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ARF- 4020

Regular Agenda Item 3. A.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	11/01/2016
Submitted For:	Jonathan Bearup	Submitted By:	Jonathan Bearup, Court Administrator
Department:	Superior Court	Division:	Superior Court Administration

Information

Request/Subject

Approval of Superior Court's Dependency Case Processing Initiative Funding Agreement with the Administrative Office of the Courts, Dependent Children's Services Division.

Background Information

House Bill 2695 authorized $3,000,000 in funding to superior courts throughout the State for dependency case processing. The monies are regulated through the Administrative Office of the Courts, Dependent Children's Services Division. Each county has been encouraged to develop a dependency case processing initiative to expedite permanency for dependent children removed from their homes due to abandonment, abuse, or neglect. Gila County has been awarded a total of $18,980 over Fiscal Year 2016-2017 and Fiscal Year 2017-2018.

On October 4, 2016, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Court Administrator's office to submit a Dependency Case Processing Initiative application to the Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, to obtain $18,980 over fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 to provide an intensive support function for parents in dependency actions.

Evaluation

The Superior Court of Gila County has developed a two-year pilot program to expedite permanency in dependency cases that meets the criteria established by the Administrative Office of the Courts, Dependent Children's Services Division. This intensive approach to dependency case management will assist parents; prevent recidivism; and expedite permanency for dependent children. The funding available from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Dependent Children's Services Division, will provide all service and supply costs associated with the pilot - there would be no draw upon Gila County's general funds.

Conclusion

The Superior Court of Gila County has been provided the opportunity to take advantage of this funding to implement a two year pilot program designed to expedite permanency for dependent children.

Recommendation

The Superior Court of Gila County respectfully recommends that the Gila County Board of Supervisors approve the Court's Funding Agreement with the Administrative Office of the Courts, Dependent Children's Services Division.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to approve the funding agreement between the Superior Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts, which awards $18,980 over fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 to provide an intensive support function for parents in dependency actions. (Jon Bearup)

Attachments
Gila DCPI Funding Agreement