COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

November 28, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 13, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

NA

VOTE REQUIRED:

NA

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Glen Brooks, Interim Director Human Services Agency

Mark Lane, Director of Children and Family Services

SUBJECT:

Emancipating Youth Report

RECOMMENDATION:

Accept the Emancipating Youth Report.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All

Goal(s):

•

Goal 6: Children grow up healthy in safe and supportive homes and neighborhoods.

•

Goal 8: Help vulnerable people – the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at-risk youth and others – achieve a better quality of life.

This report supports this commitment and goals by providing information regarding emancipating youths, which will help the Board of Supervisors determine future funding needs and help improve Human Services Agency’s (HSA) ability to more effectively support emancipated youths’ transition to self-sufficiency.

BACKGROUND:

Since 2001, great strides have been made in securing services and supports for emancipating youths. The Adolescent Services Unit has also faced some challenges. After having secured 25 Section 8 housing vouchers to support emancipated youths’ housing expenses, HSA lost continued funding when the federal government cut the housing voucher program.

On June 29, 2005, the County Board of Supervisors allocated $180,000 to the Adolescent Services Unit, Children and Family Services in the HSA, to support emancipating youths’ ability to reach self-sufficiency. These funds may be used toward housing, education, and job-skill building. The Board of Supervisors directed HSA to report on current housing options, integration of housing supports with existing programs, and to conduct a study on the needs of emancipated youths.

DISCUSSION:

HSA conducted a qualitative study on former foster youths’ needs and experiences pre- and post-emancipation (n=16). Study participants ranged in age between 18-23 years (mean =20 years). The report presents findings on the unique needs of former SMC foster youths. These findings along with best practices inform the concluding remarks.

This report (see attached Report and Executive Summary) will help the Board of Supervisors determine future funding needs and help improve HSA’s ability to more effectively support emancipating youths’ transition to self-sufficiency.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact as a result of this report back item.