Report Prepared by: Sarah Knoester, Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Merced County Probation Department for the CalVIP Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Merced County Probation Department for the CalVIP Program.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving of a Memorandum of Understanding with Merced County Probation Department for the CalVIP Program; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced City Charter, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
City Council’s FY 2022/23 Goals and Priorities to develop programs aimed at Community Violence Prevention.
DISCUSSION
Formerly known as the California Gang Reduction, Intervention & Prevention (CalGRIP) Grant Program, the California State Legislature established the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program in FY 2017/18. Traditionally, the state allocated $9 million annually to provide grants to local communities that align with the intent of CalVIP. However, in 2021, an additional $200 million was allocated to augment local grant awards for a three-year period.
On September 8, 2022, the city was awarded a grant of $977,647 for the City’s Pathway to Success program. Council accepted the grant at their September 19, 2022 meeting.
This three-year pilot program, in partnership with Merced County Probation and Behavior Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) departments, is a multi-agency, collaborative approach to working with youth experiencing violence and their families. The pilot program offers wrap-around reentry support to youth and serves as a prevention hub where supportive services and programs are offered to at-risk and probation involved youth and their families.
As part of the collaborative approach, a no cost Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is necessary to outline the roles and responsibilities for the City of Merced and Merced County Probation Department. (The Pathway to Success program will utilize the existing MOU between the City and BHRS.)
Responsibilities of the City
1. Will support the program through regular meetings utilizing City Peer Support Specialists and administrative staff.
2. City administrative staff will provide quarterly reports to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and the Peer Support Specialists will monitor participants' progress for continued collaboration to adjust objectives and goals set for a successful reintegration.
3. Peer Support Specialists will also promote protective factors by co-locating appropriate services, support, and opportunities in an underserved and high-crime-high-risk neighborhood.
4. The Peer Support Specialists will engage youth and families before and after interacting with law enforcement to mitigate at-risk behaviors. At-risk behaviors include, school and home issues, chronic truancy and absenteeism, school violence, expulsions or suspensions, gang involvement, or behaviors that demonstrate at-risk juvenile delinquency.
5. Risk, protective factors, and need will be determined by The Positive Change Tool (PACT) or Residential Positive Achievement Change Tool (R- PACT) administered by Probation. Youth who are at risk and have not yet interacted with law enforcement will be referred by school resource officers employed by the city. Youth currently on probation will be referred by Merced County Probation Department.
Responsibilities of Merced County Probation
1. Provide workspace, and office equipment to include computers, phones, scanners, workstations, supplies. Those City employees utilizing PD computers will be required to complete PD's Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
2. Refer appropriate clients to City.
3. Probation Program Specialist will work collaboratively with City staff to perform essential functions of Pathways to Success youth program.
The term of the MOU with Merced County Probation will be for the duration of the Pathway to Success Program, ending on December 31, 2025.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. MOU between City of Merced and Merced County Probation