Title
Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 018-S1711 with Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Inc., for the provision of Primary Intervention Project services, for kids at risk of developing emotional problems, on an “as needed” basis, for the term July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019, with a maximum contractual obligation of $264,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 018-S1711, including future 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.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve Agreement for Services 018-S1711 with Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Inc., to provide mental health services for eligible individuals, thus ensuring HHSA meets the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) program and funding requirements of the MHSA Plan’s “Primary Intervention Project.” Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Inc. was recognized by the MHSA stakeholders as one of three contractors to provide the services.
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor to provide specialized mental health services for children.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In 2004 California voters passed Proposition 63, the MHSA. The MHSA imposes a one percent tax on personal income in excess of $1,000,000. The funds from the tax are distributed to California counties and are intended to transform the Mental Health System into one that is consumer and family driven, is recovery oriented, accessible and culturally competent, and offers services appropriate for the population that is served.
On August 25, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted and authorized implementation of the MHSA Three-Year Plan Update, which covers Fiscal Years (FY) 2015-16 through FY 2017-18 (File 15-0964, Item 19). Under the Prevention and Early Intervention Component of the MHSA Plan is the Primary Intervention Project.
The Primary Intervention Project is an evidence-based practice that offers short-term, individual, non-directive play services to students in kindergarten through third grade, who are at risk of developing emotional problems. Based upon indications of difficulties experienced with adjustments in school, children are selected for program participation after completion of a standardized assessment and based upon input from the school-based mental health professionals and teachers. Parental consent is required for student participation. Consequently, parents or guardians and teaching staff build alliances to promote the student’s mental health and encourage social and emotional development.
Children in kindergarten through third grade are eligible for services under this project, with the priority target population being children who are underserved or un-served; without health insurance or with Medi-Cal insurance; isolated; and are at risk for school failure or dropout resulting from untreated mental health concerns.
The short-term goals of the Primary Intervention Project are to provide services in a school-based setting to enhance access to mental health services, build protective factors by facilitating successful school adjustment, and target violence prevention as a function of skills training. The long-term goals of this project are to decrease school adjustment difficulties at an early age and to build protective factors to enhance youth resilience and mental health.
HHSA has contracted with Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Inc., since 2008 for the provision of services under the Primary Intervention Project. With the Board’s approval of the MHSA Plan Update in 2015, the Board authorized implementation of the Three-year Plan Update through June 30, 2016 or until the next Three-year Plan Update is approved by the Board. It is anticipated that HHSA will present the next Three-year Plan Update durring the summer of 2016. However, the current Agreement for Services with Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Inc. expires June 30, 2016. The MHSA Plan and MHSA Plan Update require HHSA to continue to contract for services related to the Primary Intervention Project. HHSA requests the Board’s approval of renewal Agreement for Services 018-S1711 with Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Inc. as it is consistent with the current MHSA Plan Update.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 018-S1711 will result in a diminished ability for HHSA to meet the Primary Intervention Project requirements of the MHSA Plan.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Risk Management, and Human Resources.
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 proposed fiscal year 2016-17 Budget Request, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the 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 018-S1711.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Project 3, “Program Effectiveness/Integration,” Objective 3.3.3, “Develop and implement programs in alignment with the currently approved Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Plan.”
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director