CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: April 4, 2022 Action Required: Approve Resolution (Appropriation) (1st of 2 Readings) Presenter: Sue Moffett, Director, Department of Social Services Staff Contacts: Jenny Jones, Chief of Family Services, Department of Social Services Laura Morris, Chief of Administration, Department of Social Services Title: Funding for Driving and Transportation Assistance for Youth in and Formerly in Foster Care -- $13,877 Background: The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has provided funding to localities to be used to provide driving and transportation assistance to youth between the ages of 14 and 23 who are currently in or were previously in foster care. The Charlottesville Department of Social Services has received $13,877 from this funding. Discussion: It is estimated that less than 5% of teens in foster care obtain their driver’s license by their 18th birthday (Virginia Commission on Youth Report, 2018). Young adults participating in focus groups conducted by VDSS reported that having a driver’s license is important because it can provide them independence and reliable transportation for school and work. This funding can be used to cover DMV licensing fees, driver’s education and testing fees, vehicle purchases, vehicle insurance, and other driving and transportation-related expenses. The funding allows up to $4,000 per eligible youth. Alignment with Council Vision Areas and Strategic Plan: Approval of this agenda item aligns with the City’s mission to provide services that promote equity and an excellent quality of life in our community. It is consistent with Strategic Plan Goal 1: An inclusive community of self-sufficient residents and Objective 2.3, Improve community health and safety outcomes by connecting residents with effective resources. Community Engagement: Foster care staff will work directly with eligible youth to administer the transportation assistance program. Budgetary Impact: The Virginia Department of Social Services is providing 100% of the funding with no local general fund match required. Funding can be used through August 31, 2022. Alternatives: Funds that are not appropriated will need to be returned to the Virginia Department of Social Services. If funds are not appropriated, the department will be unable to provide driving and transportation assistance to eligible youth. Recommendation and Suggested Motion: Staff recommends approval and appropriation of these funds. Suggested Motion: “I move to approve the Resolution Appropriating Funding Received from the Virginia Department of Social Services for the Driving and Transportation Assistance for Foster Care Youth, in the amount of $13,877” Attachment: Resolution RESOLUTION Appropriating Funding Received from the Virginia Department of Social Services for the Driving and Transportation Assistance for Foster Care Youth, in the amount of $13,877 WHEREAS, the Charlottesville Department of Social Services has received an allocation in the amount of $13,877 in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget from the Virginia Department of Social Services to be used for Driving and Transportation Assistance for youth in, and formerly in, foster care. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $13,877, upon receipt by the City, is hereby appropriated for expenditure for a period running through August 31, 2022, in the following manner: Revenue – $13,877 Fund: 212 Cost Center: 9900000000 G/L Account: 430080 $13,877 Expenditures - $13,877 Fund: 212 Cost Center: 3333006000 G/L Account: 540060 $13,877