County receives an allocation from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) for the Heritage Project. However, this year's annual event will be funded with a special grant (see Fiscal Impact above). One of the requirements for the funding is cross-training. The cross-training is for foster parents, community partners, alcohol and drug providers, mental health providers, and County staff. The goals and objectives of the cross-training are to educate, increase collaboration between alcohol and drug treatment partners and social workers, decrease barriers that prevent agencies from working collaboratively, assist families and staff in creating practical solutions for change, case conferencing, and case collaboration.
On March 1, 2017, the Employment and Human Services Department, Children and Family Services Bureau, will host a cross-training event, entitled "Breaking Barriers Training" for foster parents, caregivers, service providers, and County staff. Crowne Plaza Concord has requested the Board of Supervisors approval in advance of the event. Provision of food and beverage service during the event is allowable under the Heritage Project funding guidelines, the Foster Parent Recruitment, Retention and Support Grant and will be consistent with the County Administrative Bulletin No. 614, paragraph IV B. "appropriated funds are not available to provide food and/or beverage to County employees or members of County committees".
The contract for this event includes language that requires the County to indemnify the hotel at which the training event is held for injuries or damage caused by the County during the event, including attorney's fees.
The federal requirement for Heritage Project. Options for Recovery Program specialized training would not be provided and may impact funding.