To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: CocoKids, Inc.
☒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 CocoKids, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,471,943 to provide the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program Services for Foster Children for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
85% State capped Allocation, 15% Federal Title IV-E, which is budgeted in FY 26-27.
BACKGROUND:
The Board of Supervisors approved recent prior contracts and amendments for Bridge Program services with CocoKids, Inc. On November 18, 2025 (25-4829), for FY 25/26 (amendment); June 24, 2025 (25-2537), for FY 25/26; May 14, 2024 (24-1340), for FY 24/25; June 27, 2023 (C.73), for FY 22/24 (amendment); January 10, 2023 (C.50), for FY 22/24 (amendment); and May 24, 2022 (C.41), for FY 22/24. This action seeks a Contract renewal for the term July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, to provide Bridge Program services.
On July 23, 2025, in alignment with County policy outlined in Administrative Bulletin 104.1, Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Children and Family Services opted once again into the California Department of Social Services Emergency Child Care Bridge (Bridge) Program for an indefinite period of time until such time the County chooses to opt out. The Bridge Program provides subsidized childcare and associated services for Contra Costa County resource families, caregivers and the dependent foster youth in their care.
The Contractor is the designated Child Care Resource and Referral Agency that provides Bridge Program services in Contra Costa County which includes a 12-month payment (or voucher) for childcare, childcare navigator assistance, as well as trauma-informed care training and coaching to childcare providers who care for children in foster care.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County may face an increased number of foster youth unable to be placed with eligible families due to lack of access to subsidized childcare and corresponding State/Federal funding will be lost.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This Contract supports all five of the community outcomes established in 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 supporting families that provide safe housing and supports for youth in foster care.