2021-407-MOU-Memorandum of Understanding – Foster Youth to Independence (FYI)

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6 2. DSS certifies that it will utilize the “Referral Checklist” created by the Housing Authority, which list the pre- screening information that DSS should review before referring a client to the PHA. DSS agrees to use the pre- screening tool to help minimize the number of referrals that potentially do not qualify for HCV assistance. 3. Establish and implement a system to identify FYI-eligible youth not currently within the agency’s caseload in cooperation with the CoC. ● Orange County DSS is an existing main partner and access site in the CoC’s coordinated entry process. DSS certifies that it will work with the CoC to establish and implement a system to identify FYI-eligible youth not currently in the agency’s caseload. DSS’ LINKS Coordinator under the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act program will work with all identified FYI-eligible youth and maintain a database of these participating youth. ● The LINKS Coordinator will employ the same outreach efforts currently being utilized for youth aging out of foster care and will provide supportive services to youth through a variety of community partners, including LIFE Skills Foundation, Carolina Outreach, and Freedom House, as well as internal DSS programs, i.e. NextGen (the youth WIOA program) or the regular WIOA jobs training programs, as age- applicable. Referrals to the Housing Authority will use the same process as described in Section 1 above. 4. Orange County DSS will provide written certification to the PHA that a youth qualifies as a FYI-eligible youth, based upon the criteria established in Section 8(x) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, and the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative Notice of Funding Availability for Fiscal Years 2021. 5. Orange County DSS certifies that it will commit sufficient staff resources to ensure that eligible youth are identified and determined eligible in a timely manner, including those individuals and families that come through the CoC coordinated entry process. In addition, Orange County DSS certifies that it will review its active caseload at least once a month (when the Housing Authority has FYI Vouchers available) to identify FYI-eligible youth, and refer them to the Housing Authority. Note that referrals will be made within 30 working days of receiving notification from the Housing Authority about voucher availability. 6. Orange County DSS certifies that it will commit sufficient staff resources to provide follow-up supportive services after the youth leases a unit. The source for this funding includes County funds from general appropriations and state funds from eligible sources. In addition, DSS will utilize community partners identified in Item B above to assist with the delivery of supportive services. 7. Orange County DSS certifies that it will comply with the provisions of the MOU, as applicable. 8. Orange County DSS certifies that upon notification that the FYI Vouchers have been awarded, it will inform PHA staff of its referral procedures. 9. Participate in regular meetings (at least quarterly) with the PHA and CoC to discuss progress and barriers of the program. CoC Responsibilities DocuSign Envelope ID: 299E0F76-8269-4846-B50D-AD7354AC49E3