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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Los Angeles County Grand Jury
• 2007-2008
Jail / Detention Facility Recommendations Recommendation 1: The Sheriff’s Department, Probation Department and
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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 18 findings
F1
There is now a recently implemented cap of $900 on the amount an inmate may have in his or her account, whether deposited by outside third parties, or in the inmate’s possession at the time of booking. The $900 maximum on inmate accounts is excessive, and it creates an opportunity for disparity in the jail setting, where there are many rules and regulations in place for the express purpose of maintaining a level playing field among inmates. Inmates who are able to amass such a substantial sum of money, and the amenities that money can buy, have an opportunity to use such money or amenities to barter for extraordinary privileges.
F2
Government Code § 26640 does not speak to whether the Sheriff may release money in an inmate’s account to outside third parties at the direction of the inmate, except for that money in the inmate’s possession at the time he or she is booked into custody. There is no legitimate purpose in permitting a jail inmate to function as a cash conduit by directing the release of funds to outside third parties that were initially deposited by persons outside the jail system.
F3
The Sheriff does not require identification from outside third parties who make cash deposits to an inmate’s account through the cashier’s office.
F4
Cases have been identified by the district attorney wherein care providers are allegedly providing aid under different names and fraudulently collecting benefits. Cases have also been identified wherein aid recipients are allegedly receiving aid under different identities.
F5
DPSS administers various federal and state-funded aid programs at the county level, including General Relief (welfare), CalWorks, Food Stamps, Medi-Cal, and IHSS. The district attorney has identified a number of cases where benefits from one program would reduce or eliminate eligibility for another program, and contends that DPSS computer databases do not “talk to” one another, so inter-program opportunities for fraud abound.
F6
Neither the State of California nor the County of Los Angeles conducts a criminal background investigation on the provider of IHSS services. Since the recipient has carte blanche to choose a provider, but cannot conduct a background investigation, the county is in a position to do so on behalf of the recipient.
F7
Reassessments of the recipient’s need for continuing IHSS care are not done in a timely and systematic manner.
F08
As such, the department is in the process of issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a vendor to provide routine maintenance services. The current contract does not contain a maximum amount and the department indicated that the new agreement will also not contain such provisions. The Internal Services Department should consider a contract structure more similar to those that have been entered into by other departments and contain a maximum amount. • The Department of Public Works has entered into agreements for routine vehicle maintenance services with 76 vendors. These contracts contain provisions that cap the total expenditures by the department at a maximum amount of $1.5 million. The department expended the maximum amount for routine maintenance in FY 2006-07 and is expected to expend the maximum amount in FY 2007-08. • The Fire Department has entered into agreements with a total of 82 vendors to provide routine vehicle maintenance services for the department for a maximum amount of $3.5 million per year. The actual expenditures for services received through these agreements are the maximum of $3.5 million. • The Sheriff’s Department recently entered into an agreement with a single vendor to provide routine maintenance services for its fleet. This agreement, with the Penske Corporation, is for an amount not to exceed $16.0 million per year. Accident Costs Accident repair costs involve actual payments for County vehicle repairs involved in accidents and, in many instances, the repair costs are not covered by the contracts discussed above. Many of the accidents cost the department additional amounts that vary year-to-year. Complete and verifiable cost information was not readily available from the departments for this audit. However, the table on the next page shows the numbers of accidents as reported by the individual departments. Table 9 Reported Vehicle Accidents in the Four Largest Vehicle Usage Departments FY 2005-06 through March 2008 Ratio of Number of Number of Department Accidents to Number of Accidents* Vehicles** Sheriff’s Department 849 16.0% Public Works Department 747 40.2% Fire Department 132 9.9% Internal Services Department 124 12.8% Total 1,852 – Sources: Los Angeles County Departments * Data is for FY 2005-06 to FY 2007-08. The data for FY 2007-08 is year to date and does not contain the entire year. ** The number of vehicles is based on the totals received from the Auditor-Controller’s Fixed Asset database. The Sheriff’s Department can expect accidents due to vehicle pursuits and other patrol activities, and has implemented several policies and procedures to ensure that accidents are kept to a minimum and thoroughly reviewed. Further, the Risk Management Branch of the County Executive’s Office works with departments by providing “technical support (consultations, training, surveys, etc.)6” to reduce costs associated with vehicle liability. The County Executive Office continues to work with departments to keep accidents to a minimum and thus reduce claim costs and accident repair costs. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the managers and staff from each of the departments included in this study. In virtually every instance, the departments responded to our requests for data and interviews in a timely manner, and provided access to records required to accomplish the study objectives. Even when access to certain records was delayed because of privacy concerns, Sheriff’s Department management and staff worked diligently toward obtaining the information we required for our review. This high level of cooperation permitted us to accomplish a complex study in the timeframe requested by the Civil Grand Jury, and provide recommendations that we believe will assist the departments to improve vehicle usage throughout the County. Chief Administrative Office Risk Management Annual Report, p. 21.
F8
Personnel of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) are not always qualified to assess the kind and intensity of the care required, which is roughly analogous to Medicare’s definition of “custodial care.” Among the chief determining criteria for receiving IHSS is the requirement that but for this program, the recipient would require out-of-home placement. Quoting from the County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) report entitled In-Home Supportive Services: Past, Present and Future, January 2003: “The IHSS program is based on a social model – one that relies on a social worker assessment rather than assessment based on medical criteria. As such, caregivers are not medical personnel, nor are the social workers and, obviously, the consumer… “Quality of care is dependent on the caregivers qualifications and job satisfaction and how accurately the social worker’s assessment of the consumer’s need comports with the consumer’s actual supportive service needs.” Recipient need assessments have a significant subjective component, influenced by the personal bias of the social worker, personality interactions, and the innate desire to be charitable. DPSS also realizes that the initial assessment home visit, reassessment visits and scheduled visits are sometimes stage-managed in order to draw the maximum benefit of the program. The attempted reassessment via repeated random visits, to a supposedly housebound recipient who is never home, should be a cause for concern.
F9
As an alternative to personalized, in-home care, electronic home monitoring could be made available for those recipients who neither want nor require personal contact.
F10
Providers of in-home care complain that they are not getting paid by the recipients of in-home care. Conversely, recipients complain that the providers are not providing the level and/or quality of care for which they are being paid from IHSS funds. In some cases, time cards have been forged or altered.
F11
Initial fraud referrals are supposed to be sent to DPSS headquarters. However, in some cases, DPSS employees attempting to report suspected IHSS fraud have been met with responses ranging from apathetic to hostile on the part of district office supervisors and managers. Reports of suspected fraud, forwarded to DPSS headquarters, are not followed up on with the employees who initiated the reports; in essence, a lack of feedback. Senate Bill (SB) 1104 grants jurisdiction for IHSS fraud investigations to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), formerly known as the Department of Health Services. Specific provisions contained in SB 1104 created fraud detection and quality assurance protocols, adherence to which is not optional.
F12
An Affidavit of Support, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-864, must be submitted by those who are sponsoring foreign nationals under the family- based immigration system. Furthermore, the Affidavit of Support is required in certain employment-based immigration situations. Section 213a of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Title 8 CFRs) creates a legally enforceable contract between the sponsor(s) and the foreign national. The Act also creates a legally enforceable contract between the sponsor(s) and the federal agency or any state agency which may provide means-tested public benefits to the sponsored immigrant. Implemented in 1996 to ensure that foreigners do not become public charges after admittance to the U.S.A., the Affidavit of Support requirement must be satisfied in order for many foreigners to ultimately obtain legal permanent residence. The Affidavit of Support terminates once the sponsored immigrant “naturalizes” or when credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work as defined by the Social Security Act. Form I-864 and I- 864A data may be disclosed to other federal, state and local agencies providing means- tested public benefits for use in any civil action against the sponsor(s) for breach of contract. Social Security numbers may be verified with the Social Security Administration. It may also be disclosed as a matter of routine use to other federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies to enable these entities to carry out their law enforcement responsibilities.
F13
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low- income working individuals and families. It is not a tax rebate, but rather a federal subsidy. In addition, the EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits; the EITC will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, Food Stamps, Section 8 housing or most payments of temporary assistance for needy families. The EITC is based on a past and an anticipated calendar year of income. Applicants must file a federal tax return and have a valid Social Security number. Full details are contained in IRS Notice 797 and Form W-5.
F14
Although the Los Angeles County Civil Grand Jury cannot comment upon or review State of California operations, the successful and professional local administration of IHSS is dependent upon state databases. The state’s and Los Angeles County’s Department of Social Services computers and software must handshake and exchange data, primarily with the following: • State Medi-Cal Eligibility Data System (MEDS) • Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) There is no longer a demarcation between county and state functions; we live in a virtual world. Even checking a person’s federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) status requires DPSS to go through the state systems to obtain Social Security Administration data. Obviously, Los Angeles County DPSS is at the mercy, interest and competence of state agencies, particularly the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Providers and recipients of IHSS services sign and submit a biweekly timesheet which is ultimately processed by the state, the payment warrant is issued by the state, and fraud investigation is within the purview of the state. The acceptance of scrawled or absent signatures on the timesheet does not constitute good management of a multi- billion dollar program such as IHSS. Dual endorsement of the payment warrant would definitely be a good business practice.
F15
The Advance Pay feature of IHSS is reportedly abused, particularly by the recipient receiving “advance pay” for weeks and months without submitting a time card in support of that pay.
F16
A member of the 2007-2008 Civil Grand Jury, a past service provider in the IHSS program, was approached by an IHSS employee to sign up to take other recipients. All the member had to do was give the IHSS employee permission to re-use the member’s provider information, which was already in DPSS files, and periodically sign papers. For this, the member would keep one-half of each check / warrant, and yield the other half to an associate of the DPSS employee. The grand jury member was subsequently approached by someone who was not a county employee, but offering a similar scam. He told the member that “…lots of people are doing it.” Needless to say, the current grand jury member emphatically refused both offers.
F17
• The LOFT (Larkin Opportunities for Transition) is a licensed transitional-living facility designed to meet the unique needs of underage homeless and runaway youth. • The Ellis Street Apartments supply permanent housing, coupled with an array of support services, including six units specifically reserved for youth diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. • LEASE is a supportive residential program for youth who have emancipated from San Francisco’s foster care system. The program uses scattered-site apartments, and participants are linked to a range of supportive services, including employment, education, and life skills training services. • Larkin Street Youth Services serves more than 3,000 youth and young adults ages 12-23. Approximately 80% of the young people who have completed Larkin Street’s counseling programs have left street life permanently. More than 85% of graduates from Avenues to Independence, a unique transitional-living program for young adults ages 18-23, have secured and retained permanent housing and career-track employment. Of the 84 young people served by the Aftercare Program, which helps young adults ages 18-23 living with HIV/AIDS achieve self-sufficiency, 92% successfully stabilized their lives off the street.” 3) Colorado Department of Human Services, Family Unification Program (FUP) Location: State of Colorado Contact: Valerie Jenkins, Independent-Living Coordinator, Colorado Department of Human Services, 303-866-4539, valerie.jenkins@state.co.us. Target Population: Youth ages 18-21 that left foster care at age 16 or older for housing support program; youth ages 16-21 for mentoring services Purpose: Provide housing assistance and after-care services to former foster youth. Features: Housing vouchers provided to youth through Colorado’s Department of Human Services partnered with Supportive Housing and Homeless Programs. Chafee funding is used to provide aftercare services with Family Tree, Volunteers of America, and Urban Peak – non- profits that provide 18-month aftercare services to young people in this program. “Colorado has also developed a unique partnership with AmeriCorps for youth in transition. AmeriCorps members located at FUP agencies support the development of local partnerships to assist youth ages 16-21 in successfully transitioning to adulthood. Members provide comprehensive mentoring services and help youth obtain employment and educational opportunities.” 4) Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Housing Continuum Location: State of Connecticut Contact: Bill Pinto, Independent-Living Coordinator, Connecticut Department of Children and Families, 860-550-6471, william.pinto@po.state.ct.us. Target Population: Youth up to age 23 Purpose: To assist youth in transitioning to adulthood by providing support to foster youth up to age 23. Features: “Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families provides adolescents in foster care a broad continuum of housing options. Youth move from highly structured, supervised living arrangements to a transitional living program where support is provided while structure and restrictions are decreased. Part of the department’s housing continuum includes a Community Housing Assistance Program, which provides youth with a subsidy to cover living expenses such as rent, food, utilities, telephone, transportation, and clothing. Youth are required to complete the department’s life skills program, be employed and enrolled in an educational or vocational program, and contribute a portion of their income toward expenses and a savings account. The average length of stay in this program is two years. Connecticut allows youth to remain in foster care up to age 23 if enrolled in post-secondary education.” 5) Illinois Dept. of Children and Families, Youth Housing Assistance Program Location: State of Illinois Contact: Ted Ernst, Youth Housing Assistance Coordinator, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, 312-814-5571, Ternst@idcfs.state.il.us Target Population: Youth who have aged out or are preparing to age out of the foster care system; youth age 17-20 are eligible for housing advocacy services and youth 18-21 for cash assistance services Purpose: Provide housing assistance to youth at risk of becoming homeless who have aged out or are preparing to exit from the foster care system. Features: “Housing advocacy services include assisting youth in obtaining and maintaining stable housing, providing consumer education and budget counseling, linking youth to community-based resources, and follow-up services for a minimum of three months after youth secure housing. Cash assistance services are available to help newly emancipated foster youth or former foster youth before their 21st birthdays when in crisis. Cash assistance may be used for housing and utility deposits, emergency rental assistance, temporary rental subsidies, and necessary furniture or appliances. Sixteen housing advocates throughout the state help youth locate, secure, and maintain affordable housing. Illinois uses 30% of its Chafee funding for room and board services for youth ages of 18-21.” 6) Lighthouse Youth Services Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Contact: Mark Kroner, Director of Self Sufficiency Services, Lighthouse Youth Services, 513- 487-7130, mkroner@lys.org. Target Population: Independent Living Program targets foster youth and juvenile offenders ages 16-19. Transitional Living Program targets homeless youth ages 18-25. Purpose: “Lighthouse is committed to continuously educating public systems about the importance of giving youth opportunities to live on their own and the need for affordable housing at discharge.” Features: “Lighthouse Youth Services prevents youth in child welfare from becoming homeless and prevents young adults in the adult shelter system from remaining homeless through Independent Living and Transitional Living Programs. In 1981, Lighthouse developed a semi- supervised scattered-site apartment model based on the philosophy that young people learn best by doing and that youth should have opportunities to live on their own and develop self- sufficiency skills before discharge from care. The agency has served more than 1,000 youth in its model and averages around 80 youth a day living in their own apartments.” 7) New York City, Section 8 Priority Code Location: New York City Contact: Nancy Martinez, Independent Living Coordinator, New York State Office of Children and Family Services, 518-474-9586, nancy.martinez@dfa.state.ny.us Target Population: Youth aging out of the foster care system Purpose: Provide housing support for youth aging out of the foster care system, with some housing units set aside for those with mental health needs. The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and the Office of Housing Policy and Development (HPAD), in cooperation with the New York City Housing Authority provide this program. Features: “This program provides Section 8 vouchers or public housing units to qualified current and former ACS Independent Living clients. As of December 2002, more than 1,700 youth had utilized this program. ACS and HPAD, in conjunction with other private not-for- profit housing developers, continue to support the development of supportive housing for young people aging out of the system. Currently, at least 25 ACS Independent Living clients reside in a permanent supportive housing program by using their Section 8 vouchers, accessed through the Independent Living Priority Code Program. In February 2003, five units of permanent supportive housing were made available to former Independent Living clients with mental health needs.” 8) New Jersey Community Housing Demonstration Program, Shared Living Residence Rental Housing Program Location: State of New Jersey Contact: Bruce Blumenthal, New Jersey Mortgage Finance Agency, 609-278-7449, Bblumenthal@njhmfa.state.nj.us Target Population: “Eligible clients include persons with specials needs over age 18 and adolescents who are referred in writing by the New Jersey Department of Human Services or other DHS-approved sponsors.” Purpose: “The program assists persons with special needs to live independently within the communities of their choice by expanding the supply of affordable and quality housing.” Features: “The New Jersey Community Housing Demonstration Program (NJCHDP) is a partnership between the Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Mortgage Finance Agency (NJMFA). The NJCHDP Shared Living Residence Rental Housing Program provides financing to non-profits, for-profit developers, and municipalities for the acquisition of land and buildings, new construction, or the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings as transitional or permanent rental units for persons with special needs. The entire community residence or a portion of the units (as determined by the appropriate division of the New Jersey Department of Human Services) can be set aside for these individuals.” PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL/JOB TRAINING/EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT 1) Education and Training Vouchers Program Location: Federal nationwide program Contact: Dottie Ansell, National Resource Center for Youth Development, University of Oklahoma, College of Continuing Education; 918-660-3700; dansell@ou.edu. Target Population: Youth aging out of the child welfare system Purpose: Provide educational assistance to former foster youth in need Features: “Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds pay for the cost of attending institutions of higher learning. The vouchers cannot exceed $5,000 per year or the actual incurred cost of attendance at the institution. Cost of attendance includes tuition, room and board, and other costs associated with participating in the educational or vocational training program. The ETV Program is federally funded through the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendment of 2001, which expanded the John H. Chafee Independence Program to include these funds for educational/vocational assistance. Most vouchers are administered through the state’s Independent Living/Chafee program. Some states have contracted with the Orphan Foundation of America to administer their ETV programs.” 2) Los Angeles Infrastructure Academy Location: Los Angeles, CA Contact: http://www.infrastructureacademy.org/index-1.html Target Population: High school juniors and seniors Purpose: Their mission is “to build a pipeline of diverse, well-qualified, young people to enter the Civil Infrastructure field and place them into careers.” It also helps high school students prepare for a well-paying job that leads to a meaningful career with growth opportunities. In addition, the program should keep kids off the streets and out of gangs. It is scheduled to begin in May 2008. This program was developed by the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the LA Department of Water and Power. Features: “The LA Infrastructure Academy program will consist of a selective, two-year program for young people interested in pursuing a career in civil infrastructure. Students will apply in the second half of their sophomore year of high school and will begin the program in the summer between their sophomore and junior years. The LA Infrastructure Academy will work with students through the employers’ application process and will support them on an ongoing basis during and after the program. Mentoring will be a critical component throughout the entire student-alumni life cycle.” Technical training, hands-on training, leadership training and community services projects are all part of the junior and senior year program. Students participate at least two days per week after school and two Saturdays per month. In addition, paid summer internships, employment assistance, and even college application assistance are made available. 3) Guardian Scholars Program Location: California State University, Fullerton Contact: California State University, Fullerton, Guardian Scholars Program, PO Box 6828 C- 120, Fullerton CA 92834-6828; 714-278-4900; www.fullerton.edu/guardianscholars Target Population: Former foster youth aspiring to attend a 4-year university Purpose: Provide former foster youth the opportunity to attend and graduate from Cal State Fullerton without the fear of running out of money or accumulating sizeable debt. Features: “The innovative Guardian Scholars Program admits several students each semester to California State University. Each scholar receives full tuition and funding for textbooks, supplies, and annual fees. Additionally, the program offers assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid forms; an orientation to university life; year round, on-campus housing and on-campus student employment; one-on-one counseling, academic advising, peer mentoring, and faculty mentoring; a drop-in study center; assistance with off-campus employment in the young person’s career field; and post-graduation career planning.” The program supports 10 new students each year for five years each. Fifty students are in the program at any given time. 4) UPS School-to-Career Partnerships Location: Maryland; Hartford, Connecticut; New York, New York; Oakland, California; Portland, Maine; Providence, Rhode Island; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California. Contact: Mark Giuffre; 502-329-3060; www.community.ups.com/education/school.html. Target Population: Disadvantaged young adults, with recent emphasis on recruiting former foster youth Purpose: To provide career opportunities to disadvantaged youth. “The long-term goal of the UPS Partnership is to establish a best-practices workforce development system that will be expanded in the current service area and replicated with committed employers in other communities nationwide.” Features: “The United Parcel Service (UPS) School-to-Career Partnership for youth is a community-based initiative engaging disadvantaged young adults in a work and learning experience at UPS, Marriott, Bank of America, and other employers to expand their opportunities for career and academic success. The UPS Partnership is a collaborative effort involving the facilitator and funders, employers, referral agencies, and transportation providers. Through UPS, colleges and non-profit agencies collaborate to create programs tailored to the unique educational and employment needs of each community. Some programs work with four- year colleges, while others work with community colleges and technical assistance and trade schools.” 5) San Diego Workforce Partnership, School-To-Career Intermediary Team Location: San Diego, California Contact: School-to-Career Intermediary System, San Diego Workforce Partnership Inc., 3910 University Avenue, Ste. 400, San Diego CA 92105; 866-YCN-SDWP (926-7397), 619-744- 0318; internship@workforce.org, http://sdyouth.sandiegoatwork.com Target Population: Youth Purpose: To provide career support for youth Features: “The Youth Connect Network’s School-to-Career Intermediary System links businesses with students to create rich work-based learning experiences, including job fairs, internships, job shadowing, company tours, and mentoring. This collaboration between local schools and businesses helps create pathways to postsecondary education and career development. The intermediary system is a partnership among the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the San Diego County Office of Education, local school districts, regional community college districts, regional chambers of commerce, business leaders, and other community-based organizations.” APPENDIX B: TAY Survey A survey was developed and distributed to a sample of youth in DCFS and Probation, and My Friend’s Place (a drop-in center for homeless youth in Los Angeles) to get their perspective on the services and programs available to them. They were also encouraged to give comments and suggestions for new, needed programs. A total of 205 TAY participated in the survey. Approximately two-thirds of the survey participants are or were from DCFS and one-third from Probation. The survey participants were asked to rate TAY services and programs by indicating their degree of agreement with a series of statements concerning: • Education • Workforce Readiness • Life Skills • Housing • Transportation • Legal Assistance • Physical Health • Social and Emotional Wellbeing Exhibit D displays the findings for all categories using a rating scale of 1-4 to measure response averages. Exhibit D: TAY Service and Program Ratings AGREE – 4 SOMEWHAT AGREE – 3 SOMEWHAT DISAGREE – 2 DISAGREE – 1 Rating Average Survey Statement 20 or 16-17 18-19 Overall older EDUCATION I am receiving the education I want. 3.3 3.6 3.3 3.4 I get the assistance I need to succeed in school. 3.2 3.6 3.3 3.4 I get both educational and vocational information and choices. 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.3 I have received good educational guidance. 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.5 I am receiving support and advice for educational options beyond high school. 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Rating Average Survey Statement 20 or 16-17 18-19 Overall older WORKFORCE READINESS I have the job skills, knowledge and experience to get a good job. 3.1 3.4 3.5 3.3 I have a career/employment plan for the next 2 – 5 years. 2.7 3.2 3.2 3.0 I know what services are available to help me get a job. 3.2 3.5 3.6 3.4 LIFE SKILLS I have enough savings to live independently. 1.6 1.9 2.0 1.9 I feel I can manage my money. 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.2 I know how to budget my money for groceries, etc. 3.1 3.4 3.5 3.4 I know how to access public assistance programs if I need them. 2.9 3.5 3.6 3.3 I am aware of free public programs (library, recreational centers, etc). 3.4 3.7 3.8 3.6 I know how to register to vote. 2.5 1.9 3.6 3.2 HOUSING I am aware of rental costs. 2.9 3.6 3.7 3.4 I feel I can cover the housing costs (furniture, equipment, utilities, etc.) of living 2.3 2.4 2.6 2.4 independently. I know how to get rental assistance. 2.5 3.0 3.1 2.8 TRANSPORTATION I can get to work on time. 3.6 3.7 3.9 3.7 I know how to use public transportation. 3.7 3.8 4.0 3.8 LEGAL ASSISTANCE I know how to get legal help if I need it. 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.2 I have access to a lawyer. 2.7 2.6 2.7 2.6 I understand my rights if I have a problem with the law. 3.3 3.1 3.2 3.2 PHYSICAL HEALTH I am in good physical health (dental, vision, hearing etc.). 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.6 I am strong and in good shape. 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.5 I know how to access health care (insurance, free clinics, etc.). 3.0 3.5 3.6 3.4 I know how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. 3.8 3.9 3.9 3.9 SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING I have friends and/or family members who are supportive. 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.6 I know how to access community based support groups (church, counselors, etc.). 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.6 I am able to live independently. 3.3 3.1 3.3 3.2 I know how/who to ask for help if I have trouble living independently. 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Education Survey participants agree to some degree that they are receiving the education that they want (3.4) and are getting the assistance (3.4), information and choices (3.3) guidance (3.5), and support and advice (3.5) necessary for educational success. Workforce Readiness Survey participants agree to some degree that they have the job skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to get a job (3.3), have a 2- to 5-year employment plan (3.0), and know what services are available to help them in their job search (3.4). Participants who identified themselves as 16- or 17-year-olds indicated ratings a lower than the older age groups. This difference might be related to the possibility that not as many 16- and 17-year-olds have jobs. Life Skills Survey participants agree to some degree that they are aware of free public programs (3.6), and know how to manage money (3.2), budget (3.4), access public assistance programs (3.3), and register to vote (3.2). Participants who identified themselves as 16- or 17-year-olds are somewhat less self-assure in their life skills. With the lowest rating on the survey, survey participants somewhat disagree that they have enough savings to live independently, emphasizing a disconnect between knowledge of and success in applying life skills. Housing Survey participants agree to some degree that they aware of rental costs and those participants who are 18 and older agree somewhat that they know how to get rental assistance. 16- and 17- year-olds are less aware and participants somewhat disagree that they feel they can afford housing costs, calling attention to the lack of affordable housing in the Los Angeles area and the need for more TAY assistance in this area. Transportation Survey participants agree that they can get to work on time (3.7) and know how to use public transportation (3.8). Legal Assistance Survey participants agree somewhat that they know how to get legal help (3.2) and understand their legal rights (3.2); they are less sure (2.6) that they can access a lawyer. Physical Health Survey participants agree to some degree that they are in good physical shape (3.6), strong (3.5), know how to access health care (3.4) and prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy (3.9). Social and Emotional Well-being Survey participants agree to some degree that they have family or friends that are supportive (3.6), know how to access community based groups (3.6), are able to live independently (3.2), and know how and who to ask for help if they are having trouble living independently (3.5). Additional Comments Forty seven additional comments or suggestions were received. Approximately 20% of the respondents made positive comments about their experiences, many expressing their gratitude, with TAY services and programs. The rest of the respondents commented negatively or gave suggestions for improvements. The respondents’ negative comments or suggestions in order of frequency were concerns about housing, the social worker or system, jobs/income/budgeting, quality of instruction or support, educational support and access to health care. APPENDIX C: DMH TAY Programs 5.1) Transition Age Youth Full Service Partnerships (TAY FSP) Program Description: An intensive Mental Health Services and supports program for not served, underserved, and inappropriately served SED/SPMI (Serious Emotional Disturbance/Severely and Persistently Mentally Ill) TAY based on use of effective and innovative approaches focused on achieving recommended outcomes: a) Meaningful use of time and capabilities (employment, vocational, educational, social, and community activities; b) Safe and adequate housing and living environments and reduction in homelessness; c) A network of supportive relationships; d) Timely access to needed help, including in times of crisis; d) Reduction in incarceration in jails and juvenile halls; e) Reduction in involuntary services, reduction in institutionalization, and reduction in out of home placements; f) Maintaining or improving physical health; g) Reduction in early pregnancy; and h) Completion of high school diploma or GED. An individualized comprehensive services and supports plan, in partnership with an FSP team, is developed for each youth focusing on recovery and resiliency/wellness. A case manager is available 24/7 to respond to clients needs (this is a critical service and support component). An array of services and supports are provided including clinical interventions, linkages and referrals, housing assistance (rental subsidies, eviction assistance), benefits establishment, money management, leisure activities and planning, vocational training, job assistance, or anything else the youth or family needs to better function. Misc. Information: This program enrolled the first client in December 2006. DMH states that available MHSA funding is currently not sufficient to provide FSP services to all SED/SPMI TAY who otherwise qualify and might benefit from them. Funding: This program is funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Total funding is $19,668,660 annually and includes EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment) funding and Medi-Cal. Of this, approximately 40% ($7.9 million) is targeted towards youth aging out of DCFS and Probation. Target Population/Potential clientele: This program serves 16-25 year olds in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems (system) as well as those outside the system. The $7.9 million targets youth currently in DCFS/Probation, youth aging out of the system, and youth formerly in the system. The balance of funding is for youth who are homeless or currently at risk of homelessness, are aging out of the child mental health system, leaving long-term institutional care (e.g. an Institution of Mental Disease or State Hospitals), and youth experiencing their first psychotic break. Program capacity: This program provides 1122 slots for 16-25 year olds for all of L.A. County ($17,530 per slot). Due to natural “slot-turnover” during the fiscal year, one slot usually serves more than one person. Clients served (since program inception): 1113 have been authorized (slot-turnover); 898 clients currently authorized to receive TAY FSP Services Evaluation Process: Program success is measured through the State and County approved Outcome Measures Application (OMA). Upon enrollment in an FSP program, a baseline assessment is completed by the provider agency. Subsequent updates are completed quarterly (minimally), and when there is a change in a “key event.” The OMA is an electronic-based application. 5.2) TAY Drop-In Centers Program Description: Drop-In Centers are intended as entry points into the mental health system for SED/SPMI TAY who are living on the street or in unstable living situations. Drop-In Centers provide “low-demand, high tolerance” environments in which youth can find temporary safety and basic supports (e.g. showers, meals, clothing, referrals, linkage to services, vouchers, counseling, etc.). TAY accessing Drop-In Centers have an opportunity to build trusting relationships with staff persons who can, as the youth is ready and willing, connect them to the services and supports they need in order to work toward stability and recovery. Existing Drop-In Centers operate during regular daytime hours. MHSA funding is made available to extend hours of operation to evenings and weekends for the primary purpose of ensuring access to these vital services and supports Misc. Information: In March 2008 The Board of Supervisors approved funding for three Drop- In Centers in FY 2007-08, and two in FY 08-09. Funding: Private funding is raised by the centers for the bulk of their operations. MHSA funds are used to extend the hours of operation to evenings and weekends: $250,000 annually for each of two centers. Target Population/Potential clientele: TAY who are diagnosed SED/SPMI and living on the streets or in otherwise unstable living environments. According to DMH many of the youth accessing Drop-In Centers are current or former foster or probation youth. Program capacity: Currently two centers will be fully funded for extended hours of operation in the 2008-09 FY. If additional funding becomes available, DMH would be able to increase support of Drop-In Centers in other areas of the county. Their goal is to provide at least one center in each of the eight SPAs (Service Provider Areas). Clients served: Not available. Note: Youth accessing Drop-In Centers are not required to disclose their legal status to access services. Once trust is established, the youth may decide to disclose that information. This is an example of “low-demand, high tolerance.” Evaluation Process: Information available to DMH indicates that the Drop-In Center programs awarded MHSA funding have established records of providing effective services and successfully engaging, often difficult to reach youth in accessing their available services and supports. DMH TAY Division is developing a Drop-In Center evaluation tool to measure the success of the program in achieving the outcomes for TAY as identified in the CSS Plan. (See 5.1 above) 5.3) TAY Housing Services Program Description: This program provides the following. • Enhanced Emergency Shelter Program for TAY (EESP) $605,000 per year. This program provides temporary shelter for SED/SPMI TAY ages 18-25 in a supportive housing environment for up to 29 nights while pursuing the long-term goal of secure and permanent housing. Program offers semi-private rooms, hygiene facilities, hot meals, case management, referrals and linkage services to SED/SPMI TAY who have no other resources to pay for shelter. There is one shelter that is licensed (6-beds) to serve 16-17 years old. DMH TAY Division is working with DCFS Command Post Unit to develop protocols for access for DCFS clients. • Project-Based Operating Subsidies for Permanent Housing $390,000 per year. This program provides a unit-based housing subsidy (not an individual rental subsidy). This program is currently under development. When implemented it is estimated that approximately 83 units of affordable housing will be available to SED/SPMI TAY who are capable of living independently in the community in their own apartment/unit. • Housing Specialists, one per SPA, Total funding $575,000 per year. Housing specialists assist youth with finding, securing and retaining housing by providing individualized services including accompanying youth on housing search, advocating with landlord, and assistance completing application forms. Misc. Information: The EESP Program was approved by the Board of Supervisors on March 18,
Recommendations 23
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R1The Sheriff should impose a limit of $500 on the total amount of money an inmate has in his or her account at any given time. If the inmate is booked into custody with a sum greater than $500 in his or her possession, the inmate should be required to draw down on the amount until it falls below $500 before any deposits from outside third parties are accepted.
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R2The Sheriff should discontinue and prohibit the practice of allowing an inmate to authorize the release of funds to outside third parties, except for money that was in the inmate’s possession at the time of booking. All money deposited by outside third parties to inmate accounts should only be for use by inmates in purchasing phone cards and items from the jail store.
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R3The Sheriff should implement procedures requiring cashier staff to request valid identification from outside third parties making deposits to an inmate’s account, unless the amount is less than a pre-determined nominal sum, such as $100.
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R4DCFS, Probation, and DMH should develop a multi-faceted organizational plan including a comprehensive mentoring program that increases each child’s level of trust of the system. At a minimum, we believe the following changes should be considered: 4a) A suitable overlap of mentors should be built into the program to ease a child’s transition to the new mentor. 4b) The training provided to foster families and group home staff should be increased and should include ongoing evaluation, continuous training, and recertification. 4c) The interagency teams should be trained in team building skills to ensure they can make effective group decisions and are able to connect effectively with each child. 4d) Two-way communication with the children should be the norm and to the extent possible the children should be involved in key decisions affecting them. EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR TAY Youth entering the Probation and Juvenile Hall schools administered by LACOE are given a test to determine their academic level of functioning. During visits to these schools, the CGJ learned from teachers, administrators and observation that students are, on average, one to three years below grade level. In spite of numerous requests, the CGJ could not get data from LACOE substantiating the reported one to three year grade level lag of the students entering their camp and hall classrooms. The State of California requires a core of 140 units for high school graduation leaving the additional coursework to be determined by school districts. Los Angeles Unified School District requires the completion of 230 units for graduation. There program calls for 150 core units leaving 80 units for supplementing core units and electives. Students may request their own transcripts from their schools before scheduling their classes. DCFS, DMH, and Probation acting in loco parentis when parents relinquish or abdicate educational rights, are responsible for guiding the educational choices of their charges. There is latitude within the system to customize high school programs to meet the individual needs of students. We have identified the following specific improvements based on our research, discussion with officials, and feedback from TAY.
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R5The directors of DCFS, Probation, DMH, and LACOE should design and implement jointly a curriculum that addresses practical educational skills for all children to better prepare them for independence. 5a) All programs should contain an identified minimum level of understanding on the part of the recipients before the program is considered delivered. 5b) Enhanced study skills and courses on practical living skills should be part of the curriculum of juvenile halls and camps. DCFS should include such courses in the schedules of students attending public schools whenever possible. 5c) Foster children should be encouraged to participate in music, art, and other nonacademic programs. Probation should seek volunteers to provide these services in juvenile halls and camps. 5d) Probation camps and halls should provide vocational training for all detainees utilizing ROP services when possible. DCFS should encourage TAY to enroll in experiential, vocational, and ROP courses. 5e) Probation and DCFS should develop additional apprentice, job training and part-time job programs with all levels of government and business to provide more practical work experience for TAY. 5f) Probation and DCFS should invite representatives from organizations such as the Forestry Service and various branches of the U.S. military to make presentations to youth that fully describe their educational opportunities and obligations. 5i) DCFS and Probation should develop significant incentives and rewards to encourage their wards to obtain high school graduation, or a GED, and high scholastic achievement. POST-EMANCIPATION TAY While 18 may be the age of majority, in our view a large percentage of 18 to 25 year olds currently leaving the system do not have the experience, education, maturity or means to thrive without the emotional and financial support of a family. The financial dimension is particularly difficult in Los Angeles where the cost of living is high and accommodation costs are typically double the national average. The following recommendations will help to mitigate the lack of “a safety net” that most families provide to their 18 to 25 year olds:
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R6Under the leadership of the Deputy CEO, DCFS, Probation, DPSS, and DMH, improved programs should be provided to youth 18 – 25 who have left the system. 6a) Either through the development of affordable housing supply and/or direct subsidy, all post transition youth should have access to good quality housing at a reasonable rate. 6b) A wider range of educational supports should be made available to post transition youth including tuition, room & board, books, and other expenses required when they attend school. 6c) Independent living supports should be provided such as health care insurance, transportation assistance, food vouchers, auto insurance subsidies, clothing allowances, and access to community-based support groups. The cost of these services should be partially borne by the post- transition youth based on an income means criterion to be developed by the departments. SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS The development of a comprehensive and integrated information system was the most frequently mentioned requirement for improvement by County officials during the Entrance Conference. This requirement, and the need to deal with confidentiality rules to allow information sharing, was raised by last year’s CGJ and the ECC Blueprint. There is no doubt that this will be a costly exercise but the need is as obvious as the need for leadership to ensure the development of a comprehensive system. Our concern is that without comprehensive and integrated information systems, optimal decisions in the best interest of the child are unlikely. During this investigation it was clear that while evidence-based reviews are the mantra, in many programs there were not regular and systematic output-oriented evaluations. According to DCFS and Probation officials, many youth chose not to engage in TAY programs. We understand that teenagers can be difficult but at a minimum the evaluations of each program should include input from all youth to understand why some are not participating. There is evidence that the programs are not getting the results hoped for: - there are high incarceration rates of former system children - there is a high homeless rate - there are high pregnancy rates Conceptually, all of the programs and the resources expended on them are to have a positive impact on this population. Without follow-up data on the children, the evaluation of the real results of a program is not possible. We recognize that once a child leaves the system they are under no legal or other obligation to stay in touch and provide information on how they are doing. The departments need to stop thinking of this as an impassable roadblock and explore ways to obtain high quality follow-up information on former TAY.
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R7Under the leadership of the Deputy CEO, DCFS, Probation, and DMH, in consultation with LACOE and other school districts, should develop a plan and a timetable for a comprehensive information system to capture all records on all children in the system. The plan should include: cost estimates to develop and operate the system, a proposal for funding, and a timetable for implementation. Progress on development and implementation should be reported every four months to the Board of Supervisors. In order to facilitate the evaluation of the effectiveness of programs and future programs and policy initiatives: 7a) The new information system should be designed to allow for the tracking of all children once they leave the system. 7b) Appropriate incentives and commitments should be developed to encourage former TAY to remain in contact with the system to facilitate the gathering of information on them. 7c) Until data on former TAY is available routinely, the departments should pursue sampling and other survey methods to gain an understanding of the real results of TAY programs. 7d) Until the new information system is implemented, Probation should have access to all of DCFS’s data systems to help their staff track their youth and improve their services.
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R08As such, the department is in the process of issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a vendor to provide routine maintenance services. The current contract does not contain a maximum amount and the department indicated that the new agreement will also not contain such provisions. The Internal Services Department should consider a contract structure more similar to those that have been entered into by other departments and contain a maximum amount. • The Department of Public Works has entered into agreements for routine vehicle maintenance services with 76 vendors. These contracts contain provisions that cap the total expenditures by the department at a maximum amount of $1.5 million. The department expended the maximum amount for routine maintenance in FY 2006-07 and is expected to expend the maximum amount in FY 2007-08. • The Fire Department has entered into agreements with a total of 82 vendors to provide routine vehicle maintenance services for the department for a maximum amount of $3.5 million per year. The actual expenditures for services received through these agreements are the maximum of $3.5 million. • The Sheriff’s Department recently entered into an agreement with a single vendor to provide routine maintenance services for its fleet. This agreement, with the Penske Corporation, is for an amount not to exceed $16.0 million per year. Accident Costs Accident repair costs involve actual payments for County vehicle repairs involved in accidents and, in many instances, the repair costs are not covered by the contracts discussed above. Many of the accidents cost the department additional amounts that vary year-to-year. Complete and verifiable cost information was not readily available from the departments for this audit. However, the table on the next page shows the numbers of accidents as reported by the individual departments. Table 9 Reported Vehicle Accidents in the Four Largest Vehicle Usage Departments FY 2005-06 through March 2008 Ratio of Number of Number of Department Accidents to Number of Accidents* Vehicles** Sheriff’s Department 849 16.0% Public Works Department 747 40.2% Fire Department 132 9.9% Internal Services Department 124 12.8% Total 1,852 – Sources: Los Angeles County Departments * Data is for FY 2005-06 to FY 2007-08. The data for FY 2007-08 is year to date and does not contain the entire year. ** The number of vehicles is based on the totals received from the Auditor-Controller’s Fixed Asset database. The Sheriff’s Department can expect accidents due to vehicle pursuits and other patrol activities, and has implemented several policies and procedures to ensure that accidents are kept to a minimum and thoroughly reviewed. Further, the Risk Management Branch of the County Executive’s Office works with departments by providing “technical support (consultations, training, surveys, etc.)6” to reduce costs associated with vehicle liability. The County Executive Office continues to work with departments to keep accidents to a minimum and thus reduce claim costs and accident repair costs. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the managers and staff from each of the departments included in this study. In virtually every instance, the departments responded to our requests for data and interviews in a timely manner, and provided access to records required to accomplish the study objectives. Even when access to certain records was delayed because of privacy concerns, Sheriff’s Department management and staff worked diligently toward obtaining the information we required for our review. This high level of cooperation permitted us to accomplish a complex study in the timeframe requested by the Civil Grand Jury, and provide recommendations that we believe will assist the departments to improve vehicle usage throughout the County. Chief Administrative Office Risk Management Annual Report, p. 21.
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R8Continued training is necessary for DPSS employees dealing with IHSS eligibility and fraud detection, based on the best practices recommended by CWDA and the involved state and county agencies. Also, since the need for repeated in-home visits is demoralizing to the social worker, for which no amount of training will compensate, the social worker should be given the authority to “notice” a recipient to schedule an assessment visit on a certain date, under penalty of payment cutoff.
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R9DPSS should consider electronic monitoring as an alternative to a human provider for in-home care. The electronic monitoring systems do not provide “care” as such, but do avoid the need of a little-known provider visiting the home or abode. A half dozen such systems are now on the market. In addition, the Center for Aging Services Technologies in Washington, D.C., as well as the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland are excellent sources of further information.
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R10Payment vouchers to IHSS service providers should be made payable to both the recipient of the care and the provider, thus requiring an endorsement from each before the check can be cashed. This safeguard would curtail some of the fraud that is occurring.
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R11DPSS must follow the fraud reporting protocols required by the language of SB 1104. Also, in the interests of good management and employee morale, DPSS must provide feedback on fraud investigations to the initiating employee. Claims and excuses that the Department of Health Care Services isn’t providing feedback to DPSS are weak; DPSS senior management must insist on this information in a periodic and timely manner.
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R12DPSS should review applicants for IHSS as to whether they are a sponsored immigrant under Section 213a of the Act. If so, their sponsor(s) or co-sponsor(s) should be sought to provide the financial support for the applicant. This recommendation has nothing to do with illegal immigrants or illegal immigration.
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R13Since the income cap for receiving EITC in CY 2008 approaches $37,000, it is recommended that an applicant for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) be asked if he or she has received an EITC last calendar year and is receiving one in the immediate calendar year. If so, note should be made, in the application for IHSS, of the amounts received or to be received in each year. A person receiving the EITC should not be denied eligibility for IHSS, but the amounts received in that credit should be factored into the amount of IHSS services paid for by the recipient, by means of a formula which could be changed yearly.
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R14As well as capturing the fingerprints of both the recipient and provider during the intake / application process, as recommended elsewhere, DPSS should require a fingerprint of both the recipient and the provider on each time card, perhaps even in lieu of a signature.
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R15DPSS should enforce the requirement that bi-weekly/monthly time cards be submitted. If time cards are not received within ten (10) business days of when due, further payment warrants or direct deposits should be terminated. Direct deposit accounts should be checked quarterly to ascertain their balance. If the balance is substantial (>$5,000), it may indicate the need for an eligibility review.
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R16The Department of Social Services should implement the recommended security measures in this report. DPSS needs to validate program providers and recipients more aggressively, by knowing who they are to a certainty (photo and fingerprints), their actual and purported participation in the program, and the exposure of bogus providers and recipients. Reference is also made to the 1998-1999 Civil Grand Jury Final Report that recommended methods to detect and prevent attempted employee fraud, particularly the section on Internal Affairs Investigations, pages 141-152. The IHSS program is not supposed to be a cottage industry for scam artists, especially those embedded within the ranks of DPSS itself. EXPENDITURES TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECIPIENTS OF IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) BY FEDERAL, STATE AND LOS ANGELES COUNTY GOVERNMENT Time Frame No. of Recipients Federal State L.A. County TOTAL 2003-04 FY Actual 140,000 $ 12,000,000 $ 139,000,000 $ 79,000,000 $ 230,000,000 2004-05 FY Actual 145,000 $ 21,000,000 $ 181,000,000 $ 58,000,000 $ 260,000,000 2005-06 FY Actual 152,000 $ 27,000,000 $ 226,000,000 $ 37,000,000 $ 290,000,000 2006-07 FY Actual 160,000 $ 42,000,000 $ 229,000,000 $ 76,000,000 $ 347,000,000 2007-08 FY Budget 380,000* $ 46,000,000† $ 272,000,000† $ 65,000,000† $ 383,000,000† *statewide †budgeted †budgeted †budgeted †budgeted 2008-09 FY 400,000* Projected *statewide Source: DPSS; Legislative Analyst; County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA) See Notes which follow regarding this spreadsheet.
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R17• The LOFT (Larkin Opportunities for Transition) is a licensed transitional-living facility designed to meet the unique needs of underage homeless and runaway youth. • The Ellis Street Apartments supply permanent housing, coupled with an array of support services, including six units specifically reserved for youth diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. • LEASE is a supportive residential program for youth who have emancipated from San Francisco’s foster care system. The program uses scattered-site apartments, and participants are linked to a range of supportive services, including employment, education, and life skills training services. • Larkin Street Youth Services serves more than 3,000 youth and young adults ages 12-23. Approximately 80% of the young people who have completed Larkin Street’s counseling programs have left street life permanently. More than 85% of graduates from Avenues to Independence, a unique transitional-living program for young adults ages 18-23, have secured and retained permanent housing and career-track employment. Of the 84 young people served by the Aftercare Program, which helps young adults ages 18-23 living with HIV/AIDS achieve self-sufficiency, 92% successfully stabilized their lives off the street.” 3) Colorado Department of Human Services, Family Unification Program (FUP) Location: State of Colorado Contact: Valerie Jenkins, Independent-Living Coordinator, Colorado Department of Human Services, 303-866-4539, valerie.jenkins@state.co.us. Target Population: Youth ages 18-21 that left foster care at age 16 or older for housing support program; youth ages 16-21 for mentoring services Purpose: Provide housing assistance and after-care services to former foster youth. Features: Housing vouchers provided to youth through Colorado’s Department of Human Services partnered with Supportive Housing and Homeless Programs. Chafee funding is used to provide aftercare services with Family Tree, Volunteers of America, and Urban Peak – non- profits that provide 18-month aftercare services to young people in this program. “Colorado has also developed a unique partnership with AmeriCorps for youth in transition. AmeriCorps members located at FUP agencies support the development of local partnerships to assist youth ages 16-21 in successfully transitioning to adulthood. Members provide comprehensive mentoring services and help youth obtain employment and educational opportunities.” 4) Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Housing Continuum Location: State of Connecticut Contact: Bill Pinto, Independent-Living Coordinator, Connecticut Department of Children and Families, 860-550-6471, william.pinto@po.state.ct.us. Target Population: Youth up to age 23 Purpose: To assist youth in transitioning to adulthood by providing support to foster youth up to age 23. Features: “Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families provides adolescents in foster care a broad continuum of housing options. Youth move from highly structured, supervised living arrangements to a transitional living program where support is provided while structure and restrictions are decreased. Part of the department’s housing continuum includes a Community Housing Assistance Program, which provides youth with a subsidy to cover living expenses such as rent, food, utilities, telephone, transportation, and clothing. Youth are required to complete the department’s life skills program, be employed and enrolled in an educational or vocational program, and contribute a portion of their income toward expenses and a savings account. The average length of stay in this program is two years. Connecticut allows youth to remain in foster care up to age 23 if enrolled in post-secondary education.” 5) Illinois Dept. of Children and Families, Youth Housing Assistance Program Location: State of Illinois Contact: Ted Ernst, Youth Housing Assistance Coordinator, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, 312-814-5571, Ternst@idcfs.state.il.us Target Population: Youth who have aged out or are preparing to age out of the foster care system; youth age 17-20 are eligible for housing advocacy services and youth 18-21 for cash assistance services Purpose: Provide housing assistance to youth at risk of becoming homeless who have aged out or are preparing to exit from the foster care system. Features: “Housing advocacy services include assisting youth in obtaining and maintaining stable housing, providing consumer education and budget counseling, linking youth to community-based resources, and follow-up services for a minimum of three months after youth secure housing. Cash assistance services are available to help newly emancipated foster youth or former foster youth before their 21st birthdays when in crisis. Cash assistance may be used for housing and utility deposits, emergency rental assistance, temporary rental subsidies, and necessary furniture or appliances. Sixteen housing advocates throughout the state help youth locate, secure, and maintain affordable housing. Illinois uses 30% of its Chafee funding for room and board services for youth ages of 18-21.” 6) Lighthouse Youth Services Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Contact: Mark Kroner, Director of Self Sufficiency Services, Lighthouse Youth Services, 513- 487-7130, mkroner@lys.org. Target Population: Independent Living Program targets foster youth and juvenile offenders ages 16-19. Transitional Living Program targets homeless youth ages 18-25. Purpose: “Lighthouse is committed to continuously educating public systems about the importance of giving youth opportunities to live on their own and the need for affordable housing at discharge.” Features: “Lighthouse Youth Services prevents youth in child welfare from becoming homeless and prevents young adults in the adult shelter system from remaining homeless through Independent Living and Transitional Living Programs. In 1981, Lighthouse developed a semi- supervised scattered-site apartment model based on the philosophy that young people learn best by doing and that youth should have opportunities to live on their own and develop self- sufficiency skills before discharge from care. The agency has served more than 1,000 youth in its model and averages around 80 youth a day living in their own apartments.” 7) New York City, Section 8 Priority Code Location: New York City Contact: Nancy Martinez, Independent Living Coordinator, New York State Office of Children and Family Services, 518-474-9586, nancy.martinez@dfa.state.ny.us Target Population: Youth aging out of the foster care system Purpose: Provide housing support for youth aging out of the foster care system, with some housing units set aside for those with mental health needs. The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and the Office of Housing Policy and Development (HPAD), in cooperation with the New York City Housing Authority provide this program. Features: “This program provides Section 8 vouchers or public housing units to qualified current and former ACS Independent Living clients. As of December 2002, more than 1,700 youth had utilized this program. ACS and HPAD, in conjunction with other private not-for- profit housing developers, continue to support the development of supportive housing for young people aging out of the system. Currently, at least 25 ACS Independent Living clients reside in a permanent supportive housing program by using their Section 8 vouchers, accessed through the Independent Living Priority Code Program. In February 2003, five units of permanent supportive housing were made available to former Independent Living clients with mental health needs.” 8) New Jersey Community Housing Demonstration Program, Shared Living Residence Rental Housing Program Location: State of New Jersey Contact: Bruce Blumenthal, New Jersey Mortgage Finance Agency, 609-278-7449, Bblumenthal@njhmfa.state.nj.us Target Population: “Eligible clients include persons with specials needs over age 18 and adolescents who are referred in writing by the New Jersey Department of Human Services or other DHS-approved sponsors.” Purpose: “The program assists persons with special needs to live independently within the communities of their choice by expanding the supply of affordable and quality housing.” Features: “The New Jersey Community Housing Demonstration Program (NJCHDP) is a partnership between the Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Mortgage Finance Agency (NJMFA). The NJCHDP Shared Living Residence Rental Housing Program provides financing to non-profits, for-profit developers, and municipalities for the acquisition of land and buildings, new construction, or the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings as transitional or permanent rental units for persons with special needs. The entire community residence or a portion of the units (as determined by the appropriate division of the New Jersey Department of Human Services) can be set aside for these individuals.” PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL/JOB TRAINING/EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT 1) Education and Training Vouchers Program Location: Federal nationwide program Contact: Dottie Ansell, National Resource Center for Youth Development, University of Oklahoma, College of Continuing Education; 918-660-3700; dansell@ou.edu. Target Population: Youth aging out of the child welfare system Purpose: Provide educational assistance to former foster youth in need Features: “Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds pay for the cost of attending institutions of higher learning. The vouchers cannot exceed $5,000 per year or the actual incurred cost of attendance at the institution. Cost of attendance includes tuition, room and board, and other costs associated with participating in the educational or vocational training program. The ETV Program is federally funded through the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendment of 2001, which expanded the John H. Chafee Independence Program to include these funds for educational/vocational assistance. Most vouchers are administered through the state’s Independent Living/Chafee program. Some states have contracted with the Orphan Foundation of America to administer their ETV programs.” 2) Los Angeles Infrastructure Academy Location: Los Angeles, CA Contact: http://www.infrastructureacademy.org/index-1.html Target Population: High school juniors and seniors Purpose: Their mission is “to build a pipeline of diverse, well-qualified, young people to enter the Civil Infrastructure field and place them into careers.” It also helps high school students prepare for a well-paying job that leads to a meaningful career with growth opportunities. In addition, the program should keep kids off the streets and out of gangs. It is scheduled to begin in May 2008. This program was developed by the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the LA Department of Water and Power. Features: “The LA Infrastructure Academy program will consist of a selective, two-year program for young people interested in pursuing a career in civil infrastructure. Students will apply in the second half of their sophomore year of high school and will begin the program in the summer between their sophomore and junior years. The LA Infrastructure Academy will work with students through the employers’ application process and will support them on an ongoing basis during and after the program. Mentoring will be a critical component throughout the entire student-alumni life cycle.” Technical training, hands-on training, leadership training and community services projects are all part of the junior and senior year program. Students participate at least two days per week after school and two Saturdays per month. In addition, paid summer internships, employment assistance, and even college application assistance are made available. 3) Guardian Scholars Program Location: California State University, Fullerton Contact: California State University, Fullerton, Guardian Scholars Program, PO Box 6828 C- 120, Fullerton CA 92834-6828; 714-278-4900; www.fullerton.edu/guardianscholars Target Population: Former foster youth aspiring to attend a 4-year university Purpose: Provide former foster youth the opportunity to attend and graduate from Cal State Fullerton without the fear of running out of money or accumulating sizeable debt. Features: “The innovative Guardian Scholars Program admits several students each semester to California State University. Each scholar receives full tuition and funding for textbooks, supplies, and annual fees. Additionally, the program offers assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid forms; an orientation to university life; year round, on-campus housing and on-campus student employment; one-on-one counseling, academic advising, peer mentoring, and faculty mentoring; a drop-in study center; assistance with off-campus employment in the young person’s career field; and post-graduation career planning.” The program supports 10 new students each year for five years each. Fifty students are in the program at any given time. 4) UPS School-to-Career Partnerships Location: Maryland; Hartford, Connecticut; New York, New York; Oakland, California; Portland, Maine; Providence, Rhode Island; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, California. Contact: Mark Giuffre; 502-329-3060; www.community.ups.com/education/school.html. Target Population: Disadvantaged young adults, with recent emphasis on recruiting former foster youth Purpose: To provide career opportunities to disadvantaged youth. “The long-term goal of the UPS Partnership is to establish a best-practices workforce development system that will be expanded in the current service area and replicated with committed employers in other communities nationwide.” Features: “The United Parcel Service (UPS) School-to-Career Partnership for youth is a community-based initiative engaging disadvantaged young adults in a work and learning experience at UPS, Marriott, Bank of America, and other employers to expand their opportunities for career and academic success. The UPS Partnership is a collaborative effort involving the facilitator and funders, employers, referral agencies, and transportation providers. Through UPS, colleges and non-profit agencies collaborate to create programs tailored to the unique educational and employment needs of each community. Some programs work with four- year colleges, while others work with community colleges and technical assistance and trade schools.” 5) San Diego Workforce Partnership, School-To-Career Intermediary Team Location: San Diego, California Contact: School-to-Career Intermediary System, San Diego Workforce Partnership Inc., 3910 University Avenue, Ste. 400, San Diego CA 92105; 866-YCN-SDWP (926-7397), 619-744- 0318; internship@workforce.org, http://sdyouth.sandiegoatwork.com Target Population: Youth Purpose: To provide career support for youth Features: “The Youth Connect Network’s School-to-Career Intermediary System links businesses with students to create rich work-based learning experiences, including job fairs, internships, job shadowing, company tours, and mentoring. This collaboration between local schools and businesses helps create pathways to postsecondary education and career development. The intermediary system is a partnership among the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the San Diego County Office of Education, local school districts, regional community college districts, regional chambers of commerce, business leaders, and other community-based organizations.”
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R19Number of items in current 2,000 5,000 1,500 4,500 1,700 751 3,000 warehouse inventory
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R20Annual average dollar value of items $2,000,000 $1,900,000 $1,300,000 $6,000,000 $3,000,000 $682,569 $16,000,000 in warehouse inventory “$27,000,000 without textbooks; $90,000,000 to $120,000,000 w/
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R21Annual textbooks. Sales of stock $50,000,000 $9,100,000 $4,500,000 Textbooks are $12,400,000 $729,053 $135,000,000 items in FY handled as central 2006-07 warehouse cross- docked items but are not part of inventory.”
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R22Average Delivery Time “5 days from the during 10 days 2 days 2-3 days 1-5 days 3 days 2 -3 days Warehouse to normal School/Office times” site 23 Does the warehouse offer a same or next-day delivery option? Six Responses: 6= “Yes” LAUSD: Yes 24 If YES, is there a charge for this service? 25 If YES, what is the amount? Six responses: 6= “No” LAUSD: Yes LAUSD: $9-13 PART IV. Non-Stock Items 26 How do District schools and offices generally purchase non-stock items? Six responses: Method of Non-Stock Requisition or P-Card Other Purchase Purchase Order Number Responding “Yes” 5 6 0 27 If your District uses P-Cards, please answer the questions below. A) What is the maximum number of P-Cards issued per site? Three responses: 1= “1” 1= “Most have 3” 1= ”5” LAUSD: “2” B) Is there a maximum single purchase limit? Five responses: 5= “Yes” LAUSD: Yes If yes, what is it? Five responses: 3= “$500” 1= “$4,999” 1= “Yes” LAUSD: $500 C) Is there a maximum monthly purchase limit? Five responses: 5= “Yes” If yes, what is it? Five responses: 3= “$10,000” 1= “$4,999” 1= ”$1,500” LAUSD: $10,000 D) What controls have been implemented to enforce these provisions? Five responses: Manual Automated Written Review & Review & Periodic P-Card Control Policies & Override of Override of Other? Audits Procedures Certain Certain Purchases Purchases Number Responding 5 3 3 3 1 “Yes” LAUSD (cid:57) (cid:57) (cid:57) Other Response: “Procurement, Accounting and Audit share in monthly reviews.” 28 If your District allows personnel to order non-stock items through requisitions or purchase orders, please indicate to whom such items are submitted: Five Responses: Submitted to a Centralized District Submitted Directly to Vendor Purchasing/Procurement Office 0 responses 5 responses LAUSD= (cid:57) 29 If your District has another method of purchasing non-stock items (other than via P-Cards, requisitions or purchase orders) please describe the method(s): Five Responses: 5= “N/A” LAUSD: No other method 30 Please indicate which statement best characterizes your District’s non-stock purchasing policy: There are NO restrictions on the type of non-stock items that District schools and offices are allowed to purchase: One Response. Restrictions: District schools District schools District schools and offices are District schools and offices are and offices are prohibited from and offices are prohibited from prohibited from purchasing prohibited from purchasing ANY purchasing non- Non-stock SPECIFIED items purchasing non- item that is stock items for purchases are that are stocked stock items for stocked by the which there is a limited to items Policy by the which there is a warehouse functionally specified on an warehouse functionally through the similar (like) item approved through the similar (like) item District’s non- stocked in the product list. District’s non- stocked in the stock warehouse with stock warehouse with purchasing SOME purchasing NO exceptions. processes. exceptions. processes. Number of “Yes” 1 2 1 1 0 Responses LAUSD (cid:57) 31 What controls have been implemented to enforce these non-stock purchasing restrictions? Please check all that apply: Monthly/Annual Manual Review Automated Review Written Audits of Non- and Override of and Override of Control Policies and Other Stock Restricted Non- Restricted Non- Procedures Purchases Stock Purchases Stock Purchases Number of 5 5 5 5 6 Responses Number of “Yes” 5 0 1 1 1 Responses LAUSD (cid:57) (cid:57) Other response: “Evaluation Policy” PART VI. Performance Measurement and Documentation: Which of the following measures does your district use to monitor performance of the warehouse function? 32 Districts reporting: Six responses: Performance Any Performance Performance Customer Service Flow Charts Measure Measures Audits/Reviews Surveys Number of “Yes” 5 4 5 5 Responses LAUSD (cid:57) (cid:57) (cid:57) 256 LOS ANGELES COUNTY REHABILITATION CENTERS 2007-2008 Los Angeles County Civil Grand Jury Investigative Committee Lionel S. Martinez, Chair Judy Hsu James Kaiser Lloyd R. Smith 257 258 LOS ANGELES COUNTY REHABILITATION CENTERS INTRODUCTION As a result of a citizen’s complaint, the 2007-2008 Civil Grand Jury decided to investigate the operation of the Los Angeles County Rehabilitation Centers. According to the complaint a rehab center resident at the time of discharge was so sick that he required emergency ambulance transportation to a hospital. He died later that evening. Finally, the complaint states that all of this occurred with no assistance from rehabilitation center staff. Based on the results of the investigation, the Civil Grand Jury has determined there are areas for improvement in the policies and procedures of the rehabilitation centers. OBJECTIVES and SCOPE The purpose of this report is to investigate the policies and procedures of Los Angeles County Rehabilitation Centers. The primary focus of the investigation was operational procedures as they pertain to residents who become ill or are injured while residing at the rehabilitation centers. The Civil Grand Jury identified two county rehabilitation centers, both of which are administered by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. These centers are : Acton Rehabilitation Center 30500 Arrastre Canyon Road Acton, California Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center 38200 North Lake Hughes Road Castaic, California
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R16-1718-19 Overall older EDUCATION I am receiving the education I want. 3.3 3.6 3.3 3.4 I get the assistance I need to succeed in school. 3.2 3.6 3.3 3.4 I get both educational and vocational information and choices. 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.3 I have received good educational guidance. 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.5 I am receiving support and advice for educational options beyond high school. 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Rating Average Survey Statement 20 or