COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

October 28, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 12, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Maureen D. Borland, Director, Human Services Agency

Stuart Oppenheim, Director, Northern Region

SUBJECT:

Approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Billing with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for Live Scan Services at the Human Services Agency

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution authorizing:

1.

The Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Billing with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for Live Scan Services at the Human Services Agency (HSA); and

2.

The Director of the Human Services Agency to approve future amendments to the Live Scan Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Justice for Live Scan Services.

Background

Under the provisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code 300, et seq, County social workers that remove children from their parents' homes are required to consider relative caretakers for initial placement. Social Workers are required to obtain criminal history information prior to the placement of children in relatives' homes. Immediate clearance through the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System must be followed up with fingerprint clearances within five days.

Due to the high volume of fingerprinting requests, HSA is not able to consistently accomplish the necessary five-day follow up time frame required by law. To remedy this need, the Board of Supervisors has authorized the purchase of Live Scan equipment to handle the high volume of clearance needs.

Discussion

On June 25, 2002, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution #65392, authorizing the Human Services Agency to purchase Live Scan equipment. The Human Services Agency is currently working with the Department of Justice to establish connectivity and to begin transmitting/receiving fingerprint clearances and notifications electronically.

In order for the Human Services Agency to begin utilizing the Live Scan equipment, San Mateo County is required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of California. Based on FY 2001-02 Live Scan fingerprinting service request trends, the Human Services Agency expects that the costs of services will not exceed $11,000 annually.

The adoption of a Resolution authorizing the County to enter into the Live Scan Agency MOU Billing Agreement is necessary for the Human Services Agency to begin Live Scan Services. We are also requesting that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Director of the Human Services Agency to execute any necessary amendments to the Live Scan Memorandum of Understanding.

Vision Alignment

The provision of Live Scan Services at the Human Services Agency, keeps the commitment of ensuring basic health and safety for all and addresses goal number 6: Children grow up healthy in safe and supportive homes and neighborhoods. Live Scan Services contributes to this commitment and goal by ensuring that social workers are able to comply with fingerprint clearance of relative placements within the statute set forth.

Fiscal Impact

Funds are budgeted in the Children and Family Services Budget to comply with the financial obligations of this Memorandum of Understanding as determined by historical service trends and an anticipated 10% service request increase.