Supervisors
to the Member At Large Seat 3 for the term December 10, 2019 through June 30, 2022.
District I Supervisor Gioia recommended her reappointment to the Member At Large Seat 3.
Should you have any questions, please contact me at:
Phone: 925-335-3307
Email: Fatima.MatalSol@hsd.cccounty.us
Thank you in advance for your kind consideration in this matter.
Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board
1220 Morello Avenue, Suite 101
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 335–3307; fax (925) 335–3318
District I
Antwon Cloird
District 2
Guita Bahramipour
District 3
Cynthia Chavez
District 4
Dylan Johnston
District 5
Logan Campbell
At- Large Member
Jonathan Ciampi
Victor Ortiz
Talia Moore
Rhiannon Shires
Michael Ward
Azi Carter
At- Large Alternate
Nicolette Schumacher
Candace Cowing
Robert Frey
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 9 of 36
Seat Name Address District of Residence
District I Vacant Richmond, CA, 94804 I
District II Guita Bahramipour Moraga, CA, 94556 II
District III Cynthia Chavez Antioch, CA, 94531 III
District IV Dylan Johnston Concord, CA 94518 IV
District V Logan Campbell Martinez, CA, 94553 V
At Large - 1 Jonathan Ciampi San Ramon, CA, 94583 II
At Large - 2 Victor Ortiz Concord, CA, 94518 IV
At Large - 3 Talia Moore E.D.D.El Sobrante, CA, 94803 I
At Large - 4 Rhiannon Shires, Psy.D.Danville, CA 94526 II
At Large - 5 Michael Ward Lafayette, CA, 94549 II
At Large - 6 Azi Carter Pittsburg, CA 94565 V
At Large - Alternate 1 Nicolette Schumacher Walnut Creek, CA 94597 IV
At Large - Alternate 2 Candace Cowing Alamo, CA 94507 II
At Large - Alternate 3 Robert Frey Walnut Creek, CA 04598 IV
Contra Costa County Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board Membership
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 10 of 36
FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 4.
Meeting Date:07/25/2022
Subject:SNAP/CalFRESH Program Annual Update
Submitted For: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Department:Employment & Human Services
Referral No.: 103
Referral Name: SNAP/CalFRESH Update
Presenter: Rebecca Darnell, EHSD Contact: Enid Mendoza, (925) 655-2051
Referral History:
The SNAP Program was originally referred to the Family and Human Services Committee by the Board or Supervisors on
February 15, 2011. This program was formerly known as Food Stamps and is currently known as the Federal Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In California, the name of the program is CalFresh. EHSD has presented periodic status
reports to the FHS related to concerns about extended wait times for benefits and the anticipated impact of the expansion of
CalFresh benefits to SSI (Supplemental Security Income/Supplementary Payments) recipients effective June 1, 2019. FHS
received status reports on September 24 and December 3, 2018; and on April 22, June 10, July 29, and September 23, 2019.
Staff reported that CalFresh applications were beginning to level off at about 2,700 per month as compared to 2,200 per month
prior to the SSI expansion. EHSD also presented a status report directly to the Board of Supervisors on July 9, 2019. In
November 2019, Kathy Gallagher and Rebecca Darnell updated the FHS Committee. EHSD staff provided updates to the
Committee on June 22, 2020 and September 28, 2020. On May 24, 2021, Kathy Gallagher and Kelly Curtis updated the FHS
Committee.
Referral Update:
Please see attached report providing an update on the Employment and Human Services Department's status of CalFresh
participation, updates on the CalFresh benefit enhancements and expansions, as well as outreach efforts.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ACCEPT status report from the Employment and Human Services Department on CalFresh participation, updates on the
CalFresh benefit enhancements and expansions, as well as outreach efforts, and FORWARD to the Board of Supervisors for
their information.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
There is no fiscal impact.
Attachments
CalFresh Annual Update
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 11 of 36
REPORT TO THE FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE | JULY 25, 2022
PRESENTED BY REBECCA DARNELL, WORKFORCE SERVICES INTERIM BUREAU DIRECTOR
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 12 of 36
2,972
3,243
3,322
4,197
3,829
5,035
FY 2016-17
FY 2017-18
FY 2018-19
FY 2019-20
FY 2020-21
FY 2021-22
Average Monthly CalFresh Applications 2019 -2021
2
CalFresh Emergency Allotment anticipated to end October 2022
This results in at least a $95 reduction in monthly benefit
Contra Costa County at a Glance
87,462
Residents on CalFresh as of
June 2022
31,486 (36%)
of CalFresh recipients are
children
$259,997,322
CalFresh assistance issued to
Contra Costa residents
between
July 2021 –June 2022
9.1% increase
Source: CalWIN and CDSS CalFresh Dashboard
2.5% increase
26.3% increase
8.8% decrease
33.7% increase
2
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 13 of 36
3,2812,8733,4943,1193,6973,5413,3124,5343,6573,5634,4425,7415,051Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Jan-18 Jul-18 Jan-19 Jul-19 Jan-20 Jul-20 Jan-21 Jul-21 Jan-22
CalFresh Applications by Month
January 2016 -April 2022
3
Source: CalWIN table AR_PGM_REQ_ON_SAWS1
Top 3 Denial Reasons
1.Over income
2.Missed mandatory
interview appointment
3.Failed to provide
mandatory verification
CalFresh
Expansion
Onset of
Pandemic
Fiscal Year Total Apps Denial Rate
FY 2016-17 35,659 59.8%
FY 2017-18 38,910 54.8%
FY 2018-19 39,860 54.8%
FY 2019-20 50,358 83.9%
FY 2020-21 45,946 59.9%
FY 2021-22 60,424 60.3%
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 14 of 36
4
Source: CF 296 State Report, September 2020 to May 2022
95%97%97%
91%91%96%97%98%98%93%93%96%92%87%90%92%92%93%93%95%96%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Mar-22Apr-22May-22Percentage of Expedited CalFresh Benefits Processed Timely
% Processed Timely Mandate
99%96%98%97%94%94%97%97%96%98%95%93%96%92%90%90%89%93%94%94%96%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Mar-22Apr-22May-22Percentage of Applications Processed Timely
% Processed Timely Mandate
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 15 of 36
5
Source: EHSD Program and Data Dashboard (CF 296 State Report)35,15234,21631,83331,33131,34130,34429,24431,19633,90342,38641,58445,24149,552Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Jan-18 Jul-18 Jan-19 Jul-19 Jan-20 Jul-20 Jan-21 Jul-21 Jan-22
Participant Households by Month
January 2016 -April 2022
Fiscal Year Average
Individuals per
Household
FY 2016-17 2.01
FY 2017-18 1.99
FY 2018-19 1.95
FY 2019-20 1.83
FY 2020-21 1.80
FY 2021-22 1.76
CalFresh
Expansion
Onset of
Pandemic
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 16 of 36
6
While the CalFresh allocation increased
over time, the workload associated
with higher demand for CalFresh
increased at a faster rate. From FY
2016-17 to present, allocation dollars
per CalFresh eligibility determination
decreased by nearly 42%.
Many counties throughout California
are raising concerns regarding the
methodology for determining CalFresh
allocation amounts. Unfunded
mandates coupled with increased
outreach have resulted in the inability
to staff appropriately for the CalFresh
workload.
$14,514,812
$12,925,571
$13,613,497
$15,481,792 $16,010,909
$17,182,053$216.27
$129.31
$142.56
$135.05 $131.34 $126.03
$0.00
$50.00
$100.00
$150.00
$200.00
$250.00
$0
$2,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$12,000,000
$14,000,000
$16,000,000
$18,000,000
$20,000,000
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
CalFresh: Total Allocations vs. Allocation per Eligibility
Determination, FY 2016-17 to Present (through May 2022)
Total Allocation Allocation $'s per Determination
Source: Allocation dollars per determination includes eligibility determinations, processing SAR7s and redeterminations. Case management, phone calls and case
action such as add a person are not included.FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 17 of 36
7
March 2020
Households
May 2022
Households
Source: CalWIN MRD143R report for counts; INDV_ADR table for locations
Sup District March 2020
Households
May 2022
Households Change
District 1 9,601 13,383 +39%
District 2 1,101 2,062 +87%
District 3 7,678 10,376 +35%
District 4 4,871 7,454 +53%
District 5 10,336 14,006 +36%
Total 33,587 47,281 +41%
Key Observations
1.There was an overall increase in
CalFresh households in Contra Costa
(+41%)since the beginning of the
pandemic
2.Some areas in the County experienced a
higher increase than others; most
notably, District 2 (+87%) and District 4
(+53%)
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 18 of 36
8
Number of CalFresh
Individuals served as of
June 2022:
87,462
Number of Medi-Cal
Individuals served as of
June 2022:
314,305
Number of CalWORKs
Individuals served as of
June 2022:
14,219
31,655
30,555
31,033
39,408
44,938
50,142
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000
Average 2017
Average 2018
Average 2019
Average 2020
Average 2021
Current Caseload June 2022
CalFresh Caseload Averages 2017-2021 and Current (as of June 2022)
125,906
124,169
121,132
129,718
148,569
162,153
0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000
Average 2017
Average 2018
Avergae 2019
Average 2020
Average 2021
Current Caseload June 2022
Medi-Cal Caseload Averages 2017-2021 and Current (as of June 2022)
7,672
6,964
6,416
6,300
5,669
5,975
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000
Average 2017
Average 2018
Average 2019
Average 2020
Average 2021
Current Caseload June 2022
CalWORKs Caseload Averages 2017-2021 and Current (as of June 2022)
Workforce
Services
benefit
programs serve
321,305
unduplicated
individuals
in 174,901
CalFresh, Medi-
Cal, and
CalWORKs
cases as of
June 30, 2022
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 19 of 36
9
In October 2021, CDSS,
Change and Innovation
Agency (C!A), and EHSD
began Business Process
Redesign efforts to increase
the likelihood of successful
determination of eligibility
•Staff on workgroups
developed the county plan
•Three main efforts were
implemented:
Cold Calls
First Contact Resolution
Consistency Tools
13.72
11.22
16.38
0
5
10
15
20
25
6/6/22 6/13/22 6/20/22
CalWORKs -Days to Determination
CW CW Baseline
13.99 13.06 13.99
0
5
10
15
20
6/6/22 6/13/22 6/20/22
CalFresh -Days to Determination
CF CF Baseline
33.05 34.56 33.05
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
6/6/22 6/13/22 6/20/22
Medi-Cal –Days to Determination
MC MC Baseline
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 20 of 36
KEYS (Keeping Employment equals Your Success) Auto Loan
Program
•Provides auto loans to assist participants in purchasing a
reliable vehicle.
•Previously, this program was only available to CalWORKs
recipients. In FY 2018-19 (pre-pandemic), 7 customers
received cars with this program.
•Starting in May 2022, EHSD was able to expand the program
to include a small pilot of CalFresh recipients.
10 FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 21 of 36
11
What’s going on with the populations we serve?
•The Public Charge “chilling effect” continues to have lingering impacts on
enrollment of mixed-status and non-citizen w/ aided child households
•Impact of inflation on purchasing power, stimulus supports fading, and
risk of an economic recession
CalFresh has been a key support to
vulnerable populations
•Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) allowed families with school
age children to temporarily receive emergency
nutrition benefits. School-age children eligible to
free or reduced-price meals and age 0-5 CalFresh
recipients received the benefit. In Contra Costa, P-
EBT has assisted approximately 65,919 free or
reduced-meal recipients per year over three
school years1, plus a portion of 14,847 age 0-5
CalFresh recipients2 between October 2020 and
August 2021 not receiving free or reduced-price
meals.
•Per latest Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
(CBPP) Fact Sheet dated April 25, 2022, each $1 in
CalFresh spent results in $1.5 in economic
activity3
* Mixed-
status
households
are
households
which have
at least one
non-citizen
and one
citizen
1 California Department of Education (CDE) Free or Reduced Meals Data
2 CalWIN Table MR0007E
3 Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: California CalFresh SNAP Fact Sheet
Erick:
Confirming that
“all other
households”
does not include
mixed and non-
citizen
households
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 22 of 36
12 FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 23 of 36
FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 5.
Meeting Date:07/25/2022
Subject:Youth Services Report - Independent Living Skills Program Update
Submitted For: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Department:Employment & Human Services
Referral No.: 93
Referral Name: Youth Services Report - Independent Living Skills Program Update
Presenter: Don Graves, ILSP Coordinator Contact: Enid Mendoza, (925) 655-2051
Referral History:
An annual update of the Independent Living Schools Program administered by the Employment and Human Services
Department (EHSD) was first referred to the Family and Human Services Committee by the Board of Supervisors on October
17, 2006.
On June 7, 2016, EHSD requested, and the Board approved, expanding Referral #93 – Independent Living Skills Program to
include additional youth services updates and retitling the referral to “Youth Services Report”, so that the department can
include reports on all youth services offered in the community through EHSD, including Workforce Investment and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) and CalWORKs youth services.
On June 28, 2021, EHSD presented its last update to the Family and Human Services on youth services and the Independent
Living Skills Program activities.
Referral Update:
Please see attached report and presentation providing an update on the Employment and Human Services Department's
Independent Living Skills Program, which serves transitional age foster youth. Included in the report are details about the
skill-building and youth engagement activities provided to the youth clients within the core areas of education,
employment/vocational, housing, and well-being.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ACCEPT status report from the Employment and Human Services Department on the Independent Living Skills Program
activities and youth services, and FORWARD to the Board of Supervisors for their information.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
There is no fiscal impact.
Attachments
Independent Living Skills Program Report
Youth Service Programs Presentation
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 24 of 36
EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN SERVICES
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
_____________________________________________________________________________________
TO: Family and Human Services Committee Members DATE: June 28, 2022
Monica Nino, Contra Costa County Administrator
FROM: Marla Stuart, Director, Employment and Human Services Department
SUBJECT: Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP)
RECOMMENDATION: Accept this report from the Employment and Human Services Department, and
continue to support the Children and Family Services Bureau’s efforts to serve transitional age foster
youth through the Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP).
BACKGROUND OF ILSP SERVICES AND SERVICES FOR TRANSITION AGE YOUTH:
In 1999, the Federal government passed the Foster Care Independence Act. This legislation, sponsored
by the late Senator John Chafee, doubled funding for statewide Independent Living Skills Programs
(ILSP). There was overwhelming evidence emerging that youth who aged out of foster care were in need
of greater support to establish permanent connections and make a successful transition into adulthood.
Foster youth nationwide were found to have increased likelihood of early parenting, instability in
relationships, not graduating from high school, lower school performance, increased health and mental
health problems, homelessness, substance abuse, and a higher rate of unemployment.
For the past thirty-four years, the Children and Family Services Bureau has provided services through the
Contra Costa ILSP Program. Contra Costa ILSP serves eligible youth and nonminors between the ages of
15.5 and 21. Contra Costa ILSP has received recognition throughout the state of California and the
nation for its service and service delivery model.
The Contra Costa ILSP Unit consists of an ILSP Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator, and two ILSP
Specialists. ILSP is funded by the federal Title IV-E dollars with a 20% state match towards administrative
costs and realignment funds.
PROGRESS TO DATE:
The uncertainties of the pandemic continue to affect ILSP service delivery, in terms of limiting large
group gatherings. Despite these challenges, Contra Costa ILSP continues to provide quality services to
eligible youth. ILSP Specialists, in collaboration with the youth’s Child and Family Team (CFT), which
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 25 of 36
includes other staff members from CFS, develop plans to help prepare foster youth for a successful
transition into adulthood. Contra Costa ILSP offers support to youth through one-on-one mentoring,
workshops, support groups, recreational activities, needs-based supportive services (e.g., housing
resources, on-site emergency food pantry, housing resources, employment resources, help with
applying for financial assistance for college and vocational programs), and partnering with youth and
CFS staff members to develop a Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP) for each youth.
This fiscal year, most of the group work has continued virtually via weekly Zoom workshops. ILSP offered
skill-building and youth engagement activities, all of which cover the mandated four core areas, referred
to as the Four Pillars. The Four Pillars consist of: Education, Employment/Vocational, Housing, and Well
Being.
This year, four hundred and sixty-nine (469) youth in Contra Costa have been served both individually
and in group settings (e.g. Zoom workshops, classes, activities). Five hundred and eighty (580) youth
were deemed eligible for ILSP services. Contra Costa’s focus this fiscal year was to provide targeted
outreach and support to Contra Costa dependent youth, in an attempt to identify those denoted as not
having any ILSP services rendered, and to notify the case carrying social workers about the mandate to
send TILPs and referrals to the ILSP Unit. By engaging district social workers in a collaborative way,
Contra Costa ILSP hopes to improve outcomes and alleviate some of their workload, as it relates to
preparing youth for life after foster care.
Contra Costa ILSP continues to receive financial and tangible support from community donors. These
funds are managed by Volunteer & Emergency Services Team in Action (VESTIA, Inc.) through an
account known as the ILSP Fund. The purpose of the ILSP Fund is to support the well-being and
enrichment of older youth (starting at age 15.5) and Nonminor Dependents (NMDs) by providing timely
and flexible access to gift cards and tangible items. These funds can provide assistance when there are
emergency, time-sensitive situations, and no other financial resources have been identified. These funds
also provide an opportunity for foster youth to participate and explore interests in music, dance, and
other self-enrichment extracurricular activities.
VESTIA, Inc. continues to receive donations to fund scholarships for Contra Costa ILSP youth who are
continuing their education post high school, as does the Assistance League of Diablo Valley, and the
Orinda Women’s Club.
This fiscal year, Contra Costa ILSP was selected by Jack and Jill of America, Inc. as a recipient to receive
funds raised during Foster Care Awareness Month. Additionally, the Methodist Church of Walnut Creek
increased their giving this year and has stocked the ILSP food pantry on a regular basis. Methodist
Church donated emergency backpacks filled with first aid kits that served as carrying bags for non-
perishable foods donated for youth experiencing food insecurity. Methodist Church has also regularly
assisted in keeping the ILSP Clothes Closet stocked and organized.
ILSP PILLAR – HOUSING:
Contra Costa ILSP’s commitment to providing housing for eligible youth led Contra Costa ILSP to solidify
communication amongst local housing partners. Monthly meetings occur with the Health, Housing and
Homeless (H3) Program to shore up case management, resources, and selection processes in regards to
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 26 of 36
the Transitional Housing Plus dollars allocated from the state, which is then contracted to H3 to provide
housing for former foster youth.
Transitional housing for foster youth and emancipated foster youth continues to be delivered in Contra
Costa through three transitional housing programs:
Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP). THPP is designed for foster youth ages 16 and
17. There are two providers in Contra Costa County, who served two (2) foster youth in this
fiscal year. Historically, the number of youth in this type of placement setting is low.
Transitional Housing Placement-Plus-Foster Care (THP+FC – also known as THP-NMD). THP+FC is
for Nonminor Dependents (NMDs) from age 18 up to age 21. There are five in-county providers.
This fiscal year, sixty-two (62) NMDs on average were in a THP+FC placement.
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus). THP-Plus is a transitional housing program for
young adults who exited foster care on or after turning 18, and up to 24 years of age. In this
current fiscal year, fourteen (14) nonminors on average were in THP-Plus housing.
Housing continues to be a significant challenge for foster youth as they transition into adulthood.
Locating affordable housing and possessing the necessary skill sets to command employment to afford
housing are paramount in reducing homelessness post-emancipation.
Efforts continue to be developed to create permanency options for youth in the community (e.g., rooms
for rent, locating family members, extended family, friends, etc.) through collaborations with case-
carrying social workers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and individual
citizens with resources to offer. The need to develop permanent housing options for youth remains
urgent, as CFS has identified forty-two (42) youth who will turn twenty-one (21) by December 31, 2022.
Strengthening ILSP collaboration with THP+ providers and H3 to identify mutual youth in need will
streamline entry points so that youth and NMDs will be able to access the supports they need to
stabilize their housing. Additional subsidized housing slots are needed to reduce homelessness amongst
foster youth facing challenges securing housing.
ILSP PILLAR – EMPLOYMENT:
Contra Costa ILSP collaborates with the Contra Costa County Office of Education to refer youth to the
Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA). WIOA case managers help provide employment
services to ILSP participants enrolled in their program. Contra Costa ILSP created a referral partnership
with Civic Corps so interested youth can take advantage of their job-training program and high school
diploma track. Contra Costa ILSP also continues to work with Job Corps to refer youth to the Treasure
Island Job Corps site. This year, the following two employment workshops were offer to youth:
First Job – Discover the power of a resume, job search techniques, interview best practices, and
how to have a good attitude in the workplace.
Finding a Job in a Pandemic – Job options and opportunities during the era of COVID-19.
These workshops were offered through ILSP’s partnership with Travis Credit Union and the Youth
Finance Institute of America. Family Harvest Farm (FHF), an employment training program in
regenerative farming for transition age foster youth, is flourishing in its location in Pittsburg/Bay Point,
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 27 of 36
and is entering its third year of operation. FHF employed nine (9) Contra Costa dependent youth in paid
internship positions and was featured on Channel 2 KTVU news.
ILSP PILLAR – EDUCATION:
This current fiscal year, Contra Costa ILSP collaborated with the Office of Education to identify fifty-eight
(58) Contra Costa County dependent youth who were eligible to graduate from high school this school
year. All dependent Contra Costa graduates will be honored with the ILSP High School Graduation
Stipend to celebrate their achievement.
Contra Costa ILSP’s collaboration with the Assistance League of Diablo Valley (ALDV) continues. The
ALDV administered fifteen (15) Senior Sponsorships this year. As there are few funding streams to
support extracurricular activities and expenses for foster youth, the Senior Sponsorship program was
created to assist graduating seniors so they can partake in events that are difficult for caregivers to
afford. The Senior Sponsorship program can fund senior pictures, yearbooks, and graduation caps and
gowns. The ALDV also funded 12 scholarships totaling $17,200 for youth pursuing higher education, and
the Orinda Women’s Club funded two scholarships of $1,000 each. Each year, thousands of dollars are
donated via VESTIA, Inc. to provide scholarship opportunities for Contra Costa youth, as well as several
private families who are funding scholarships for Contra Costa youth. This year the Methodist Church of
Walnut Creek committed $2,000 to create new scholarships that they will award to youth pursuing their
higher educational goals.
In collaboration with the local community colleges, ILSP hosted workshops to inform CCC youth of
supportive services on each community college campus to create a successful college transition. One of
Contra Costa ILSP’s active participants who graduated from San Diego State University in 3 years created
and delivered a presentation encouraging ILSP youth to consider attending a 4-year college after high
school and identified support services at colleges and universities throughout the state. Supporting
foster youth by connecting them to on-campus resources can support youth in obtaining their degree.
iFoster has also continued to offer free phones to foster youth and laptops to college students.
Contra Costa ILSP’s partnerships with vocational training providers also gives Contra Costa youth an
opportunity to learn valuable skills via a trade. Job Corps, Civic Corps, and Apprenticeship presentations
were offered to Contra Costa youth in the past year. ILSP has also continued their connection with
YearUp, which offers higher education classes and job placement services to youth interested in
pursuing a career in the field of technology. ILSP also established a collaboration with Bridge-Tech.
Bridge-Tech philanthropy refurbishes Think Pad laptops and provides them to Contra Costa youth free of
charge. Bridge-Tech filled all fifteen (15) laptop requests from CFS Social Workers and youth who
expressed a need for a laptop. iFoster has continued to offer free phones to foster youth and laptops to
college students.
ILSP PILLAR – WELL-BEING:
Youth in foster care often do not experience childhood in the way most children who live with their
families of origin do. Youth involved in the child welfare system have suffered abuse and neglect. Not all
parents successfully complete Family Reunification services, which leaves their children in foster care
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 28 of 36
until a relative, extended family member, or resource parent is willing and able to provide permanency.
Many older youth experience placement instability while a permanent connection is being looked for.
Contra Costa ILSP has provided financial support to Contra Costa youth to help encourage positive social
development and exposure to activities. This year, through fund raising efforts, more youth were funded
to attend prom, camps, and driver’s education classes. The California Department of Social Services
(CDSS) has emphasized the importance of supporting the well-being of youth in foster care, and Contra
Costa ILSP is an available mechanism to provide this intervention. Contra Costa ILSP has collaborated
with several former foster youth who have successful careers in coaching and motivational speaking to
present on their challenges and successes, and offer tools for Contra Costa youth to develop their skills
and visions for creating a positive future. Contra Costa ILSP also connected with Shores of Hope, which
offered a 14-session Healthy Relationship curriculum that helps youth identify and choose healthy
relationships. The ILSP staff are trained in an approach called Positive Youth Development. This
approach enables them to engage youth and motivate them to strive to improve their lives, and build on
their existing strengths to tackle life’s challenges.
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:
Youth who emancipate from foster care are expected to become self-sufficient by twenty-one (21) years
of age, which includes the ability to maintain stable housing, employment, and quality physical and
mental health. Research on the outcomes of emancipated foster youth indicates that these tasks are
difficult for this population to achieve. Rates of homelessness for emancipated foster youth have been
found to be as high as 42%, and housing moves are generally related to poverty and lack of stable family
relationships.
Child Welfare programs have implemented ILSP programs to help prevent these negative outcomes.
Contra Costa ILSP serves upwards of 500 youth each year, and continues to strive to improve the lives of
at-risk foster youth. Much of the work the ILSP staff does is to cultivate collaborative partnerships with
community-based organizations and other foster youth serving groups. ILSP staff have expertise in
engaging youth and motivating them to stay in school, graduate, and obtain life-sustaining employment.
These services are critical right now. With the Board’s continuing support and commitment to Contra
Costa’s ILSP, foster youth will continue to be provided supportive services, skill-building workshops,
social skill development, financial support, and improved transitions into adulthood.
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 29 of 36
REPORT TO THE FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE | JULY 25, 2022
PRESENTED BY Don Graves, Independent Living Skills Program Coordinator
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 30 of 36
The Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) administered by Children and Family Services (CFS) Bureau provides a variety of
services to youth who are in-care or recently emancipated from the Foster Care System. Our program is staffed with Program
Specialists who specialize in Education, Employment, Housing and Health and Well Being. Our program serves youth up to age
21.
2
2.5% increase
26.3% increase
8.8% decrease
33.7% increase
2
ILSP Website:
https://cocoilsp.org
Contact Number: 1-866-
994-4577
Education
-Referrals to Job Corps and Civic
Corps
-Referrals to WIOA case managers,
who help provide employment
services to ILSP participants
enrolled in their program
-Workshops by Travis Credit Union
and Youth Finance Institute of
America
-Family Harvest Farm: 9 foster
youth employed in paid internship
positions
-ILSP continues to assist
youth/NMDs in creating resumes,
and supports them in filling out
job applications
Employment
-Graduation Stipend for Contra
Costa foster youth who graduated
from high school this year. In
partnership with the Office of
Education, 58 eligible youth were
identified.
-Scholarships from Assistance
League of Diablo Valley, Orinda
Women’s Club, and Methodist
Church of Walnut Creek
-Community College workshops
-YearUp, Bridge Tech, and iFoster
-ILSP continues to support foster
youth and NMDs with applying for
college financial aid, and also
provide educational resources
Housing
-Transitional Housing Placement
Program (THPP). In FY 21/22,
two foster youth resided in
THPP.
-Transitional Housing Placement-
Plus-Foster Care (THP+FC, also
known as THP-NMD). In FY
21/22, 62 NMDs on average
were in a THP+FC placement.
-Transitional Housing Program-
Plus (THP-Plus). In FY 21/22, 14
non-minors on average were in
THP-Plus housing.
Well-Being
-In FY 21/22, 469 unique youth in
Contra Costa were served individually
and in group settings by ILSP staff
-14-session Healthy Relationship
curriculum provided by Shores of Hope
to help youth/non-minor dependents
(NMDs) identify healthy relationships
-One-on-one mentoring
-Transitional Independent Living Plans
(TILPs) developed
-Emergency food pantry and clothes
closet at ILSP building
-ILSP-run recreational activities
-ILSP-run support groups
-ILSP Fund (managed by VESTIA, Inc.)
provided timely access to gift cards
and tangible items
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 31 of 36
2 3
To date, fifteen teens are enrolled in HYPE and the WFS
Bureau has become aware of additional teens who are
interested in participating.
•As the teens attend Pittsburg High School “Credit Recovery”, commonly
known as summer school, the teens will be earning pay for attending and
making satisfactory progress in their enrolled course(s)
•Additionally, the teens will have the opportunity to attend various
workshops, such as resume writing, money management, mock
interviews etc. with the goal being to provide the teens with soft skills
and job readiness education in preparation to enter the more formal
Summer Youth Program through the Workforce Development Board
Program Highlights
Helping Youth Participate in Employment
(HYPE) is a pilot Younger Summer Youth Program
administered by the Workforce Services (WFS)
Bureau. WFS coordinates with Pittsburg High
School to serve teens age 14 and 15 whose
parents are receiving CalWORKs.
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 32 of 36
2 4
From July 2021 to May 2022, EHSD served 32
participants through the CalLearn program
Fiscal Year 2021-22 Highlights
Cal-Learn is a statewide program administered
by the Workforce Services (WFS) Bureau for
pregnant and parenting teens, including the
child’s father if in the home, who are 19 years of
age or younger and receive CalWORKs. The goal
of Cal-Learn is to help teens graduate from high
school, obtain their GED, or equivalent. There is
no application process for Cal-Learn as eligibility
for the program is determined at CalWORKs
approval.
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 33 of 36
The WIOA Youth Program administed by the Workforce
Development Board (WDB) provides comprehensive
career & educational planning, including paid work-
experience/internships, GED or HS completion, dollars
for training, work readiness, job search assistance, and
post-secondary education prep.
Youth Providers by area served:
•Central –Mt Diablo Unified School District (Youth Employment
Services) Youth Employment Services (mdusd.org)
•East & West County –Contra Costa County Office of Education
Youth Services (Workforce Programs) Youth Services (YS) -
Contra Costa County Office of Education (cccoe.k12.ca.us)
2 5
190 disadvantaged Youth/Young Adults ages 16-24, including
current & former foster youth, homeless, youth with disabilities,
justice-involved, parenting, and dropouts, were served by the
program
Program Year 2021-22 Highlights
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 34 of 36
As part of Measure X Community Planning process,
EHSD was selected as the host agency to contract for
the development and operations of two Youth Centers
to be established in East and Central County. EHSD will
release a Request for Interest (RFI)seeking qualified
contractor(s) to support the planning process.
2 6
Youth Center RFI Details
•EHSD is seeking project management and public engagement services that
may include steering committee formation, survey instruments, interviews,
focus groups, and public engagement workshops to solicit input from local
community based organizations to deliver a youth-centered process,
program design, implementation plan and proposed budget for each Youth
Center.
•EHSD is looking to release this RFI soon; interested parties may visit the
following page for updates: Contracting Opportunities | EHSD
FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 35 of 36
7 FHS July 25, 2022 Agenda Packet Page 36 of 36