BACKGROUND:
The 2016-17 Community Action Plan (CAP) was developed with input from Contra Costa County residents, Department staff and clients along with the County's Economic Opportunity Council (EOC). The EOC reviewed and approved the CAP at its regular meeting on June 4, 2015. The Board of Supervisors approved the CAP at its June 16, 2015 meeting.
The CAP guides the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program operated by the Community Services Bureau of the Employment & Human Services Department. Approval of the CAP by the Board of Supervisors will allow the document to move forward for State approval. Once approved, the State will generate a CSBG contract with the County for designated CSBG funds, which is based on County poverty data. The needs assessment is a process used to determine unmet needs of low-income individuals, families, and communities. The needs assessment informs CSBG eligible entities how to utilize CSBG funds to meet the needs of low-income persons in their service areas in accordance with the assurances in the CSBG Act.
This board order is to approve the Strategic Plan of the Contra Costa County Economic Opportunity Council which is in complement to the CAP. The Strategic Plan was developed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services (OCS), CSBG Organization Standards 6.1 - 6.5. The EOC approved the Strategic Plan on September 8, 2016.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not approved, the County will not have the basis to receive CSBG funding in the 2016 program year.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Employment and Human Services Department’s Community Action program supports two of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes: “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School” and “Families that are Safe, Stable, and Nurturing.” These outcomes are achieved by offering comprehensive services through the Community Services Block Grant program, including high quality early childhood education, nutrition, and health services to low-income children, as well as self-sufficiency programs and emergency services for eligible county individuals and families throughout Contra Costa County.