TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, with the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime, to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $694,903, for the expansion of the Long Beach My Sister’s Keeper Program, for the period of October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2021;
Execute all necessary documents and agreements with partner agencies; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) by $694,903, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has 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.
The MSK Program is a coordinated care approach for human trafficking victims 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 enhances the quality and quantity of specialized services available to assist victims of human trafficking. Each partner will provide the following services:
• LBPD identifies and refers trafficking victims to MSK;
• City Prosecutor provides a court diversion program for human trafficking victims;
• LBTRC will provide trauma- and resiliency-informed mental health services; and,
• Gems Uncovered provides continued recovery support and wraparound case management.
Funding from this grant will also allow the MSK Program to close gaps and reduce barriers for victims by providing employment services through a service provider to be determined through a competitive request for proposals process.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on October 23, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on October 25, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on November 13, 2018, to expand the program as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant award is $694,903 for the period of October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2021. An appropriation increase in the amount of $694,903 is requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE), offset by grant revenue. A City in-kind match for the course of the three-year grant is required in the amount of $72,516 and will be provided in the form of existing staff time. Sufficient funding is currently 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