Agenda

Return

C. 11

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Esa Ehmen-Krause, County Probation Officer
Date:	August 8, 2023

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Establish the Probation Community Associate classification and add three (3) positions

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 08/08/2023

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:	Melvin Russell, (925) 313-4149
cc:	hris.support@hrd.cccounty.us

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: August 8, 2023
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Position Adjustment Resolution No. 26071 to establish the Probation Community Associate - Project (7CW1) (represented) classification at salary plan and grade TB5 1002 ($3,552 - $4,318), and add three (3) positions to the Probation Department.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The addition of these positions will result in increased annual salary and benefit costs of approximately $225,941, which will be funded by State Community Corrections Performance Incentives Act Funds. There is no impact to the County General Fund.

BACKGROUND:

The new Probation Community Associate Program will employ three individuals who have been system involved. One position will assist in the adult criminal justice system, one position in the juvenile justice system, and one in the foster care system. These positions will have countywide responsibilities and work closely with Field Services, specifically the Juvenile Investigation Unit, the Placement Unit, and the TAY population supervised by the Probation Department. The Probation Community Associate will work closely with youth participating in the Briones Youth Academy and Girl’s in Motion program as well. This partnership will involve close collaboration with our county stakeholders as well as community-based organizations to provide services, support, empathy, and compassion to those families involved in the county system as a whole.

Parents dealing with extreme life challenges such as substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment, their own criminality, and domestic violence may have their children taken from them or their children may enter into the criminal justice system. These families do not always have the resources needed to navigate these complex systems. Often they are not aware of their rights and responsibilities and do not have role models or support networks in place to provide the appropriate guidance and ''voice" that can assist with reunification with their children or proper support to help inhibit them from advancing deeper into the criminal justice system.

It is crucial for families to begin working on a Case Plan to deal with emotional and mental health issues, secure a job to have a steady income, find a place to live, and create a safe, stable environment to move toward either reunification and/or overall success. In many cases, neither the family nor the client possesses the life skills due to a lack of resources, process knowledge, and/or mentors. Therefore, children and clients who fall into either the foster care system or the criminal justice system face numerous challenges and are unable to navigate these complex systems alone.

The Contra Costa County Probation Department is looking to invest in the community and employ three individuals who have been system involved. We believe this commitment to those with lived experience along with the financial stability of County employment is crucial in identifying people looking to further the work and the mission of both Contra Costa County and the Probation Department. Working alongside members of our community in providing support and services to those at risk of becoming system involved, those already system involved, or those transitioning from the system will lead to better service delivery and positive outcomes for the community as a whole. Re-imagining the foster care system and the criminal justice system will take commitment from all of us.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

If unapproved, the Department will be unable to provide critical community support, system navigation and mentorship services to clients and families to foster successful outcomes. Additionally, the Department will be unable to provide client services by those with lived experience.