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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
County Manager’s Office
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DATE:
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October 29, 2010
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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November 9, 2010
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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David S. Boesch, County Manager
Mary McMillan, Deputy County Manager
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SUBJECT:
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United States Bureau of Justice Reentry Grant Report
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RECOMMENDATION:
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A)
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Accept the annual report of the United States Bureau of Justice (BJA) “Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative” grant;
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B)
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Adopt a Resolution authorizing the County Manager to approve modifications to the Bureau of Justice Assistance “Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative” grant program design and execute any documents required to effectuate such changes.
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BACKGROUND:
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In 2009, the County was awarded funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to create a model reentry program for 200 high-risk inmates who were scheduled in the near future to be released from jail. San Mateo’s grant award was one of fifteen in the country from over 400 applications. In early 2010 County staff commenced implementation of the grant program known as “Achieve 180”.
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DISCUSSION:
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Since implementation through October 15, 2010, Achieve 180 has interviewed 274 inmates and has enrolled 114, 36 % of whom are female. Mentors have been matched with 74 of them. Currently, 71 have been released from custody and 89% of those released to date have not committed a probation violation and/or been rearrested.
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There are many individual success stories that include Achieve 180 clients remaining clean and sober, obtaining employment, reconnecting with their families, moving into permanent housing, and successfully reintegrating back into our community.
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In addition to your Board’s leadership, and with guidance and feedback from the Criminal Justice Committee, a high level of cooperation and commitment has been developed among all partners, including the County Manager’s Office, Courts, District Attorney, Sheriff’s Office, Probation, Health System, Private Defender, Service League and other community-based organizations and stakeholders.
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Other successful collaborations contributing to the program’s first year success include: convened an employer roundtable to identify companies; changed the County’s employment application process regarding the conviction history to reduce barriers to employment; connected with the Fatherhood Collaborative to better address the needs of families; modified child support collection policy for incarcerated and developed manageable payment plans; allocated 10 percent of Federal Stimulus funded positions County employment for Achieve 180 clients; connected mentors to clients still incarcerated; and linked clients to treatment and transitional housing.
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Second year objectives include meeting the enrollment target of 200 inmates; secure and implement Caltrans work crew contract; seek additional funding for expansion of case management, mentor and employment services; develop additional affordable housing options; and establish a restorative justice component.
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In order to achieve year two objectives, there are some minor program design changes, including broadening the definition of “high risk” to include those inmates with a sentence over 30 days rather than 60 days. This grant was written prior to changes in State law that accelerated the release of inmates. As a result, it is necessary to amend our program plan to reflect the actual length of time served by “high risk” offenders. The proposed resolution authorizes the County Manager to implement such grant program changes. The Resolution has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
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Approving the Resolution will contribute to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by ensuring that a continuum of care exists so that the formerly incarcerated are able to transition successfully from jail to the community.
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Performance Measure(s):
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Measure
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FY 2009-10
Actual
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FY 2010-11
Projected
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Achieve 180 clients receiving continuous care and support services
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71
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200
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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There is no fiscal impact in either accepting the annual report or approving the resolution authorizing program design changes.
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