Title
Resolution to Accept and Appropriate Funds for the Fiscal Year 2021 Children's Services Act (Formerly Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families)
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Children's Services Act (CSA) formerly known as the Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families, combines the annual appropriations that previously went to Social Services, the Hampton City Schools and the Court Services Unit. The CSA serves families with children with a high risk of out-of-home placement or already in such placement due to their specialized academic and/or behavior needs. CSA is administered by a Community Policy and Management Team made up of agency directors, vendors, parent representatives and other community members.
(See Hampton City Council file No. 19-0163; Resolution adopted June 12, 2019).
Discussion:
The mission of the Children's Services Act is to create a collaborative system of services and funding that is child-centered, family-focused, community-based and cost-effective when addressing the strengths and needs of troubled and at-risk youth and their families in Virginia. In Hampton, this collaborative system of care continues to serve over 500 annually. This system of care approach has been a hallmark of supporting families for a healthy child.
As established through the Appropriation Act, funding services to children and families under the Children's Services Act is a shared responsibility of state and local government. The State Executive Council for Children's Services, together with the Office of Children's Services, are the administrative bodies at the state level that set the local match rate for each locality; Hampton's local match is set at 32.23%. However, historically, Hampton has never been required to pay out the entire local amount and, therefore, the amount allocated in the recently approved budget for CSA funds represents less than the full 32.23% match.
At this time, the exact allocation from the state to Hampton is unknown. However, based on historical data. Hampton has received CSA funds in the amount of $5,127,298. An additional administrative allocation is anticipated from the state in the amount of $63,667, which requires $20,518 from the City of Hampton as the local match. The total anticipated appropriation from the state is $5,127,298; the total anticipated local share is $1,778,323.
Pursuant to Hampton City Charter Section 6.12, supplemental appropriations may be made by City Council not to exceed the unanticipated revenue from the Commonwealth or Federal sources where City Council has previously or currently approved the city's participation in the program. The City has been participating in the CSA program for many years; therefore, this resolution appropriating anticipated state funding is in compliance with this section of the Charter.
Impact:
As established through the Appropriation Act, funding services to children and families under the Children's Services Act a shared responsibility of state and local government. Effective July 1, 2008, the funding system implemented encouraged practice changes to reduce utilization of residential care (which Hampton has done for over a decade), increase children served in their homes, and encouraged investment of funds for the development of community-based services. This policy-driven model encourages the delivery of services consistent with the statutory purposes of the CSA, which are to preserve and strengthen families; design and provide services that are responsive to the unique and diverse strengths and needs of troubled youth and families; and provide appropriate services in the least restrictive environment, while protecting the welfare of children and maintaining the safety of the public (see 2.2-5200, et seq, Code of Virginia).
Recommendation:
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Approve
Body
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Education has awarded the 2021 Children's Services Act to the City of Hampton, Virginia in the estimated amount of $5,127,298, with a estimated local match of $1,778,323; and
WHEREAS, the funding awarded covers the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia hereby amends its Fiscal Year 2021 Council Approved Budget to accept and appropriate the 2021 Children's Services Act state funding in the amount of $5,127,298 with an estimated local share of $1,778,323, for a total of $6,905,621, and any related supplemental funding, from the State of Virginia, Medicaid and local funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take the necessary steps to implement this award.