Subject:
Title
Memorandum of Understanding with the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Elevate: Raising Problem Solving to Another Level.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sixth Judicial Circuit for Elevate: Raising Problem Solving to Another Level (Elevate Program).
Project Period: 9/30/2015 - 9/29/2016. Agreement term: 9/30/2015 - 9/29/2016.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Summary:
The County has received a joint grant award through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to execute the Elevate Program, which will be an enhancement to the Adult Drug Court.
The purpose of this MOU is to fund the Court’s hiring of employee(s) and/or contractual services necessary for the Court to perform its specified activities under the Grant in accordance with the Grant application. The Elevate Program includes Court personnel to be funded by the Grant, and such personnel will be hired by the Court and paid by the County with Grant funding. The MOU represents the understanding between the County and the Court as to the hiring and payment of such personnel.
The Elevate Program aims to reduce crime and substance abuse among high risk/high need, nonviolent youthful offenders ages 18-30 who have been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder, have experienced trauma, and who may also be struggling with a mild co-occurring mental health disorder. Between 2015 and 2018, at least 185 youthful offenders are expected to enroll in the Elevate Program through joint funding from BJA and SAMHSA.
The County has partnered with the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court and a network of community-based service providers: WestCare Gulfcoast-Florida and Center for Rational Living.
Background/Explanation:
The Elevate Program is the result of a joint adult drug court solicitation with BJA and SAMHSA to enhance services of the adult drug courts. Drug courts are part of the larger universe of problem-solving courts, and have been demonstrated to reduce recidivism and substance-abuse among high-risk offenders and to increase their likelihood of successful rehabilitation.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no net fiscal impact to the County. A budget resolution will be submitted for FY16 to recognize new grant receipts and to increase the expenditure budget for Year 1. Continuation years 2 and 3 of the grant will be included in the FY17 and FY18 budget submittals. Grant budget includes a 10% cash match of $3,000.00 each year for use of Social Solutions Case Management System services that are to be provided by WestCare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc. for data collection. If at any time the Grant funding shall no longer be available, the County shall have no further obligation to pay for such employee(s) and/or contractual services.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this MOU is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Sixth Judicial Circuit
Curaparr Corporation d/b/a Center for Rational Living
WestCare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc.
Attachments:
BJA Award
SAMHSA Award
Three (3) year Budget