Adopt a resolution authorizing approval of Agreement 21-5060 with the California Department of Social Services which establishes the responsibilities of each party in the provision and receipt of legal consultation and legal representation in administrative action appeals associated with the application to the Resource Family Approval program of the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency and the State of California for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. (No general fund impact) (Larsen)

1. Adopt a resolution authorizing approval of Agreement 21-5060 (“Agreement”) between the California Department of Social Services (“CDSS”) and County of Yolo (“County”) which establishes the responsibilities of each party in the provision and receipt of legal consultation and legal representation in administrative action appeals associated with the application to the Resource Family Approval (“RFA”) program of the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (“HHSA”) and the State of California (“State”) for the period of July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024;
    
2. Authorize the Director of the Health and Human Services Agency, or designee, to enter into and sign this Agreement; and
    
3. Authorize the Director of the Health and Human Services Agency, or designee, to execute any extensions or amendments of the Agreement consistent with the Agreement.

Thriving Residents

The RFA program was created to provide a unified, family-friendly, and child-centered Resource Family Approval process. 
 
This program:

• Replaces multiple former processes for licensing foster homes, approving relatives and non-relative extended family members as foster care providers, and approving adoptive families;
• Establishes a single set of standards for Resource Family Approvals which allows for the safety, permanence, and well-being of children who have been victims of child abuse and neglect;
• Reduces the use of congregate care placement settings; and
• Decreases the length of time for each child to obtain permanency. 

RFA is a state-mandated program that was to begin on January 1, 2017.  Yolo County chose to become an early implementer and began the program on January 1, 2016.  Pursuant to Government Code section 30029.7, subdivision (a), the County and CDSS may enter into an agreement for CDSS to provide services or activities related to RFA.  The County and CDSS have identified certain services or activities to be provided by CDSS in order to expedite the delivery of services to children and non-minor dependents who reside or may reside in an approved Resource Family home.  Per this Agreement, legal consultation and legal representation in administrative action appeals associated with the RFA application process is an offered service that will be provided at no charge to the County. This agreement extends the program through June 30, 2024.

County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form. California Department of Social Services

Not required for State agreements.