To: The Board of Supervisors Sonoma County
Department or Agency Name(s): Probation Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: Brad Michnevich, 565-6310
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Evaluation Services for the Youth Diversion with Case Management Program
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the Chief Probation Officer to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Resource Development Associates (RDA) for evaluation services for the Youth Diversion with Case Management (YDCM) program not to exceed $100,000 from November 5, 2019 through February 28, 2023, with two one-year, no-cost term extension options.
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Executive Summary:
The Probation Department is requesting the Board approve a Professional Service Agreement with Resource Development Associates (RDA) in the amount of $100,000 for three (3) years. RDA will be the evaluation partner for the implementation of the State of California Youth Reinvestment Grant program. In Sonoma County, this grant project will be the Youth Diversion with Case Management (YDCM) Program, as described below. RDA may also provide additional evaluation services for juvenile justice programs in Sonoma County beyond the YDCM evaluation project, depending on local need and the readiness to undertake the work.
Discussion:
Youth Diversion with Case Management (YDCM) Program Background
In June 2019, the County was awarded a 44-month Youth Reinvestment Grant (YRG) by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) to fund the implementation of a new countywide juvenile diversion program, the Youth Diversion with Case Management (YDCM) program. The award requires a local match commitment of $100,000 toward program evaluation services.
Low Risk / High Needs Youth
The Sonoma County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council identified diversion services for youth at low risk to reoffend but who experience a high level of needs as a key priority. These low risk / high needs youth may sometimes be pushed into the justice system as a way to access services that may not be otherwise available. Research shows low risk youth are best served outside the juvenile justice system. The YDCM program eliminates this service gap and will use an assertive engagement approach to encourage participation.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
In Sonoma County, males and youth of color are disproportionately represented in the population of low risk youth referred to probation, mirroring national juvenile justice trends. The hope is that the YDCM program evaluation will help guide the department’s approach to address these racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system.
Evaluation and Program Timeline
Beginning January 2020, YDCM will serve approximately 20 youth and their families annually with each case lasting 3-6 months. Youth will be referred to YDCM by Probation and will not be supervised by Probation during their participation in YDCM or have any formal court involvement.
Program services will be delivered exclusively by a community-based agency who is being identified through an RFP process; the contract is expected to be submitted for Board approval approximately mid-December. The YDCM program evaluation contract is preceding the YDCM services contract in order to develop the initial evaluation plan concurrently and assist with program development.
Description of Evaluation Services for YDCM program
Consultant will evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of YDCM and address the following areas of inquiry:
1. The effectiveness of achieving YDCM program outcomes, which include:
• Improving youth and family outcomes for YDCM participants, including: increased natural supports, improved family functioning, improved school or employment outcomes, and increased access to quality mental health or substance use treatment;
• Reducing the overall number youth in Sonoma County at low risk to reoffend with formal involvement in the juvenile justice system, with a focus on low-risk youth of color;
• Reducing further justice system penetration for low risk youth of color who are disproportionately represented in the justice system; and
• Increasing capacity in Sonoma County to address the needs of youth who have committed low-level crimes and are at low risk to reoffend, but demonstrate high level of needs.
2. Program effectiveness compared across demographic groups (age, gender, race/ethnicity, geographic locations)
3. Extent to which YDCM successfully identifies and refers eligible youth, and engages and retains families in services
4. Ability to successfully deliver services in a culturally proficient and trauma-informed manner
5. The degree to which YDCM is implemented with fidelity to the program design
6. Technical assistance to support evaluation activities and continuous quality improvement
Request for Proposals
The Probation Department released a Request for Proposals (RFP) announcement on August 8, 2019.
The RFP described the YDCM program background, expected evaluation services and desired goals/objectives/outcomes. Proposers were asked to clearly articulate their ability to:
o Create an Evaluation Plan, including
§ Evaluation design connected to the program model
§ Recommendations for evaluation methodologies and data collection activities
§ Protection of human subjects and confidential data
§ Timeline for activities aligning with delivery of services January ‘20-December ‘22
§ Description of project phases and tasks
§ Cost details
o Perform Evaluation Activities, including
§ Process evaluation (program implementation, youth/family engagement, cultural competency)
§ Outcome evaluation (achievement of goals and objectives)
o Provide Reports per BSCC deadlines and formatting requirements
The RFP asked proposers to indicate if they were interested in being considered for additional evaluation services for future juvenile justice evaluation projects. To be considered, proposers were required to detail the firm’s relevant prior experience and expertise that demonstrate ability to conduct additional juvenile justice evaluations projects.
Proposals were submitted by 12 organizations which were then rated by a committee of representatives from Health Services, Human Services and the Probation Department. Clear criteria were used in rating/scoring proposals, including organizational information, qualifications and experience, project approach and work schedule, and cost of service.
The three highest scored proposals were from Research Triangle Institute (RTI), Resource Development Associates (RDA) and LPC Consulting Associates. After these agencies were interviewed on October 2, 2019, RDA was selected based on their:
• comprehension and knowledge of important research concepts/principles
• previous experience conducting similar evaluation projects
• solid understanding of desired system level and measurement of outcomes
• ability to address issues of cultural competency and equity
Based on the above process, the Probation Department recommends awarding the program evaluation contract to RDA.
Prior Board Actions:
7/23/19 Approved grant from Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for the Youth Reinvestment Grant (YRG).
3/19/19 Approved contract amendment with Resource Development Associates (RDA) - Public Safety Evaluation Services. Request for additional appropriations.
7/19/16 Approved contract with Resource Development Associates (RDA) - Public Safety Evaluation Services. Contract to conduct evaluations of multiple criminal justice and human service programs and interventions that make up the service continuum for the criminal justice system, and overall criminal justice system effectiveness in achieving public safety outcomes.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 19-20 Adopted |
FY20-21 Projected |
FY 21-22 Projected |
FY 22-23 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$15,000 |
$34,000 |
$34,000 |
$17,000 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$15,000 |
$34,000 |
$34,000 |
$17,000 |
|
Funding Sources |
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|
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General Fund/WA GF |
|
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|
State/Federal |
$15,000 |
$34,000 |
$34,000 |
$17,000 |
|
Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
|
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Contingencies |
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|
|
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Total Sources |
$15,000 |
$34,000 |
$34,000 |
$17,000 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
YDCM Project Evaluation:
The Board of State and Community Corrections’ Youth Reinvestment Grant requires local match funds totaling $100,000 for YDCM project evaluation. In Fiscal Year 19/20, the required match of $15,000 will be sourced from the Juvenile Probation Funds (JPF) Special Revenue Fund, which comes to Probation annually from a percentage of CA State Vehicle License Fees (VLF). Future budget development will include the annual contract obligations below (also to be funded by Juvenile Probation Funds):
Year 1 (7/1/19-6/30/20) $ 15,000
Year 2 (7/1/20-6/30/21) $ 34,000
Year 3 (2/1/21-6/30/22) $ 34,000
Year 4 (7/1/22-2/28/23) $ 17,000
Additional Project Evaluations:
None defined this time, impacts unknown.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Resource Development Associates (RDA) Professional Services Agreement
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None