TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents including any subsequent amendments, with the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, to extend the expansion of the My Sister’s Keeper Program period through
September 30, 2022. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (DOJ), awarded the City of Long Beach (City) a $694,903 grant to support the Health and Human Services Department’s (Health Department) My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) Program for the period of October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the City was unable to fully expend the awarded funds. The DOJ is allowing grantees who are unable to fully expend their grant awards to extend for an additional one-year term for the period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.
The MSK Program is a coordinated care approach for human trafficking survivors that includes a continuum of care with multiple partners. Collaboratively with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), the City Prosecutor, the Long Beach Trauma Recovery Center (LBTRC), and Gems Uncovered, this program will enhance the quality and quantity of specialized services available to assist survivors of human trafficking. Each partner will provide the following:
• The LBPD identifies and refers trafficking survivors to MSK
• The City Prosecutor provides a court diversion program for human trafficking survivors
• The LBTRC will provide trauma and resiliency-informed mental health services
• Gems Uncovered provides continued recovery support and wraparound case management
Funding from this grant will also allow the program to close gaps and reduce barriers for survivors by providing employment services through a service provider to be determined through a future competitive request for proposal process.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on December 21, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on January 11, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on February 1, 2022, to continue to provide these services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive an extension to administer the original grant agreement through September 30, 2022. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health Department, offset by grant revenue. There is City match of $71,072 required which is currently budgeted in the General Fund Group in the Health Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER