COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

August 28, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 23, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Maureen D. Borland, Director, Human Services Agency

Mark Lane, Director, Southern Region

SUBJECT:

Second Amendment to the Agreement with Sor Juana Ines Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (SJICDVP)

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution authorizing execution of a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Sor Juana Ines Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (SJICDVP). This Second Amendment will increase the Agreement amount by $123,500 for a new total obligation of $423,600 and extend the term to June 30, 2005.

Background

The Center for Domestic Violence Prevention and Sor Juana Ines, the only two San Mateo County domestic violence agencies, began exploring a strategic restructuring process last summer. After undergoing a comprehensive due diligence process, the Board of Directors for both agencies made an unanimous decision to merge the organizations. As a result of the merger SJICDVP is a strong organization better positioned to deal with the issue of domestic violence prevention and treatment in San Mateo County. This strategic planning effort has created an organization that is united, and has the ability to focus on and execute its mission. SJICDVP meets with representatives located throughout the cities in San Mateo County to discuss needs assessments, transitional housing and services for victims of domestic violence.

In order to enable battered women and their children to break free from the cycle of abuse and gain self-sufficiency, the Human Services Agency and SJICDVP have implemented a new transitional housing program, known as the Community Transitional Housing Pilot Program. This Pilot Program provides a sixteen bed shelter, a six bed transitional housing program, along with at least one housing unit and intensive case management services.

Discussion

This Second Amendment to the Agreement will provide additional funding for a two year period for a new position at SJICDVP entitled Violence in Families Initiative Program (VIP) Program Specialist. The idea for the position originated from the multidisciplinary VIP Response Task Force. The VIP Response Task Force is charged with enhancing the community response to families with co-occurring domestic violence and child maltreatment. This new position complements SJICDVP's already established Emergency Outreach Program. The VIP Program Specialist will coordinate the community response to families experiencing domestic violence with children under the age of 18 living in the home and facilitate a more holistic response to families experiencing domestic violence. SJICDVP continues to be the sole organization that provides these services in San Mateo County.

This Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the County Counsel's Office. Risk Management has reviewed and approved the contractor's insurance coverage.

Vision Alignment

The Agreement with the SJICDVP keeps the commitment of: Ensure basic health and safety for all and goal number 8: Help vulnerable people - the aged, disabled mentally ill, at-risk youth and others - achieve a better quality of life. The Agreement contributes to this commitment and goal since SJICDVP provides shelter, transitional housing, legal services, counseling and emergency assistance to battered women and their children who are at risk of physical and emotional harm.

Fiscal Impact

The term of this Agreement is from October 1, 2002 through June 30, 2005.  The total obligation under this Amendment is $423,600, of which, $123,500 is added through the approval of this Second Amendment and is 100% funded by the VIP Grant. Funds have been included in the FY 2003-04 Children and Family Services Recommended Level Budget. There is no Net County Cost as a result of this Amendment.