TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $306,666 for the My Sister’s Keeper - New Victim Intervention and Empowerment for Women’s Program, for the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) by $306,666, offset by reimbursement revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The My Sister's Keeper-New Victim Intervention and Empowerment for Women's (MSK-New VIEW) Program focuses primarily on female, marginalized victims of human trafficking, many of whom have had interactions with the criminal or juvenile justice system. However, the City of Long Beach (City) MSK-New VIEW Program will be broader, serving any person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, or emotional harm resulting from trafficking victimization.
The MSK-New VIEW Program is an innovative, research-supported model for holistic service delivery designed to increase intervention time and access to services. The program will provide a holistic approach to addressing the multiple layers of abuse and trauma that human trafficking victims face, as well as a coordinated referral system to prevent victims from falling through the cracks. The City-lead, coordinated care approach will include continuum of care services in partnership with the City Prosecutor, a community-based service provider specializing in trauma and resiliency-informed service delivery, a wraparound human trafficking victim service provider, and the Health and Human Services Department, to support implementation, coordination and monitoring of the service delivery and referral model. Through this funding, the City will be able to not only continue diversion programming, but enhance direct referrals and service provision through funded partnerships with providers of mental health counseling, healthcare, supportive housing, and substance abuse rehabilitation. This collaborative and streamlined model is designed to end the cycle of trafficking and restore hope and a sense of belonging for victims.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on January 12, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on January 18, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 6, 2018, to commence the program as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding up to $306,666 for the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019. An appropriation increase in the amount of $306,666 is requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) for program costs, offset by reimbursement revenue. A City in-kind match for the course of the two-year grant is required in the amount of $76,667, which is sufficiently budgeted in the General Fund (GF) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE). There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER