To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Probation Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: Vanessa Fuchs, 565-2732
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Delegate Authority to Chief Probation Officer to Execute Agreements to Advance Career Pathways for Justice-Involved Youth
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Authorize the Chief Probation Officer, or designee, to execute four contracts to advance career pathways for youth involved in the justice system for a total amount of $1,364,565, with the initial three-year terms ending on June 30,2029.
B) Authorize the Chief Probation Officer, or designee, to amend and extend the contracts included in this item for up to two additional one-year terms each, subject to available funding and County Counsel review and approval, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $2,352,419 over the total potential five-year terms.
C) Authorize the Chief Probation Officer, or designee, to make administrative amendments to the contracts included in this item, including adjustments related to revenue changes or minor scope-of-work modifications, provided such amendments do not exceed $50,000 annually from the original amount per contract and do not result in significant changes to the services delivered, subject to available funding and approval by County Counsel.
end
Executive Summary:
The Probation Department requests authorization for the Chief Probation Officer to enter into four contracts designed to expand and strengthen career pathways for youth ages 12 to 25 involved with the juvenile justice system. These contracts, one for Career Exploration programming and three for Career Technical Education services, were selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated to broaden access to meaningful education, skills training, and career development opportunities for youth on probation in the community or residing in Juvenile Hall.
Authorization will allow the Department to implement a diverse suite of youth-centered programs that promote readiness for employment, post-secondary education, and long-term stability.
Discussion:
Many youth involved with probation have faced a range of complex challenges that disrupt their education and make it harder to access meaningful work or further educational opportunities. These include disrupted schooling, limited job experience, and challenges related to trauma, behavioral health, and stigma. Despite these obstacles, youth demonstrate resilience and significant potential when provided access to supportive, hands-on learning environments.
To expand opportunities for these youth, the Probation Department released the Advancing Career Pathways Request for Proposals (RFP) in February 2026, which was distributed to subscribers on Purchasing’s RFP posting list. The RFP sought proposals from qualified organizations to deliver career development programming for youth within Juvenile Hall and in community-based settings. The RFP identified two service categories: Career Exploration and Career Technical Education.
A total of fourteen proposals were submitted in response, nine for Career Exploration services and five for Career Technical Education. A review panel consisting of representatives from the Probation Department and the Sonoma County Office of Education evaluated proposals using criteria such as qualifications and experience, program narrative, and costs for services.
Based on its proposal review, the evaluation committee recommends awarding one contract for Career Exploration services and three contracts for Career Technical Education services. These selected vendors demonstrated the strongest alignment with program goals, the capacity to deliver high-quality career development supports, and the ability to effectively engage youth in facility-based and community settings.
The four proposed contracts include:
1. Career Exploration - On the Margins, Inc. - $336,375
Radical Imagination Supported Through Exploration (RISE) is a bilingual, culturally responsive career exploration and leadership development program that provides structured post-secondary exploration and guidance for first-generation, low-income, and BIPOC youth. The program consists of ten youth sessions and three family workshops. Curriculum activities include career assessments, resume and interview preparation, financial literacy, exposure to college and career options, and hands-on decision-making exercises. Family workshops help parents and caregivers understand the U.S. education system, strengthen communication with youth, and build confidence in supporting post-secondary planning.
On the Margins, Inc. will deliver up to two cohorts per year, one in custody and one in the community, and provide individualized career counseling and coaching for referred youth. Programming is trauma informed, experiential, and family-centered to help youth overcome barriers, build confidence, and develop clear plans for their future.
2. Career Technical Education - Groundwork for Youth - $545,172
The Work Readiness & Placement Program with Groundwork provides a continuous work readiness and employment pipeline that supports youth from incarceration through reentry. The program integrates healing centered support, emotional literacy, workforce readiness, vocational training, and paid work placements to build practical job skills, confidence, and accountability.
While youth may enter the program at any phase, the continuum of services begins in Juvenile Hall with hands on culinary training and certifications, followed by structured preparation for employment including assessments, mentorship, resume development, financial literacy, and assistance securing IDs, bank accounts, and work clothing. Referred youth then participate in supported paid work placements with vetted employers and receive up to six months of post placement support focused on employment stability and long-term planning.
3. Career Technical Education - Elaina Islas Ferguson - $30,018
Clean Cuts Academy is a structured 12-week barbering workshop for youth in Juvenile Hall. Small cohorts train with a licensed barber experienced in serving justice-involved youth, learning foundational skills such as haircutting techniques, sanitation and hygiene, tool handling, and client communication through demonstrations and hands on instruction.
Youth also explore barbering career pathways, including apprenticeships, shop operations, and entrepreneurship, while building professionalism, confidence, and workforce readiness. The program offers practical, marketable skills and exposure to a structured trade that can support reentry and long-term employment.
4. Career Technical Education - LIME Foundation - $453,000
NextGen Trades & Auto Academy is a career technical education program delivered by the LIME Foundation in Juvenile Hall through its NextGen Trades Academy and High Road Transportation Career Pathways curricula. Youth are introduced to career options in construction, automotive technology, transportation, clean energy, and skilled trades while building practical skills, industry awareness, and workforce readiness.
Programming includes cohort-based training, OSHA 10 certification, hands on projects, life skills and financial literacy instruction, leadership development, and individualized career navigation. Select graduates may participate in a Habitat for Humanity homebuilding project in the community.
Collectively, these career development programs will:
• Expand access to hands on learning, technical training, and career exploration.
• Help youth develop skills, earn certifications, and engage in meaningful projects.
• Strengthen reentry outcomes and reduce recidivism by supporting transition back to the community.
• Build and deepen partnerships with local organizations and employers.
• Promote positive youth development by offering opportunities tailored to varied interests, learning styles, and readiness levels.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Healthy and Safe Communities
Goal: Goal 1: Expand integrated system of care to address gaps in services to the County’s most vulnerable.
Objective: Objective 2: Identify gaps in the Safety Net system of services and identify areas where departments can address those gaps directly, and seek guidance from the Board when additional resources and/or policy direction is needed.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY26-27 Adopted |
FY27-28 Projected |
FY28-29 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$419,011 |
$472,650 |
$472,905 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$419,011 |
$472,650 |
$472,905 |
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
$419,011 |
$472,650 |
$472,905 |
|
Fees/Other |
|
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
General Fund Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
$419,011 |
$472,650 |
$472,905 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Contract costs will be funded through Juvenile Special Revenue Funds. These funds are an ongoing allocation from the State of California to support justice-involved youth and budgeted by Probation for direct client service contracts. Funds for these contracts were included in Probation’s FY26-27 Adopted Budget.
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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:
Attachment A - Professional Services Agreement with On the Margins, Inc.
Attachment B - Professional Services Agreement with Groundwork for Youth
Attachment C - Professional Services Agreement with Elaina Islas Ferguson
Attachment D - Professional Services Agreement with LIME Foundation
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A