20A - WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT CALIFORNIA NEW START FUNDS

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REQUEST FOR m-~ COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: FEBRUARY 16, 2010 APPROVED TITLE: ? As Recommended APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENT FOR ? As Amended WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT ? Ordinance on 1S' Reading ? Ordinance on 2"d Reading CALIFORNIA NEW START GRANT ? Implementing Resolution ? Set Public Hearing For 1 CONTINUED TO r-^----'~ FILE NUMBER ~ CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $109,519 in Workforce Investment Act funds awarded to the Santa Ana WORK Center by the State of California Employment Development Department for a Prison-to-Employment Program. DISCUSSION In 2007, the Public Safety and Offender Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 was enacted to reform California's prison system by reducing prison overcrowding and increasing rehabilitation programming. Among its provisions, the Act required California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to develop an Inmate Treatment and Prison-to- Employment Plan. CDCR developed a partnership with the California Workforce Investment Board and the Employment Development Department to utilize California's One-Stop system to enhance the employability of parolees. On November 16, 2009, Council approved an original allocation of $62,742 to provide services to parolees, including job search activities and supportive services. Staff has been participating in offsite meetings on a monthly basis with the local Parole and Community Team (PACT). PACT is composed of parole officers and other community service workers whose focus is to provide a range of resources and services to assist parolees in their effort to reintegrate into the community. On November 19, 2009 the City was notified that an additional $109,519 had been awarded. As a result of the new funding, staff anticipates serving 20 additional participants and will enhance the program by 20A-1