REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Renewal of the Service Agreement between the County of Santa Clara and the City of Sunnyvale for Juvenile Probation Services
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) has had a long-standing Service Agreement with the County of Santa Clara Probation Department since 1990. The Agreement enhances the DPS Crime Prevention Unit through the assignment of a full-time Deputy Probation Officer to provide delinquency prevention, early intervention, and diversion services exclusively to Sunnyvale youth and families.
Under the terms of the initial three-year Agreement established in FY 1990/91, the City paid 45% of the Deputy Probation Officer salary and benefits for the first year; 75% of the salary for the second year, and 90% of the salary for the third year. In FY 1993/94, the City began paying 100% of the Deputy Probation Officer's base salary. This payment schedule has remained the same and is unchanged in the Service Agreement under consideration.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan
Goal SN-3 Safe and Secure City
Ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community by providing effective public safety response and prevention and education services
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity does not require environmental review because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that it may have a significant effect on the environment (CEQA Guideline 15061 (b)(3)).
DISCUSSION
Previously known as the Restorative Justice/Juvenile Diversion Program, the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Program is provided through DPS in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Probation Department. The Program serves early offenders who are arrested for misdemeanors and low-level felonies, seeks to make young offenders cognitive of their behavior and responsible for their actions, and provides them with opportunities to develop pro-social competency skills such as empathy and resiliency through family, school and community involvement, and victim restoration. While there are no substantial changes from the current Service Agreement, services have evolved over the years to meet changing needs of youth, families and schools in the community.
The Deputy Probation Officer will continue to be housed at DPS headquarters and serve as the primary point of contact for the PEI Program. Additionally, the Deputy Probation Officer:
1) Reviews Juvenile Contact Reports;
2) Reviews crime reports and contact juveniles and parents as appropriate;
3) Develops youth case plans, including face-to-face visits in the office, school or home;
4) Makes recommendations for appropriate diversion activities;
5) Assists in restitution to victims;
6) Develops additional diversion activities;
7) Acts as a liaison with Sunnyvale schools;
8) Provides assistance to Patrol Officers, Neighborhood Resource Officers and Detectives regarding juvenile crime activities;
9) Provides training for Public Safety personnel as required or requested;
10) Co-facilitates the CHOICES youth/parent workshops, covering topics such as digital safety, life-skill based practices on choices, understanding the juvenile justice system/process, record sealing, court orders, search and seizure, restitution and law violations; and
11) Collaborates with and makes referrals to community-based organizations.
In the previous fiscal year, the Deputy Probation Officer reviewed 485 juvenile crime reports and made 489 juvenile contacts.
The Service Agreement renewal would ensure continuation of much needed juvenile diversion services and confirm the strong relationship established between the County of Santa Clara and the City. This partnership has become a model for other cities within the County who strive to attain exclusive delinquency prevention, early intervention, and diversion services for youth and families in their jurisdictions.
FISCAL IMPACT
The new MOA is for a five year term commencing July 1, 2015 and expiring June 30, 2020. Under the terms of the new MOA, in FY 2015/16, the City will pay for the total salary of one Deputy Probation Officer in an amount not to exceed $100,147. This amount may increase in subsequent fiscal years based directly on any increase in the County of Santa Clara Salary Ordinance and bargaining agreement with Local 1587 for the Deputy Probation Officer position, Step 5. The maximum increase for a fiscal year will not exceed 3% of the previous fiscal year. The County is paid on a reimbursement basis. The MOA's termination clause states, "This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 30 days written notification to the other party. Upon termination, payment will be due to COUNTY on a pro-rated basis for only those services provided to CONTRACTOR."
Funds to cover the costs associated with this Service Agreement are included in the Public Safety Administrative Services (Program 477) operating budget and funded by Asset Forfeiture Funds. Due to changes in the methodology for distributing Asset Forfeiture Funds, original revenue estimates have not been received as anticipated. It is currently anticipated that Asset Forfeiture funds will run out after FY 2016/17 for this program. As part of the FY 2016/17 operating budget cycle, Staff will review alternative funding options to ensure continuation of these services.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the renewal of the Service Agreement between the County of Santa Clara and the City of Sunnyvale for juvenile probation services.
Staff
Prepared by: Nancy M. Thome, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Chief Frank J. Grgurina, Director of Public Safety
Reviewed by: Robert A. Walker, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. Agreement for Services between the County of Santa Clara and the City of Sunnyvale