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Health and Human Services Agency, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services #632 with Only Kindness, Inc., for the provision of outreach and engagement services for veterans and their families, for a term commencing upon execution through June 30, 2020, with a maximum contractual obligation of $450,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or their designee to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services #632, 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: Mental Health Services Act.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign an Agreement with Only Kindness, Inc. to provide outreach and engagement services to veterans and their families, for a term commencing upon execution through June 30, 2020, with a maximum contractual obligation of $450,000.
HHSA’s Behavioral Health Division (BHD) provides medically necessary mental health services to individuals with a serious mental illness; the BHD does not operate a specific outreach or engagement program for veterans. Only Kindness, Inc. has an Accredited Disability Representative on staff trained to assist individuals in need of Social Security processing, and has infrastructure in place to implement the program immediately. Additionally, Only Kindness, Inc. has strong relationships and established referral processes to Volunteers of America (VOA), El Dorado County’s Veterans Commission, El Dorado County Jail, Mather Air Force Base, the Military Family Support Group and many others focusing on the general well-being of veterans. Therefore, HHSA recommends the Board make findings in accordance with Chapter 3.13, Section 3.13.030 of the County ordinance that there are specialty skills required for the work performed under this Agreement that exceed the capacity and training of the County staff, and that it is therefore more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for outreach and engagement services provided to veterans and their families.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On June 20, 2017, the Board adopted and authorized implementation of the fiscal year (FY) 2017-20 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three Year Program and Expenditure Plan (File ID 17-0551, Item 33). Included in the approved MHSA Plan Three Year Plan is the “Outreach and Engagement Services" program under the Prevention and Early Intervention component. During the MHSA Community Planning Process, the veteran population was identified as an underserved group. Therefore, services under this Agreement will target veterans and their families to provide outreach and case management services; linkage to services (including linkage to the BHD and the Veterans Health Administration, as appropriate); and ancillary supports such as assistance with housing costs, emergency shelter, transportation, and household fulfillment needs such as pre-paid food cards and cooking and cleaning supplies.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services #632 will result in the County being out of compliance with the MHSA Annual Plan for FY 2017-20.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management, Veteran Affairs
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2017-18 budget and will be incorporated 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 632.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Plan, Goal #5 -Healthy Communities: Improved health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents and visitors.
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., M.P.A., Director