background data border on useless. a report card format would be very beneficial in that it would identify each program

Recommendations 8

• R1

  Page 19
  The Social Services Agency should direct the Technology Services Department to develop a tracking system to collect data for 16- to 21-year-old foster youths. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not reasonable. The Social Services Agency has no authority or ability to maintain oversight of youth after the Juvenile Court terminates dependency status. The Social Services Agency lacks a source of funding for the development of an Orange County specific tracking system. SSA will seek the support of other counties and the State of California to develop such a feature in CWS/CMS. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What has SSA done to gain consensus with other counties and the state to implement a tracking program? Can the new CalWin system be used to track emancipated youth when they apply for government assistance? Could pre-emancipated youth information be placed in the CalWIN system in order to track them after emancipation if/when they apply for aid? Oct. 2006 Response: In 2002, given the inability of CWS/CMS to track ILP services provided, and the outcomes for those youth, Orange County SSA developed a stand-alone ILP database. This software application is user-friendly and has the capacity to augment fields to track new services as they are added. In addition, Orange County ILP is seeking participation in the California Connected by 25 project, to join 5 other counties that have access to a web-based application called Efforts to Outcomes. This system will help Orange County to be a leader statewide in tracking the outcomes that will be required of California Counties by the Federal government. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION
• R2

  Page 19
  A link between the Fullerton Report recommendations and what is actually occurring needs to be established. Time, money, and effort were expended in the development of the report and it appears it has been placed on a shelf. If it was important to develop the document then it is equally important to implement its recommendations. The recommendations should be merged into the report card format mentioned in R-1.
• R3

  Page 19
  The presentation of data needs to be in the context of the overall population served. Calling data "outcomes" that merely identify attendance numbers is not really an outcome. Attendance does not automatically mean the youth grasp the concepts. Outcomes should be presented that reflect the youths' ability to actually use the information provided.
• R4

  Page 19
  The report card recommended in R-1 should be presented annually to the Board of Supervisors.
• R5

  Page 19
  The opportunity for youth to exercise Independent Living Skills once a year is not enough. The youth should have multiple opportunities during the year to use the skills they have learned in workshops. Vendor contracts should be revised to require competency testing for each workshop. This would also allow for the assessment of outcomes.
• R6

  Page 19
  The SSA needs to identify the actual demand for Transitional Housing and consider changes to the screening process and criteria for living in these programs.
• R7

  Page 19
  Revise the website so that it contains an area that is specific to pre-and post- emancipated youth services.
• R8

  Page 19
  The SSA has improved the use of the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment; however, more should be done to ensure participation of post-emancipated youth by offering incentives that are important to them. A Response to all Recommendations is requested from the Social Services Agency. RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS The California Penal Code specifies the required permissible responses to the findings and recommendations contained in this report. The specific sections are quoted below: § 933.05. Responses to findings (a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, 19 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. APPENDIX "A" The findings and responses from the 1999/2000 Grand Jury report ("Orange County is No Camelot for Emancipated Youth") are listed along with excerpts from the agency responses to that report. Finally, updated agency responses were requested by the 2006/2007 Grand Jury and these are included at the end of each numbered segment. This section will provide the reader with a basis for understanding where the county stood in 1999 with respect to emancipated youth and what occurred following that Grand Jury report. Moreover, the 1999/2000 responses identified enhancements and/or new programs that were to be implemented. The updated (2006/2007) responses provide a measure of insight as to how far Orange County has progressed from 1999 and whether or not significant changes have been made to enhance the self-sufficiency of emancipated youth. The full text 1999/2000 report, "Orange County is No Camelot for Emancipated Youth," may be accessed at www.ocgrandjury.org. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: FINDING 1. The County database and information about foster youths is inadequate. There has been very little tracking of youths in foster care and group homes. As a result, answers to such questions as their health and educational background are not readily available for appropriate decision making. County projections about the number of emancipated youths are strictly an estimate. There is no information about what percentage have a high school diploma, about how many attend college, or how many end up homeless. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 Social Services Agency response: Disagree partially with the finding. While the Child Welfare System/Case Management System (CWS/CMS) system was deployed in all of California’s counties in 1997, it remains a system under development and will be in a developmental mode for several years. The features this finding comments upon as lacking are slated for future development. The lack of aggregate case profile information and useful management information from the current CWS/CMS is a concern of many counties and is being addressed in the on-going system development and management processes in Sacramento. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the current status of CWS/CMS? Oct. 2006 Response: CWS/CMS remains incapable at the present time of tracking services received by foster youth who have emancipated from either Dependency or Probation. In July 2006, the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), issued their proposed rulemaking to require 20 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY States to collect and report data to ACF on youth who are receiving independent living services and the outcomes of certain youth who are in foster care or who age out of foster care. The California Department of Social Services is currently determining how they will comply with this new regulation, by either updating the CWS/CMS to allow for the tracking of this information or through the development of an additional database for counties to use. The Orange County Independent Living Program Database was implemented September 10, 2001. This is a standalone database into which information regarding the ILP-eligible foster and emancipated youth is entered and maintained on a monthly basis. As the Emancipation Services, ILP Contracts, and Youth Permanency Program, expand with new services and contract providers, data from those efforts are included for each participating youth. Currently, Orange County ILP is pursuing joining the California Connected by 25 Initiative (CC251). CC251 is a project sponsored through the Casey and Stuart Foundations, which provide technical assistance to counties, in assessing their Independent Living Programs, with the goal of building a local, integrated system of transition supports and services for emancipating and emancipated foster youth ages 14 to 24. Included in this project is the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database, which is used to track important basic outcomes for transition aged youth. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: FINDING 2. The current Independent Living Program for emancipated youths in Orange County, which is a critical program for self-sufficiency and independent living, can be considered mediocre at best. To be effective, it should be presented in a transitional housing milieu with attendance mandatory. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 Social Services Agency response: Disagree wholly with the finding While we do not quarrel with the premise that more can be done if and when additional federal ILP funding is provided, there are activities underway which it appears the Grand Jury may not have inventoried: • Community forum to solicit interest in development of Transitional Housing Program Pilot, to serve 17 year old foster youth. SSA has selected Olive Crest and Florence Crittendon Services to each develop THPP programs, and is working with each provider and the California Department of Social Services to initiate services as soon as possible. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the current status of this program? Oct. 2006 Response: On August 25, 2000 the California Department of Social Services approved the Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP) plan submitted by the County of Orange Social Services Agency. This program plan allows for a variety of THPP physical plant formats. The current provider uses a scatter-site apartment complex format, where foster youth aged 16 years and older reside with individual bedrooms in two-bedroom apartments, surrounded by adult tenants. The CDSS Division of Community Care Licensing licenses this facility as a group home. The foster youth in this facility attend school, are part-time employed, receive therapy, prepare their own meals, do their own laundry, and are coached and monitored by staff trained in facilitating independent living skills. There have been as many as 20 foster youth participating in this service program in some months. It prepares youth to live independently, and to be more acceptable candidates for transitional housing programs available in Orange County for emancipated youth. • Private Industry Council and SSA procedures to provide re-employment and training services to pre and post emancipated youth. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the current status of this program? 21 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY Oct. 2006 Response: The Orange County ILP is an active partner in the Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) with active voting membership in the Youth Councils for each of the Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Orange County WIBS. Similarly, the three WIB Youth Council Coordinators are active members in the Children's Services Coordination Committee (CSCC) Emancipation Services Subcommittee. The SSA ILP, Probation and WIB collaboration drafted a Miscellaneous Order, which was signed by the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, the Honorable Robert B. Hutson. This document authorizes the release of Transitional Independent Living Plans (TILP) and vocational Assessment documents to the Workforce Investment Act contract providers, thereby expediting the delivery of services to all ILP-eligible foster youth. • SSA support of community based efforts to develop transitional housing programs for emancipated youth through Super NOFA funding. Funding has been awarded to Shelter for the Homeless, YMCA and Olivecrest. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What support was provided and what programs have been implemented? Oct. 2006 Response: There are now a total of 65 beds available in Orange County for emancipated youth, provided through contracts and community collaborations. The SSA ILP program has developed contracts with Orange County Housing Authority and the Santa Ana Housing Authority through the Family Unification Program, to support emancipated youth on the path to self-sufficiency for a maximum of eighteen months. Olive Crest has developed the Crossroads program for housing and supportive services to emancipated youth. This is a continuation of the THPP contracted services that they provide to foster youth through the ILP program. Orangewood Children's Foundation and a group of entrepreneurs from Mariner's Church developed the Rising Tides Program in two apartment complexes located in Garden Grove and Tustin. These 80-apartment facilities house up to 18 emancipated youth each, two to an apartment, where the other tenants subsidize the rent cost for the emancipated youth. Over a period of 18 months, the emancipated youth incrementally increase their contribution to the rent, in preparation for when they will complete the program and live on their own. • State Department of Education funding for the Foster Youth Services project, a collaborative model involving the Orange County Department of Education, the Health Care Agency, the Probation Department and others. The goal of services is to improve the continuity of education for youth in group home programs. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the current status of the program? Oct. 2006 Response: Orange County ILP developed a contract with Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) in 2002, through the Foster Youth Services program, initially focusing only on services for Group Home youth. This program has expanded to include all foster youth aged 14 and older. The current services include tracking of classes taken, the grades achieved for each class, the credits accumulated toward high school graduation, as well as reading and math proficiency at the close of each semester. The School Counselors funded in this project also provide recommendations on services to achieve timely graduation, and act as liaisons with the 28 School Districts to facilitate those services in behalf of foster youth. • ILP services provided weekly to youth at Orangewood Children’s Home. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What services? Oct. 2006 Response: As a part of the ILP Workshops, Seminars, and Special Events contract, peer mentors from the current Provider, Orangewood Children's Foundation (OCF), provide weekly Independent Living Skills presentations for ILP-eligible foster youth residing at Orangewood Children's Home. 22 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY • Independent City, a mock day long experience allowing youth to apply for jobs, apartments, checking accounts, budget funds for grocery shopping, etc. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: Is this a one-time experience for each youth? Oct. 2006/07 Response: Independent City is a full-day Special Event, under the ILP Workshops, Seminars, and Special Events contract, which is offered one time per year. ILP eligible foster youth may attend this special event every year. It is designed to help the youth apply in a "real life" situation the life skills that they have learned all year long at the 130 workshops presented each year under the contract. • There are no established standards for Independent Living Programs, and no evidence to suggest that a program is best presented in a transitional housing milieu. 2006 Grand Jury follow-up: Has this information changed? Oct. 2006 Response: The State of California has encouraged each county to provide basic core ILP services, so that foster youth from one county jurisdiction, but placed in another county will have generally equivalent services. Orange County ILP provides far more individualized services than are offered to foster youth in any of the adjacent counties. The State of California has limited funds allocated for transitional housing programs, and few counties are currently participating in this service. Orange County ILP youth have achieved success with THPP program services in this county. Whereas this program's milieu services work well for the participating youth, the majority of foster youth live with relatives, in licensed foster homes, in Foster Family Agency homes, or in Group Homes. Orange County ILP is reaching out to foster care providers in each of these settings to encourage them to employ the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment Online tool found at www.caseylifeskills.org on a quarterly basis to assist foster youth in preparing for self- sufficiency. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: FINDING 3. The measure of success for a pre-emancipation Independent Living Program, following the instruction of AB1111, should be enabling participants to seek a high school diploma, providing vocational training and job readiness, locating and obtaining housing, providing daily living skills and providing individual and group counseling. The Independent Living Program should be more than discussion and classes. There should be “hands on” experience and concrete assistance in preparing for independence prior to discharge. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: Agrees with finding With-out any "hands-on" opportunities, that implication is correct. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What are the current "hands-on opportunities? Oct. 2006 Response: The current ILP Workshop contract with OCF provides hands-on application for a variety of life skills issues. In addition, the contract provides financial incentives for each participating foster youth to do the homework associated with each workshop topic, so that the youth can apply what they have learned in their current placement setting, and prepare themselves for applying these skills in their life after they emancipate. Also, as above, the Independent City event provides a one-day opportunity each year to apply the skills learned in the workshops. • It is important to note that AB-1111 ILP services and programs direction and services are a work in progress by the State of California. Counties are awaiting state guidelines and standards regarding ILP program design, which should bring some statewide uniformity to 23 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY the county ILP programs. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the current status of state and county programs? What has been implemented since this response? Oct. 2006 Response: In November 2005, the State of California Department of Social Services enacted ILP regulations for the first time. Prior to that time, there were ILP guidelines in place. As mentioned above, there is still a great variety in how ILP services are delivered from county to county. CDSS continues to work with the County Welfare Directors Association on allowing counties the flexibility of developing their ILP programs to meet the needs of the youth placed in their county, while ensuring the youths' individual needs are met, no matter where they reside. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: FINDING 4. The new John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (HR3443) requires more extensive assessment of performance based on certain outcomes, including education, employment, avoidance of dependency, homelessness, non-marital childbirth, and incarceration. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: Agrees with finding. Awaiting a policy statement by the Governor regarding its implementation and proposed use of the additional federal funding that this legislation will bring to the State of California. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the status of the Governor's policy statement? Oct. 2006 Response: The State of California Department of Social Services has established a mechanism to distribute Federal funding to each county for ILP services. The allocation methodology is currently under review for possible revision. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: FINDING 5. The relatively few programs in Orange County designed to serve emancipated youths are scattered and fragmented. Those who operate them often do so without knowledge of other similar programs. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: Disagrees partially with the finding Future Search has developed sub-committees to coordinate efforts in specific areas, e.g. housing, transportation, and jobs. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the current status of Future Search and what advancements have been made as a result of their efforts? Oct. 2006 Response: The County of Orange Board of Supervisors established the Children's Services Coordination Committee (CSCC) as a formal committee, with monthly meetings at the Hall of Administration Board Conference Room. Membership in this committee consists of representatives from all County Agencies providing services to children. There are also representatives from several community service agencies represented in this committee. Leadership in this committee is currently held by Dr. Michael Riley, Director of the Division of Children and Family Srvices in the Social Services Agency. A CSCC Emancipation Subcommittee has also been formed, and meets monthly. Membership includes representatives from the Social Services Agency (SSA), Probation, Health Care Agency Public Health Nurses and Behavioral Health psychologists, the three Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), Regional Center of Orange County, as well as 24 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY foster care and service providers in the Orange County community. • Orangewood Children's Foundation (OCF) has organized several meetings to facilitate the sharing of information, resources and programs for emancipated youth, especially in the area of housing. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What has been accomplished as a result of the meetings? Oct. 2006 Response: As mentioned above in section 2, over the last several years, SSA ILP program has developed contracts with local Housing Authorities to provide housing and services to emancipated youth. Community providers such as Rising Tides, Crossroads, Wise Place, YWCA, Mercy House, Joseph's House, Ladder to Success, Harbor Village, and Connections House have also developed housing and services for emancipated youth, with an average 18 month duration. Orange County ILP is preparing a Transitional Housing Program-PLUS (THP+) proposal for CDSS this month to augment the number of emancipation housing resources. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: FINDING 6. In spite of the past two Grand Jury reports alerting the Orange County Board of Supervisors to this critical situation, the Board of Supervisors has not budgeted funds for transitional housing, or taken formal action on transitional housing for emancipated youths. The Social Services Agency has responded to prior Grand Jury reports of the past two years by claiming that they are developing and implementing transitional housing for youths after emancipation. At the present time, Orange County has very few housing options available for emancipating youths. A few small privately-funded programs are providing services but are not available to accommodate the number of estimated youths needing transitional housing services. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: Disagree wholly with the finding In response to the 1997-1998 Grand Jury report, the Social Services Agency stated the intent to host roundtable sessions involving private and public organizations, with the goal of completing an inventory of resources and of identifying gaps in service. These roundtables were held and have evolved into other informal collaborative efforts, including Future Search. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: Has the Social Services Agency continued to identify resources and gaps in service? Are the informal collaborative efforts ongoing, if so what are they? Oct. 2006 Response: As mentioned above in the last two responses in section 5, the CSCC Emancipation Subcommittee Meeting is the monthly venue for identifying gaps and resources. Several housing resources have been established for emancipated youth. The County of Orange Board of Supervisors voted in 2001 to exercise the option offered by CDSS to participate in Assembly Bill 427. Among the changes evolving from that legislation were the expansion of THPP services to foster youth as young as 16 years, and the Transitional Housing Program – PLUS (THP+) for services and housing to emancipated youth up to age 24. At that juncture the County share of cost was sixty percent. State funding for this project dried up within months, and Orange County had to withdraw its participation in the project. Legislation enacted in 2006 now allows Counties to submit a THP+ Program plan, and requires that as long as the State funds are sufficient, the cost of the new THP+ programs is borne 100% by the State of California. Orange County SSA is submitting its proposal to the State for requested participation in this THP+ project. 25 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: FINDING 7. The County of Orange does not have an administrative umbrella to coordinate programs and services for emancipating youths. The missing linchpin is a director with authority and responsibility to coordinate the efforts of all concerned agencies and private nonprofit caregivers. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: Disagree partially with the finding The Director of the Social Services Agency, Children and Family Services, has committed to lead the broad-based collaborative effort initiated through the Future Search process. This effort, strengthened by the issuance of statewide Independent Living Program standards and by new federal and state funding streams, holds the greatest promise for an improved Orange County network of services. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What are the outcomes of this effort? Oct. 2006 Response: As mentioned above in Section 5, the Director of SSA Children and Family Services Division chairs the CSCC monthly committee meetings, and does, in fact, coordinate the efforts of County Agencies, concerned agencies and non-profit caregivers. This broad-based collaborative, coupled with the monthly CSCC Emancipation Subcommittee meetings, are effectively taking full advantage of federal and funding streams, including the Mental Health Srvices Act (Proposition 63) funds to create and sustain services for ILP-eligible youth. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION 1. The Social Services Agency should direct the Technology Services Department to develop a tracking system to collect data for 16- to 21-year-old foster youths. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not reasonable. The Social Services Agency has no authority or ability to maintain oversight of youth after the Juvenile Court terminates dependency status. The Social Services Agency lacks a source of funding for the development of an Orange County specific tracking system. SSA will seek the support of other counties and the State of California to develop such a feature in CWS/CMS. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What has SSA done to gain consensus with other counties and the state to implement a tracking program? Can the new CalWin system be used to track emancipated youth when they apply for government assistance? Could pre-emancipated youth information be placed in the CalWIN system in order to track them after emancipation if/when they apply for aid? Oct. 2006 Response: In 2002, given the inability of CWS/CMS to track ILP services provided, and the outcomes for those youth, Orange County SSA developed a stand-alone ILP database. This software application is user-friendly and has the capacity to augment fields to track new services as they are added. In addition, Orange County ILP is seeking participation in the California Connected by 25 project, to join 5 other counties that have access to a web-based application called Efforts to Outcomes. This system will help Orange County to be a leader statewide in tracking the outcomes that will be required of California Counties by the Federal government. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION 2. The Independent Living Program for emancipated youths should be presented with a transitional housing program which includes independence but also supervision and coaching and counseling, especially in the areas of education and employment. The 26 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY transitional housing programs that exist in Orange County should be authorized to present the Independent Living Program and should also be compensated. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: The recommendation requires further analysis Final Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not reasonable. At this time, no funding source exists to support this concept. However, funding resources are under development. The Social Services Agency will continue its efforts with collaborative public, private and faith based organizations, as it awaits development of statewide standards and clarifications of state/federal funding streams. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What has been done? Have standards and clarifications been realized? Oct. 2006 Response: As mentioned in Findings Section 6 above, Orange County ILP is submitting a THP+ Project Plan this month, in anticipation of approval by CDSS as a THP+ county for the Fiscal Year 2007/2008. This State-funded plan includes proposals for the three distinct types of housing formats, addressing the diverse needs of the emancipated youth. This service plan has measurable outcome elements including post-secondary educational advancement, employment enhancement to achieve a living wage in Orange County, increased access to health and mental health services, living skills development, as well as financial education and savings toward independent housing. (cid:131) Chaffee Act: It doubled the amount of federal funds for the Independent Living Program. This legislation potentially impacts child welfare services, in part, in the following ways: Funds for education, vocational and job training necessary to obtain employment and/or prepare for secondary education, training in daily living skills, substance abuse prevention, pregnancy prevention and preventative health activities and connections to dedicated adults. Requires a portion of the funds to be used for older youth, ages 18 to 21. A portion may be used for room and board. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: Since receiving Chaffee Act funds what programs have been implemented or enhanced? Oct. 2006 Response: Orange County ILP has expanded its service population on both ends, now serving foster youth from age 14, and emancipated youth until their 21st birthday. Linkages with the Federal Workforce Investment Act contracts in each of the Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Orange County WIBs are now automatic. The matriculation of foster youth into those employment preparation, job training, job placement, and job retention services is accelerated by the Miscellaneous Order signed this year by the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court. Using the Transitional Independent Living Plan and Vocational Assessment documents already completed to take the place of lengthy and duplicitous interviews for the foster youth, outcomes for continued participation in these services are improved. (cid:131) The State Department of Health and Human Services is required to issue regulations for the disbursement of additional funds to Counties within the next 12 months. Over the course of the next 12 months, the Social Services Agency will be evaluating and working with the State and local providers to develop new and augment existing services. 27 /07 Grand Jury follow-up: What new services were developed and what existing services have been augmented? Oct. 2006 Response: The ILP workshop contract now requires the provider to deliver 130 ILP workshops and seminars, as well as 6 special events each calendar year. Independent Living Coaches are now provided to a minimum of 150 foster and emancipated youth. Mentoring contracts and memoranda of understanding are in place with 5 community based organizations. The academic performance tracking contract with OCDE has been established, and with leverage of new funding sources, will double the number of foster youth served. A Vocational Assessment contract has been established, providing foster youth with individualized assessment identifying entry level positions in at least three career paths available in Orange County that the foster youth are prepared to pursue. The ILP staff is facilitating Emancipation Planning Conferences, which provide the foster youth with an opportunity to lead the planning for short-term and long-range goals. Family finding and engagement services that create connections between foster youth and healthy extended family members began in October 2004, and Orange County is one of 14 counties participating in the California Permanency for Youth Project (CPYP). • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION 3. The pre-emancipation Independent Living Program should be improved by authorizing and compensating group homes for presenting the Independent Living Program because they will be able to provide more concrete and hands-on assistance and address the transportation problem. Group homes are better qualified to monitor educational progress and provide tutors, if needed, to help their youths obtain a high school diploma, which is the most important element of the Independent Living Program. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but it will be implemented in the future. Significant program developments are in process and planned for within the next six months. Final Response: The recommendation has been implemented. We are assured that the California Department of Social Services will develop statewide standards for the delivery of ILP At that time, the Social Services Agency will reassess its pre-emancipation program. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What was the result of the reassessment of the pre-emancipation program? Oct. 2006 Response: Since the last SSA response, CDSS Community Care Licensing regulations, as well as SSA Contracts obligations for Group Homes have changed, holding group homes responsible for providing ILP services and facilitating ILP services involvement by foster youth in their charge. Among all foster care providers, the group homes have become the most active supporters of transporting the foster youth to ILP workshops and activities. Orange County ILP has required the use of the www.caseylifeskills.org web site assessment by all foster care providers. Academic tracking and recommendations for augmented services provided through the ILP contract with OCDE have provided all the foster care providers with essential tools to assist foster youth in their academic progress toward high school graduation. As mentioned above in Findings Section 3 above, CDSS did not complete the ILP Regulation in Division 30 and Division 31 until November 2005. Orange County ILP anticipated those regulations, and had many of the services and standards in place before the regulations were implemented. (cid:131) The Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP) is a state pilot project authorized by Assembly Bill 2774. This program will provide well-supervised, semi-independent living situations for 17-18 year olds that are still in foster care. It is funded by AFDC foster care dollars. SSA is in the process of selecting a contractor(s) to provide these services to youth. 28 /07 Grand Jury follow-up: Was this program implemented? What is the current status of this program? Oct. 2006 Response: As mentioned in Finding 6 above, Orange County ILP implemented the expansion of THPP services in 2002 to include foster youth as young as 16 years of age. There is currently one licensed THPP provider in Orange County, providing services to 10 foster youth. Orange County was required in September 2006 to specify the maximum number of THPP beds that it would use, based on the funding streams allocated at that juncture to this State-sponsored program. Orange County ILP specified twenty beds, which is the maximum number of youth in any given month that have been placed in this program. (cid:131) The Social Services Agency is currently working with the Orange County Department of Education in a collaborative project titled CORE (Collaborative Options Resource Efficacy) to support the education needs of emancipating youth to age 21. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the status of CORE? What was accomplished? Oct. 2006 Response: The CORE program is known statewide as Foster Youth Services (FYS). Orange County ILP has established a contract with FYS, as mentioned in Finding Section 2 above, which not only serves foster youth placed in group homes, but now serves all foster youth 14 years and older. Orange County has changed the CORE name to FYS, to coincide with other California Counties. This week, Orange County ILP joined OCDE and Probation representatives in drafting a grant proposal to expand the FYS academic services to now assist former foster youth who are now Probation Wards serving time in Probation Institutions. (cid:131) Also, recently acquired ILP staff is working with ILP providers, including Cypress College, Santa Ana College, and the Orangewood Children's Foundation, to enhance ILP educational and vocational services. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What enhancements have been made as a result of this endeavor? Oct. 2006 Response: The Bridges to Higher Education Program was established to provide academic mentoring and enhancement services to prepare foster youth for post-secondary education opportunities. Collaborations with 15 universities and vocational schools started at California State University Fullerton, and have been developed under the title Guardian Scholars, providing emancipated foster youth with free tuition, books, fees, and in some cases year- around housing to support their post-secondary education and training. There is legislation pending in the State of California that would expand the Guardian Scholar program to all State Universities. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION 4. The Independent Living Program should focus on key areas that are critical to independent living: education, employment, housing, and reducing the probability of early parenthood. A study with specific recommendations should be initiated to evaluate the Independent Living Program in Orange County. An evaluation of the program is needed that links the objectives of the program with the results. No response required • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION 5. The Social Services Agency should take the leadership role in coordinating all of the current, fragmented programs for emancipated youths currently in Orange County. Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: Response: The recommendation has not been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. Final Response: The recommendation has been implemented. 29 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY The Social Services Agency has acquired a Program Manager to fill this role and expand the Independent Living Program. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: How has the Program Manager expanded the ILP? Oct. 2006 Response: Since 2001, the current Program Manager has expanded the Independent Living Program in many ways. Orange County has established a uniform assessment tool for tracking foster youth progress on life skill achievement (www.caseylifeskills.org). ILP Services went from serving a population of foster youth between the ages of 16-19, and now serves all foster youth and emancipated youth from age 14 until the 21st birthday. The program staff grew from two Senior Social Workers to now seven Senior Social Workers, serving 2,752 youth in the last FFY. Educational tracking and academic enhancement services are serving all foster youth 14 years and older. Independent Living Coaches are now serving in excess of 150 foster youth. ILP workshops and seminars numbering 130 each calendar year are provided to youth. THPP services have been fully implemented in Orange County. There are currently a minimum of 65 emancipated youth beds available among those operated by ILP contracts and community organizations. The Orange County THP+ proposal is being prepared for delivery to CDSS, in hopes of implementation in FY07/08. The findings and recommendations of the Emancipated Youth Housing Study in collaboration with California State University Fullerton have been implemented to enhance the applications of life skills in the daily lives of foster youth, and create extended family connections that will bring hope and additional resources to emancipating foster youth. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION 6. The Board of Supervisors, County Executive Office, and the Social Services Agency, following leadership on both the federal and state levels, should elevate transitional housing for emancipated youths to the highest priority. Response: The recommendation requires further analysis Final Response: The recommendation has been implemented. SSA plans to initiate such an emancipation program planning process with the arrival of the new, increased federal funding for emancipation services within the next six months to one year. Undoubtedly, transitional housing will be identified as one of the foremost needs to be addressed. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What is the status of this program planning process and what has been implemented or enhanced? Was transitional housing identified as one of the foremost needs? Oct. 2006 Response: As mentioned in the Findings Section 5 and 6, as well as in Recommendations Sections 2 and 5 above, stable emancipation housing is the foundation upon which all other services can be effective in the youth's lives. Housing resources developed since 2001 are helpful, but there are approximately 250 foster youth emancipating each year. Housing for emancipated youth will be greatly enhanced as Orange County is approved as a THP+ County in FY07/08. • 1999/2000 Grand Jury Report: RECOMMENDATION 7. An administrative position should be created whose purpose is to coordinate all of the County and private agencies similar to the collaborative efforts of Friends of the Children Bridges and the Probation Department’s Children and Family Resource Centers. This position would also have the responsibility and accountability for all pre- and post-emancipated Independent Living Programs. 30 2006-2007 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY Excerpts from the 1999/2000 agency response: Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. Final Response: The recommendation has been implemented. ….new federal laws require that ILP services be extended to include youth to age 21, thereby doubling the ILP caseload. These guidelines are to be put into place over the next 12 months. Further, the development and oversight of transitional housing placement services will increase contract oversight responsibilities. Therefore, significant expansion of the ILP program and support staffs has been requested in a budget augmentation request supported by County Administration. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: What was the outcome of implementing the new federal laws? Oct. 2006 Response: Orange County ILP acted on the option available in the legislation of providing services to foster youth as young as 14 years. This, in concert with the augmentation of older emancipated youth, provided an ILP service population during the last reporting period (FFY 05/06) of 2,752 youth between the ages of 14 and 21 years. The staffing for ILP was augmented, and the services enumerated in Recommendations Section 5 above have been implemented. The ILP Program Manager will facilitate the coordinated efforts of county agency and community partners in developing a comprehensive emancipation services program for foster youth. 2006/07 Grand Jury follow-up: Please explain the results of this effort? Oct. 2006 Response: As noted in the Findings Section 5 above, the ILP Program Manager and SSA Management coordinate the development and maintenance of community partnerships and coordinate interventions through the overarching CSCC monthly meetings, and the monthly CSCC Emancipation Subcommittee meetings. These groups of dedicated community partners have assisted SSA management in the development of enhanced academic services, mentoring services, independent living skill development resources, post secondary education resources, and emancipation housing resources. 31