January 7,1999


The Honorable Board of Supervisors
County of Los Angeles
383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012

Dear Supervisors:

ADOPT THE RESOLUTION FOR THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES TO ACCEPT FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AND EXECUTE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND
CITY OF INGLEWOOD (SOUTH BAY SERVICE DELIVERY AREA)

ALL DISTRICTS
(4) VOTES

JOINT RECOMMENDATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES:

The Honorable Board of Supervisors
Page Two
January 7, 1999

PURPOSE OF RECOMMENDED ACTION:

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) solicited counties to participate in a demonstration project that would provide employment and
training services to the unemployed, non-custodial parents (NCP) whose children are receiving public assistance.

The Honorable Board of Supervisors
Page Three
January 7, 1999

In response to CDSS's solicitation, the District Attorney's office and the Department of Public Social Services submitted a proposal. The program, modeled after the Parent's Fair Share Project, involves several other agencies: the Department of Community and Senior Services (Los Angeles County Service Delivery Area), the State of California Employment and Development Department, the Community and Senior Services Department, and the City of Inglewood (South Bay Service Delivery Area). On April 29, 1998, the District Attorney's office was officially notified that the Los Angeles County collaborative was selected to implement the project and was awarded grant funds in the amount of $563,490 for FY 97-98 beginning April 1, 1998. On October 1, 1998, our office was officially notified that Los Angeles county was awarded funds in the amount of $2,856,522 for the Non-custodial Parent Employment and Training Demonstration Project for Fiscal Year 1998-1999.

JUSTIFICATION:

Federal and state legislation promote employment and training programs for NCP's who are delinquent in their child support. Under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Section 365, all states have the authority to require an individual who owes past-due child support and whose child is receiving assistance under a state program, to pay child support or participate in work activities.

This demonstration project is to determine if providing employment services and training, supportive services, as well as parental training to non-custodial, unemployed parents will result in an increase in the amount and consistency of child support payments, a reduction in public assistance to the children of these parents, and an increase in the parents' involvement in their children's lives. By offering these services to NCPs, the outcome should result in a decrease in poverty, as well as an improvement in the children's well being.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The California Department of Social Services has awarded Los Angeles County $563,490 for FY 97-98 beginning April 1,1998, and $2,856,522 for Fiscal Year 1998-1999. CDSS will forward a separate letter regarding the budget for FY 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 at a later date. It is anticipated that the annual funding allocation will remain at the same level for the duration of the project (i.e. three and one-half years).

The Honorable Board of Supervisors
Page Four
January 7, 1999

FINANCING:

Funds for Fiscal Year 1998-99 are distributed as follows:

FROM: State of California $2,856,522

TO: Fund Match

South Bay SDA $166,000 $166,000
DPSS 120,803 120,803
DCSS 711,560 $ 50,000 661,560
L.A.CO. SDA 732,000 732,000
EDD 273,538 273,538
District Attorney's Office 852,621 735,449 117,172

Funds for this program have not been included in the District Attorney's Fiscal Year 1998-1999 budget. A budget adjustment reflecting appropriate changes is attached.

FACTS AND PROVISIONS:

This demonstration project is to determine if providing employment services, training, supportive services, as well as parental training to the unemployed non-custodial parents, will result in an increase in the amount of consistency of child support payments, a reduction in public assistance to the children receiving welfare, and an increase in parents' involvement in their children's lives. The State of California, CDSS, has awarded Los Angeles County $2,856,522 for the Non-custodial Parents Employment and Training
Demonstration Project for Fiscal Year 1998-99. It is anticipated that the annual funding allocation will remain the same for duration of the project.

The Honorable Board of Supervisors
Page Five
January 7, 1999

The District Attorney's office on behalf of the County of Los Angeles, is requesting the Board enter into agreements with the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) and the City of Inglewood (South Bay Service Delivery Area). The District Attorney's office requests a budget adjustment to include the aforementioned funds in the departmental budget for FY 98-99.

CONTRACTING PROCESS:

Not applicable.

IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES (OR PROJECTS):

It has no impact on any other budgeted program or project.

NEGATIVE DECLARATION/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS:

Not applicable.

CONCLUSION:

Instruct the Executive Officer-Clerk of the Board to return a copy of the adopted Board letter and three (3) copies of the attached Agreements, containing original signatures, to Karen Reed, Los Angeles County District Attorney, Bureau of Family Support Operations, 5770 S. Eastern Ave., Commerce, CA, 90040-2024, at (213) 889-3349.

Very truly yours,
GIL GARCETTI LYNN W. BAYER

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Enclosures

C: Chief Administrative Officer

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