Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 4520 with Whole Person Learning, Inc., for the provision of Transitional Housing Placement-Plus services on an “as requested” basis, for the five (5) year term from February 29, 2020 through February 28, 2025 with an annual not-to-exceed obligation of $300,000 and a total maximum obligation of $1,500,000 for the duration of the Agreement;
2) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 (B) “Specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work;” this vendor, Whole Person Learning, Inc. is currently the only provider certified by the County to provide the Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-P) services; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 4520, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: 100% State Realignment Funds.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
THP-Plus is a State program created in 2001 and governed by WIC 11403.2(a)(2) & 16522. The services must be certified by the County. The County of El Dorado’s Board of Supervisors approved the El Dorado County THP-Plus Plan on March 28, 2006 (File 06-0476, Item 6.)
California’s 2019-2020 state budget includes a new $8 million dollar investment in combating homelessness among the state’s former foster youth and supporting young adults as they transition to independence. The investment will be distributed to county child welfare agencies enabling them to expand the successful THP-Plus program, which provides housing and supportive services for former foster youth age 18 to 24.
TPH-Plus provides a transitional living opportunity for emancipated foster youth who are at least 18 years old but not yet 24 years, with a goal to reduce homelessness among emancipated foster and probation youth, ages 18-24. The program provides a rental subsidy, grocery vouchers, utility assistance, and transportation assistance. It also provides assistance with securing household supplies and furnishings, as well as assistance with education and employment expenses. The program provides a safe living environment while helping youth to develop life skills for successful independent living. Youth can participate in the program for a maximum of two (2) years.
HHSA has contracted with Whole Person Learning, Inc. since 2011 for the provision of THP-Plus services. Additionally, HHSA previously determined that Whole Person Learning Inc.’s program meets the THP-Plus requirements outlined in Welfare and Institutions Code, and HHSA has determined that the THP-Plus program is vital to meet the needs of the emancipated foster youth population in their quest to become self-sufficient. At this time, Whole Person Learning, Inc. is the only THP-Plus provider certified by the County.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy C-17, Section 7.11 “Contracts over $100,000,” prior to finalizing this Agreement 4520 with Whole Person Learning, Inc., HHSA sought and received a review of the scope of services and the contractor’s professional qualifications by a group of individuals qualified to judge the contractor’s ability to perform the services, including one representative from outside the department requesting the services.
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, paragraph (B), that this contract may be awarded to Whole Person Learning, Inc. for the services provided under this Agreement 4520 because they possess specialty skills and qualifications, including their THP-Plus Certification, not expressly identified in County classifications that are involved in the performance of the work.
Approval of this Agreement for Services will permit the continued provision of THP-Plus services for current and future eligible emancipated foster youth, on an “as requested” basis.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 4520 will result in disruption of THP-Plus services currently being provided to HHSA clients and will significantly diminish HHSA’s ability to refer future clients to a THP-Plus program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 02/07/2017 - File ID 17-0039 - HHSA Whole Person AGMT
2) 02/11/2014 - File ID 14-0189 - HHSA Whole Person Learning AGMT
3) 03/01/2010 - File ID 11-0161 - DHS BOS Date 3-1-11 WPL 291-S1110
4) 03/28/2006 - File ID 06-0476 - Human Services Department, Social Services
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, and Procurement and Contracts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
HHSA had anticipated an increase in rates for this Agreement due to higher cost of services since the current (expiring) agreement was executed. The rates proposed by the vendor are increased over the prior agreement, but at an increase of 7.8% are much less than anticipated. Since this is an “as needed” agreement, it is difficult to anticipate the actual impact of the rate increase; however, the annual not-to-exceed amounts were increased commensurate with the rate increase to ensure sufficient funding availability. There is no impact to County General fund associated with this Agreement. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of this Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 4520.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County of El Dorado Strategic Plan Goal, “Healthy Communities,” Objective, “Protect against adverse outcomes among children, adults, and senior citizens.”
CONTACT
Donald Semon, Director