Responses Gavin Newsom Mayor

Recommendations 10

• R1
  The Department has developed new flyers, posters and scripts designed to inform and convince obligors to participate in their cases. These written materials use 7th grade English to foster better communication and have been translated into Spanish. Listed below are the written materials currently in use by the EPIC Project that were developed specifically for the NCP that is in 7th grade English or Spanish that is less formal and therefore less intimidating.
• R1a

  Page 205
  Provide written materials explaining its in-take process. Written materials (in translation when appropriate) to be presented and explained at in-take should include a flow chart outlining the process to be undertaken from start to finish. Specifics should describe all of the players in the process and their roles-especially including DCSS, their computer and phone systems, and all its divisions: in-take, DSOs, attorneys and the ombudsperson. Responses Karen M. Roye Assistant Director Department of Child Support Services July 23, 2004 Agree: The Department plans to develop a flow chart that clearly outlines the steps necessary to handle regular actions such as opening a case, paternity establishment, modifying an order, stipulation agreements, and closing a case. The flow chart will be translated into Spanish and Cantonese for improved understanding. The Department has also increased its request of outreach materials for FY2005 solely provided by the California Department of Child Support. The department is required to use only state-approved materials for outreach and reprints state documents at its own expense. Karen M. Roye Director Department of Child Support Services June 27, 2005 Agree/Implemented: The Department developed several flow charts that clearly outline the steps necessary to handle regular actions such as opening a case, paternity establishment, modifying an order, stipulation agreements, and closing a case. The flow charts will be translated into Spanish and Cantonese for improved understanding by the end of the August, 2005. The Department has also increased its request of outreach materials for FY2005 solely provided by the California Department of Child Support. The department is required to use only state-approved materials for outreach and reprints state documents at its own expense.
• R1b

  Page 206
  Explain How the Family Court and Family Law Facilitator Can Be Used by Parents. The role of the court and the Family Law Facilitator and how they can be accessed should be explained- especially if it appears that the parents will be unwilling or unable to stipulate a plan for child support. Responses Karen M. Roye Assistant Director Department of Child Support Services July 23, 2004 Agree: The Department plans to collaborate with the Family Law Facilitator to develop a pamphlet to be distributed through all branch offices. Karen M. Roye Director Department of Child Support Services June 27, 2005 Agree/Implemented: The Department is collaborating with the Family Law Facilitator through the Enhanced Parental Involvement Collaborative (EPIC) and has developed several 198 informational fliers which have been translated into Spanish and is distributed through all branch offices and the Family Court to non-custodial parents.
• R1c

  Page 207
  Distribute Information to Community Agencies Packet information should be reinforced by the use and distribution of posters, flyers and videos made available in libraries, churches, shops, hospitals and community agencies. Responses Karen M. Roye Assistant Director Department of Child Support Services July 23, 2004 Agree: The Department plans to produce posters, flyers, and videos based on existing state- approved materials to be made available to libraries, hospitals, community residents and community agencies where appropriate. Karen M. Roye Director Department of Child Support Services June 27, 2005 Agree/Implemented: The Department has produced plans to produce posters, flyers, and videos based on existing state-approved materials to be made available to libraries, hospitals, community residents and community agencies where appropriate.
• R1d

  Page 207
  Produce Multilingual Educational Videos and Advertisements SFDCSS should add to its long-range plan the production of multilingual educational videos and television and radio advertisements. By collaborating with other agencies and by accessing volunteer time, talent and dollars, DCSS can expand its services to clientele.
• R2a

  Page 208
  Display Written Materials at All Offices In an attractive and efficient manner. DCSS should set up, monitor and stock regularly display racks of written materials and handouts at all DCSS offices, law facilitators’ offices and courtrooms. Responses Karen M. Roye Assistant Director Department of Child Support Services July 23, 2004 Agree: The Department has purchased and installed display racks in its main office, BVHP office, and Mission Office to be regularly stocked by the in-take supervisor. The Department plans to provide handout material to the law facilitators’ office and the court for distribution through their offices. The Department’s legal supervisor will be responsible for the regular distribution and re-ordering current materials. Karen M. Roye Director Department of Child Support Services June 27, 2005 Agree/Implemented: The Department has purchased and installed display racks in its main office, BVHP office, and Mission Office to be regularly stocked by the in-take supervisor. The Department plans to provide handout material to the law facilitators’ office and the court for distribution through their offices. The Department’s legal supervisor will be responsible for the regular distribution and re-ordering current materials.
• R2b

  Page 193
  Develop a Computer Program to Track Recidivism Develop a computer program to track recidivism of individuals entering and exiting the county jail system. Response Michael Hennessey Sheriff Office of the Sheriff July 28, 2005 I agree with the recommendation that a computer system should be devised to track recidivism, however, I have concluded that until a national body, like the federal Department of Justice’s National Institute of Corrections, provides direction and standards, the considerable investment of time and information technology expertise required to produce such a program would not be justified by the limited local use of the results. It is hoped that the jail management system currently being implemented will provide some useful recidivism information. 185
• R2c

  Page 194
  Prioritize Services for Individuals Released From Jail Prioritize services needed by individuals released from the county jails when planning for the homeless. Response Michael Hennessey Sheriff Office of the Sheriff July 28, 2005 I agree with this recommendation and support the Department of Public Health’s discharge planning efforts aimed at the homeless jail population.
• R3a

  Page 195
  Create a Mentor Program to Assist Recently Released Inmates A mentor/sponsor program should be created to assist this population for a limited period after they return to the community from the jails. Responses Gavin Newsom Mayor Office of the Mayor September 7, 2004 As recommended by the Grand Jury, I welcome a review of best practices and other research that could be provided on the efficacy of mentorship or sponsorship programs for persons returning the community after leaving custody. The 10-Year Plan for Ending Chronic Homeless, commissioned by my Administration and released on June 30, 2004, includes a lengthy segment on reducing homelessness among persons released from custody. The plan calls for creating more supportive housing services for formerly incarcerated homeless San Franciscans, as well as increased SSI advocacy. Michael Hennessey Sheriff Office of the Sheriff July 28, 2005 I agree with the recommendation and would support and participate in a combined effort of the several City departments that deal with services to the homeless population. While the Sheriff’s Department is currently funded to provide some mentoring services, such an effort specifically targeting homeless ex-offenders is not, to my knowledge, under discussion at this time.
• R3b

  Page 195
  Audit Agencies Providing Services to the Homeless An audit of all agencies currently charged with providing services to the homeless should be undertaken. Responses Michael Hennessey Sheriff Office of the Sheriff July 28, 2005 This recommendation is not directed at the Sheriff’s Department. Ed Harrington Controller Office of the Controller July 29, 2005 The recommendation has been implemented in part. In May 2002, this office issued a comprehensive performance audit of the City’s system for delivering services to the homeless and 187 recommended how the City can improve its system for planning, delivering, and evaluating homeless services in San Francisco. As part of the City Services Auditor Division’s audit plan, we will be conducting audits of organizations that receive funds from the City to provide various services. Agencies providing services to the homeless will be included as those subject to audit. The recommendation will require further analysis to identify the number of agencies specifically providing homeless services and identifying the priority for conducting these specific audits. General Responses Adele Destro Assistant Clerk of the Board Board of Supervisors September 24, 2004 The following is a report on the 2003-2004 Civil Grand Jury Report, San Francisco Sheriff’s Department: Incarceration and Beyond, in accordance with Penal Code Section 933 and Administrative Code Section 2.10. The Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 on the Civil Grand Jury Report. Representatives from the Civil Grand Jury and the Sheriff’s Department were present for the hearing. Per Jack McNulty, Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, a written response from the Sheriff’s Department had not been received and requested to continue the matter. The hearing is continued until October 6, 2004. Adele Destro Assistant Clerk of the Board Board of Supervisors October 25, 2004 The following is a follow-up report on the 2003-2004 Civil Grand Jury Report, San Francisco Sheriff’s Department: Incarceration and Beyond. The Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee continued the hearing on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on the Civil Grand Jury Report. Sheriff Mike Hennessey commended the Civil Grand Jury for its findings and recommendations. The Sheriff discussed the Five Keys Program High School for incarcerated juveniles, which is a Charter High School in county jails, and several of the programs that they have in jails that could be a resource after release. Sheriff Hennesey also pointed out due to budget reductions they are faced with a 15% reduction in jail programs. Public comment was heard and the matter was filed. Adele Destro Assistant Clerk of the Board Board of Supervisors June 29, 2005 The Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, September 22, 2004. Per Jack McNulty, Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, a written response from the Sheriff’s Department had not been received and requested to continue the matter. The hearing was continued to October 6, 2004. The Board of Supervisors’ Rules Committee continued the hearing on Wednesday, October 6, 2004. Sheriff Mike Hennessey discussed the Five Keys Program High School for incarcerated juveniles, which is a Charter High School in county jails, and several of the programs that they have in jails that could be a resource after release. Sheriff Hennessey also pointed out due to budget reductions they are faced with a 15% reduction in jail programs. Public comment was heard and the matter was filed. TERMS Recidivism - habitual or chronic relapse, especially into crime or antisocial behavior Misdemeanant - an individual found to have committed a misdemeanor RSVP- Resolve to Stop the Violence Project Roads to Recovery - an in-custody drug treatment for men SISTER - an in-custody drug treatment for women 190 Civil Grand Jury Recommendations Office of the Sheriff Mayor and Department Reponses Controller The Mayor and Board of Supervisors should 1a find in-custody programs at current or higher Agree Agree levels. The Mayor's office should determine the 2a needs of individuals exiting the jails to assist Agree Agree in formulating effective programs Develop a computer program to track 2b recidivism of individuals entering and exiting Agree the county jail system. Prioritize services needed by individuals 2c released from the county jails when planning Agree for the homeless. A mentor/sponsor program should be created to assist this population for a limited period 3a Agree Agree after they return to the community from the jails. An audit of all agencies currently charged with Not Directed by Implemented in 3b providing services to the homeless should be Sheriff Part. undertaken. For each recommendation, the Civil Grand Jury did not require responses from all departments. The table only identifies those departments that responded to specific recommendations. This page intentionally left blank. CHAPTER 7 SAN FRANCISCO DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES: PUTTING THE CHILDREN FIRST