Response from County of Sacramento

There is no formal organizational model used by the community of organizations that will ensure the most effective use of the critical resources available to address homelessness in Sacramento County. Board of Supervisors Response: The Board of Supervisors disagrees partially with this finding. It should be noted that “formal organizational structure” is understood to mean a single structure. The Grand Jury Report also calls this “working organizational structure”, “responsive organizational model” “new organizational model” and a “lead entity that is actively supported by the leadership of both public and private sector organizations in County homelessness and be appropriately empowered”. The report makes two preliminary suggestions: a joint powers agency or a new partnership made up of Funders Collaborative, Continuum of Care (CoC) Advisory Bord, and a new entity comprised of elected leaders to be the “lead agency”. It is a strength of our community that there are unique and significant contributions and investments in homelessness solutions from each of the cities within the county, the County of Sacramento, the Sacramento City and County Continuum of Care and Sacramento Steps Forward, and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. Sacramento County is geographically large as well as diverse in community character and leadership. Recognizing that elected representatives will always retain accountability to their constituents and for ensuring effective and efficient public investments, we should view this ownership and involvement as a strength that we can build on. We also recognize the diversity of public and private agencies and systems (Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, criminal justice, primary health, behavioral health, law enforcement, income benefits, employment, homeless services) that are involved in solutions and use their specific expertise within their systems and populations to impact homelessness. We note that, even in communities with a homeless service joint power authority, we see_ significant involvement of multiple entities in homelessness policy, programs and implementation; for example, the City and County of Los Angeles each implement robust homeless strategies outside of the joint powers homeless agency, Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency. ATT -1 Addressing Homeless in Sacramento County: An Extraordinary Community Challenge We also note the important coordinating role of the Sacramento City and County Continuum of Care and Sacramento Steps Forward, as the CoC Collaborative Applicant and HMIS Lead, under the federal Continuum of Care Program and the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009 to bring together diverse stakeholders to plan for a comprehensive homeless system, to build a common vision, and to inform public and private investments through stakeholder engagement, system evaluation, and promotion of evidenced-based practices. As noted in the Grand Jury Report, the Sacramento County Homeless Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors and the Sacramento Continuum of Care Advisory Board in late 2018 identified several persistent challenges, including the lack of a single system vision or oversight. The Plan noted that that the lack of a single or shared structure makes it more challenging for decision makers to share a common vision, coordinate investments, oversee implementation, and track progress and impacts ( ). To address this challenge, Key Focus Area #6, “Strengthen System Leadership, Capacity, and Accountability” identified a variety of strategies and activities intended to cultivate a shared system, develop shared goals and build a the capacity for coordinated and aligned decision-making. These strategies and activities are discussed in more detail below and may include a recommendation for new or reorganized structures. In addition, Sacramento Steps Forward has recently held discussions with County staff and the various cities within the County on the possible formation of a Homeless Policy Council. This group will be primarily composed of elected officials from those jurisdictions. The council would meet to provide leadership on countywide homeless issues, and to promote information sharing and alignment of policies and programs. This proposal may soon be shared with the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.

The leaders and workers in the community of organizations actively working to address the challenges presented by homelessness in Sacramento County have demonstrated an impressive level of both dedication and competence in assisting and supporting the County’s homeless population. Board of Supervisors Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding

A County of Sacramento Homeless Plan to secure NPLH funds was recently developed by the County and adopted by the Board of Supervisors. The plan presents a significant initial strategic direction for addressing homelessness in Sacramento County and many of the organizations providing services and programs for the homeless collaborated ATT -1 Addressing Homeless in Sacramento County: An Extraordinary Community Challenge with the County on the plan’s development and support its direction and implementation. Board of Supervisors Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding. ATT -2 Addressing Homeless in Sacramento County: An Extraordinary Community Challenge

Although there are some data from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), consolidated data from multiple sources would paint a broader picture and help identify focus areas and funding needs for youth services. Sacramento County Department of Health Services Response: The Department of Health Services agrees with this finding.

While Sacramento County has been admirably proactive in obtaining grant funding for youth prevention, additional funding would allow for more community-based programs and for more direct support to youth in the County’s middle and high schools. Sacramento County Department of Health Services Response: The Department of Health Services agrees with this finding.

Since results from the California Healthy Kids Survey are used for requesting funds and developing prevention programs, improved participation by school districts would benefit county youth and their families. Sacramento County Department of Health Services Response: 1|Page ATT-5 Response to Grand Jury Final Report 2018- 19 Recreational Marijuana: Growing Health Crisis for Sacramento County Youth? The Department of Health Services agrees with this finding.

To increase awareness, provide a consistent message, and reach a larger audience, schools and other community organizations that serve youth would benefit from presentation materials related to marijuana. Sacramento County Department of Health Services Response: The Department of Health Services agrees with this finding.

Since each school district in the County runs its own programs related to alcohol and other drugs, there is a significant variation in the resources available to students and their families throughout Sacramento County. Sacramento County Department of Health Services Response: The Department of Health Services agrees with this finding.