To: Board of Supervisors
From: Esa Ehmen-Krause, County Probation Officer
Report Title: Gift Cards to support Probation clients
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute a purchase order with The Save Mart Companies, on behalf of the Probation Department for five hundred (500) $50 Save Mart Companies gift cards for a grand total of $25,000 to provide support for Probation clients.
FISCAL IMPACT:
These gift cards will be 100% funded by California Community Corrections Performance Incentives Act (SB678) Evidence Based Practices allocations.
BACKGROUND:
The Probation Department has implemented Evidence Based Practices (EBP). These practices focus on training Deputy Probation Officers to utilize effective communication and rehabilitative interventions with individuals on probation to effect positive behavioral change. The Department uses a behavioral management system that offers incentives responsive to the individual risk and needs of the client. Incentives, that may include gift cards, have been proven to be a positive motivator for sustained behavioral change and a necessary component to a successful behavior management system. In addition to implementing Evidence Based Practices, the Probation Department’s goal is to reduce negative contact in the justice system with its clients. Resources such as incentives and stabilization support are essential to removing barriers for children and families as they engage with Probation.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, the Probation Department will not be able to provide behavioral management incentives, or support stabilization and barrier removal for children and families working with Probation, which could negatively impact prevention and intervention efforts.