To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ellen McDonnell, Public Defender
Report Title: Educational Practicum Program with Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, for its School of Social Work
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Public Defender, or designee, to execute the Affiliation Agreement with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, for its School of Social Work, a non-profit educational institution, to establish an educational practicum program with the Office of the Public Defender, for the period June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact on the County, as this is a non-financial agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender (CCPD) seeks to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Rutgers), for its School of Social Work to provide experiential learning opportunities for students interested in public service. Under the agreement, CCPD will allow one student at Rutgers to gain direct social work experience by continuing to work as Client Services Specialist, particularly in supporting clients with mental health and substance use challenges.
This collaboration benefits both CCPD and the educational institution. The program allows CCPD to maintain service level, while offering the educational institution valuable field experience opportunities that enrich their students’ education and professional development. The program aims to promote social and economic justice and strengthen individual, family, and community well-being in this diverse and increasingly global environment.
The Affiliation Agreement requires CCPD to accept conditions stated in the Practicum Manual. This includes that the County must indemnify Rutgers against any claims or actions brought by a third-party alleging acts or omissions resulting from inadequate training or supervision of the student or agent or employee. The agreement is structured to automatically renew on an annual basis unless terminated by either party.
The Department is requesting a retroactive effective date to the contract, due to internal administrative delays on processes required to verify and finalize the agreement language.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this agreement is not approved, CCPD will not implement the educational practicum program with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, for its School of Social Work.