Score: 0
(0/14/0)
Contra Costa County Grand Jury
• 2015-2016
Our Children in Need Why Another Report?
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 74 findings
F1
A comprehensive system of care for victims of CSEC [children in need] still has not been fully implemented in Contra Costa County.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F2
A CSEC Protocol, which provides a comprehensive system of care for victims of CSEC, was prepared under the leadership of Children and Family Services (CFS).
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The CSEC Protocol provides the framework for cooperation and coordination amount the County, its cities and NGOs.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Many social workers in CFS, law enforcement, officers in Juvenile Hall, and victim advocates in the DA’s Office are not implementing the CSEC Protocol because they have not seen it.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F5
CFS, the leader of the Oversight Committee, has not followed up with its interagency partners that have signed off on the Protocol but have not submitted their own CSEC department plan/protocols to the Oversight Committee.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F6
CFS lacks personnel who can act as the hub of all CSEC referrals from law enforcement by assessing the health, psychiatric and physical needs of victims of CSEC and who can navigate these services for them.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F7
Suspected CSEC victims are being arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall for their own safety pursuant to various statutes under the Welfare & Institutions Code relating to infractions and crimes committed by youth, while the County assesses the appropriate health and social services to provide.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F8
The County has not provided funding to CFS for [a] temporary housing facility for victims of CSEC.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F9
Due to the lack of a single database in the County covering all CSEC-related arrests, referrals and pending cases, the County does not know the number of victims of CSEC and where they are located.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F10
County personnel and law enforcement dealing with victims of CSEC are well- meaning, compassionate and dedicated people trying to make the best of a very difficult situation.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Most County personnel and law enforcement dealing with victims of CSEC lack in-depth CSEC training, necessary facilities for temporarily accommodating the victims, and a clear-cut plan of action which lays out how to rescue, protect and serve the victims of CSEC in a manner that is caring and trauma-informed. From report 1609, Human Trafficking:
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F12
The emphasis in human trafficking cases has shifted from solely prosecution to a “victim-centered” approach in which the needs of persons who have been trafficked receive equal consideration.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Effectively identifying and apprehending traffickers requires knowledge of the local environment and criminal activities acquired through long experience.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Successful apprehension and prosecution of traffickers often involves coordination and cooperation among local, state and federal agencies.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
City law enforcement and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department have no comprehensive or consistent method for analyzing data about the number and type of trafficking victims. More data that is complete is needed to define the magnitude of the problem and to support decisions about victim services and resource allocation.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F16
City law enforcement and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department does not always use resources offered by state and federal agencies for joint “sting” and “sweep” operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
Trafficking frequently occurs in combination with other violent crimes and with a history of abuse and trauma.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
Public awareness is a critical factor in identifying potential human trafficking activity.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
The County’s efforts to build a broad public awareness of human trafficking has primarily been a poster campaign beginning in January 2015.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
The Zero Tolerance for Human Trafficking Coalition is developing operating guidelines for case review and coordination to be completed in December 2016. From report 1611, Maintaining a Stable Environment for our Special Education School Children and Staff: The discussion section of that report defines the children in need who are to be served by special education programs: “Contra Costa County Office of Education (COE) operates five Special Education schools, specifically targeted for special needs children. These special needs children include those who are autistic, those with severe physical and developmental disabilities, and those who are wheelchair- bound, needing around-the-clock assistance.” “It is vital that the learning environment in special education schools be one of compassion and serenity to foster the learning process, notwithstanding the behavior issues that may arise with special needs children. Those personnel involved with special needs children must be compassionate, properly credentialed, and trained to administer to the “special” needs of special education children. They must have the confidence and support of the students, their parents, and school administrators.” “…Special Education programs involve, by definition, “Special Needs Children”. Many of these children are non-verbal and are so severely disabled that they are confined to wheelchairs and need on-duty nurses during the school day to watch over them so they do not injure themselves, administer appropriate medications, and provide needed hygiene. In all cases, behavior must be closely monitored as these children may lash out at other children or hurt themselves. When such incidents occur, a form known as an Incident Report (IR) must be completed by the teacher, reviewed by the school psychologist, and routed to the school principal for review and acceptance. The IR is required to be completed by credentialed staff.”
No recommendations for this finding
F21
There are over three years of complaints about a hostile work environment at the Brentwood Special Education Schools operated by the COE (Brentwood Schools).
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F22
Complaints of a hostile work environment at the Brentwood Schools were made known to COE from at least 2012 through 2015, both verbally and in writing by various entities including the two labor unions representing staff at the school locations.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
The perceived hostile working environment at the Brentwood Schools may have had a detrimental impact on the students themselves, many of whom reportedly expressed signs of distress through body movement, sounds, or facial expressions.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
There is no written protocol for staff of the Brentwood Schools to follow in deciding if, how, and when to file an incident report on any incident occurring in their classroom or facility.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F25
Incident reports are not logged into any central index either at the Brentwood Schools or the COE.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F26
Incident reports are not tracked and trended for possible patterns or recurrent problems either by the Brentwood Schools or the COE.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F27
Neither the Brentwood Schools nor the COE have a written protocol concerning who should complete, review, and respond to incident reports.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F28
At times, incident reports at the Brentwood Schools have not been given to the school psychologist for review prior to being finalized, as required in the verbal briefings to school staff.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F29
The incident report form used at the Brentwood Schools requires the class teacher of the student involved in the incident, school psychologist, and principal to sign the form.
No recommendations for this finding
F30
Incident reports at the Brentwood Schools were sometimes completed by an Instructional Assistant.
No recommendations for this finding
F31
It was reported that police were called to the Brentwood Schools on a number of occasions.
No recommendations for this finding
F32
There is no written protocol requiring the Brentwood Schools to maintain a record of police visits, nor to require them to report the event to the COE.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F33
The Brentwood Schools do not provide their staff with a handbook to inform them of school protocols and complaint procedures.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F34
Instructional Assistants at the Brentwood Schools are not provided a handbook concerning rules and requirements related to the job.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F35
The COE publishes School Accountability Report Cards (“SARC”) on its website that provide an annual picture of the schools in the County under the auspices of the COE.
No recommendations for this finding
F36
While there are published SARCs for several special education locations, the data published, other than the front page, does not accurately pertain to the schools named. From report 1612, Foster Care: The Background section of the Foster Care report ( ) identifies approximately 1500 children who are under the jurisdiction of the County’s Welfare Services.
No recommendations for this finding
F37
The attrition rate of families in the County who are willing to foster children is high.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F38
Many potential foster parents have been eliminated from the list of currently available foster parents, after it was found that they were only interested in adopting and were not willing to take in older foster youth.
No recommendations for this finding
F39
The County uses FFAs (non-profit Foster Care Agencies that are not County run) after first trying to locate suitable potential homes in the County system.
No recommendations for this finding
F40
The foster caregivers identified through FFAs are sometimes more experienced, and receive more support and training from the FFA.
No recommendations for this finding
F41
FFA social workers have lighter caseloads than County social workers.
No recommendations for this finding
F42
There is a shortage of available, qualified foster homes in the County, as evidenced by the 384 youth that are currently located in out-of-county foster homes.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F43
The County has not performed a “gap” analysis to specifically identify the type of foster homes most needed.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F44
There is a shortage of foster parents willing and able to take in teenagers.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F45
Foster family recruitment efforts have not kept up with the need for foster families.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F46
The CFS recruiting position, which is the position that is responsible for foster parent recruitment, has not been filled and is currently staffed by one person on a half-time basis.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F47
CFS is not accumulating information to help measure outcomes of County foster youth and determine which providers are the most effective (where applicable).
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F48
Mental health professionals do not participate in the new CFS Continuous Quality Improvement process.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F49
The County Mental Health Department does limited screenings/assessments of new foster youth.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F50
CFS Placement staff often does not have a complete mental health diagnosis, suggested treatment plan, or prognosis prior to placing a new foster youth with foster parents.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F51
Ongoing mental health therapy for foster youth is frequently not as effective as it could be because it is difficult to arrange and often interrupted due to the movement of youth between foster homes.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F52
Out-of-county placement strains the resources of CFS both monetarily and in terms of staff time as CFS staff have to travel to wherever the foster youth is located.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F53
CFS is experiencing significant challenges in coordinating with all the necessary agencies involved to meet the requirements of AB 403.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F54
Current MOUs or job classifications do not permit sufficient flexibility to allow for mental health professionals to respond after hours to situations that arise in the treatment of foster youth.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F55
Based on the current costs of Group Home care, millions of dollars of State support money will be saved when foster youth transition to individual foster families.
No recommendations for this finding
F56
High level executives at FFAs frequently recruit foster parents, whereas lower level line personnel usually perform this function at the County. From report 1615, Truancy:
No recommendations for this finding
F57
Based on truancy rates during the 2014 - 2015 school year, the County ranked among the worst in the State, 46th out of 58 counties.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F58
Based on chronic absences during the elementary school year 2014 - 2015, the County ranked last out of the nine Bay Area counties.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F59
Not all County school districts comply with the requirement found in California Education Code section 15497 that each district collect, track and report its chronically absent rates in an annual LCAP.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F60
The COE (County Office of Education) does not currently know the chronically absent rates for all of the County’s school districts because the COE lacks relevant data needed to perform the analysis.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F61
To identify students with attendance issues and quickly address these issues, the school district needs complete and accurate data about attendance and a well- developed support infrastructure.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F62
(Each) school district has its own software system for collecting attendance information and its own process and standards for collecting, storing and utilizing the truancy attendance information gathered, which are not necessarily the same as other districts in the County.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F63
Without a centralized attendance system or compatible software among school districts, it is challenging to get a complete picture of a student’s attendance profile and patterns over multiple years or across districts.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F64
Some school districts have little communication with other school districts and the COE about best practices, common achievement goals, and best data systems regarding attendance.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F65
The California Attorney General, Kamala Harris’ 2015 report, “In-School and on Track”, indicates that over 80 percent of chronically absent students in kindergarten and 1st grade are unable to read at grade level by 3rd grade. These students are four times more likely to drop out than children who can read at grade level.
No recommendations for this finding
F66
[Some cities in the County do] not have a daytime curfew.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F67
[Cities that have] and enforce a daytime curfew see less daytime and juvenile crime.
No recommendations for this finding
F68
Chronically absent or truant students, who do not get back on track before age 18, are more likely to drop out of high school before graduation.
No recommendations for this finding
F69
Parent and Truancy Courts offer attendance support and are one of the last opportunities to alter a student’s attendance behavior.
No recommendations for this finding
F70
Attendance improvement programs used by the County’s Juvenile Courts, such as the Lincoln Child Center, ankle monitors, drug and mental health counselors, and tutoring classes, lack long-term funding.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F71
The school districts that have Truancy or Resource Officers who connect directly with students, help get chronically absent or truant students back on track.
No recommendations for this finding
F72
There is currently no teen truancy court in the WCCUSD (West Contra Costa Unified School District) area.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F73
The WCCUSD does not provide sufficient staff to process chronically absent students through the Parent or Truancy Court in Martinez. NEW FINDING IN THIS REPORT, BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
The Board of Supervisors should enact the recommendations directed to them made in Grand Jury reports 1605, 1609, 1612, and 1615.
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
F74
The present levels of personnel, support, and financing are inadequate to protect the County’s children in need.
Related Recommendations (3)
R2
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide the personnel, facilities, training, and administrative support necessary to protect the county’s children in need.
R3
The Board of Supervisors should create a position of “Youth Advocate”, with the power to: a. Investigate all county agencies charged with providing services to children; b. Report his/her findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and to the public every six months; c. Recommend to the Board of Supervisors the amount of money necessary to accomplish his/her recommended actions; and d. Advocate before the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to children in need.
R4
The Board of Supervisors should issue a policy statement of the County’s intention to provide material increases in the funding for the county’s agencies in order to create, and accomplish the recommendations of, the Youth Advocate in protecting our children in need, and identify the funds to do so.
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office