TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the County of Los Angeles Probation Department, to provide probation services for people experiencing homelessness as a result of being released from the Los Angeles County Jail due to COVID-19 concerns and as a part of the City of Long Beach Homeless Services Continuum of Care, for the period of one year, commencing upon the execution date, with the option to renew annually for up to three years, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On June 9, 2020, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported a proposal authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to maintain a lower jail population after the COVID-19 crisis is over. The Los Angeles County (County) jail system has been overcrowded for decades. While the system has capacity for 12,404 people, on any given day the seven facilities have a population of 17,000 people on average. Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the County Sheriff’s Department, the courts, the Public Defender, and the District Attorney, have worked together to reduce the jail population by 5,000 people. On June 2, 2020, the total jail population was 12,026, and was as low as 11,765 on May 1, 2020, marking the first time in decades that the County jail system’s population was lower than the capacity assigned by the Board of State and Community Corrections.
In direct response to the Board of Supervisors’ motion, the City of Long Beach’s (City) Emergency Operations Center COVID-19 Team, contacted the County Probation Department to better coordinate the release of individuals back to Long Beach with an emphasis on people experiencing homelessness. It is anticipated that about 660 people will return to Long Beach post jail release. The MOU with the County Probation Department details the provision of probation services to people experiencing homelessness as a result of being released from the County Jail due to COVID-19 concerns, and as a part of the City’s Homeless Services Continuum of Care including co-locating probation services at the Long Beach Multi-Service Center (MSC).
The MSC, operated by the Health and Human Services (Health) Department, serves as the primary point of entry for homeless services citywide. The MSC is a unique facility that collocates social service agencies to provide integrated, centralized assessment and comprehensive services for at-risk and homeless individuals and families in one location. Onsite services include shower facilities, mail, street outreach, prevention services, case management, life skills training, employment assistance, financial literacy classes, housing placement, health care services, HIV/AIDS services, substance abuse and mental health treatment referrals, Veteran services, linkage to mainstream benefits, and referrals to community resources. The MSC mission is to provide comprehensive supportive services to promote progress toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency, by creating a community where health, safety, and well-being are established. Probation services will be provided by the County through the MOU and will be consistent with the laws of the State of California and the guidelines of the City.
The term of this MOU will commence upon execution date and will continue for one year, with the option to renew annually for up to three years. Any additional renewals will be subject to approval by the County and City. This MOU may be terminated at any time, without cost, by either party upon 30 days prior written notice to the respective party.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah E. Green on August 11, 2020 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on August 14, 2020.
EQUITY STATEMENT
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit into this recommendation as requested by the City Council on April 21, 2020. This recommendation will assist Long Beach residents being released from County Jail due to COVID-19 and who are experiencing homelessness by providing linkage to the City’s Homeless Services Continuum of Care at the MSC.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 1, 2020, to ensure the MOU is executed expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation will allow for the services of a part-time Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) to provide probation services at the MSC, which includes referrals for supportive services and linkage to DPO of record. The MOU will ensure there is no duplication of services provided by County Probation Department and the Health Department. There is no fiscal impact associated with this MOU and no match or in-kind service mandate is required. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER