County of Santa Clara
Office of the Board of Supervisors
Countv Government Center. Bcist Wing
70 West l tedding Street. 10th l-loor
San Jose, California 95 i i O
(408) 299-5040

l-ax:(408) 299-2038

TDD 993-8272

wvvw.jimbcall.org

James T. Beall, Jr.

May 24, 2006

Supervisor Fourth District

Dear Task Force Member,

Thank you for your participation on the Blue Ribbon Foster Youth Employment Task Force. We
truly appreciate your (dedication to serving our foster youth. The Task Force provided strategic
guiding principles that will be incorporated into the design and implementation of the new
Employment Program for emancipating foster youth.

Over the next three months, the Department of Families and Children Services(DFCS)will
review the information provided by the Task Force and integrate it into their current efforts. The
Task Force’s guiding principles will serve as the foundation to the design, creation and

implementation of a new employment program whose aim is to provide employment for the most
inclusive range of foster youth. DFCS will present the Employment Implementation Plan to the
Children Seniors and Families Committee on August 16. 2006, 10am in the Board Chambers
located at 70 West Hedding Street.

We strongly believe that collaborating with community partners is a critical component to a
successful employment program. Every Task Force member was invited to participate because

they have unique ideas and expertise that will enable the County to improve employment services
for foster youth. All of us know a child who could have received better services. We all have ideas
on how we can improve the process.

It is so important that we take every opportunity to support our emancipating foster youth in their
transition to independence. It is also essential that we consistently encourage our young people
to envision a healthy, fulfilling and productive future. In Santa Clara County, nearly 130 foster
youth a year emancipate. Through our continued collaborative efforts, we are confident that
Santa Clara County will build a strong safety net for foster youth aging out of the system. Any
new program must empower youth by providing them with employment and educational
opportunities so they can experience successful life outcomes.

Again, thank you for your expertise and assistance. As the Chair of the Board’s Children, Seniors
& Families Committee. I look forward to the development and implementation of a new
employment program that effectively serves ali our foster youths.

Sincerely,

7.
^mes T. Beall. Jr,
f
bounty Supervisor- District 4

Sandra Nathan

Deputy County Executive

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