To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Contract Wayfinder Family Services Renewal
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Wayfinder Family Services, in an amount not to exceed $673,150 to provide the Kinship Support Services Program to relative caregivers in East Contra Costa County for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% State Funds, all of which is budgeted in FY 26-27.
BACKGROUND:
Kinship Support Services Program (KSSP) provides community-based family support services to relative caregivers and the dependent children placed in their homes by the juvenile court, as well as for those who are at risk of dependency or delinquency, which includes providing post-permanency services to relative caregivers who have become the legal guardian or adoptive parent of formerly dependent children. Wayfinder Family Services provides multiple support services for relative and non-relative caregivers including enhanced post guardianship services, site-based mentoring, case management, support groups, enhanced academic achievement programs, recreational/group activities, respite, emergency assistance and educational forums. The goal of the kinship program is to support positive outcomes and reduce the risk of dependency and delinquency for children in a relative’s care.
The Board of Supervisors approved the initial contract for KSSP services awarded through Request for Proposal #1203 on June 25, 2024 (C.77), for FY24-26. The Board approved an amendment (C.22) on February 10, 2026, to increase the payment limit by $58,751.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the proposed action not be approved by the Board of Supervisors, the County will not be able to provide additional supports to relative caregivers in successfully raising their kin, increase positive outcomes for at-risk youth, and prevent the removal of children from extended family when the biological parents are unable to provide care.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This contract supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) "Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing"; and (5)"Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families" by providing residential placement services to youth who have been denied placement and/or cannot live safely in lower level care.