Title
Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 344-S1511 with Teresa McIntyre-Harlow, Ph.D. for the provision of therapeutic counseling and psychological evaluation services for the term January 27, 2015 through January 31, 2018, with a maximum contractual obligation of $200,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or their designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 344-S1511, including amendments that do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Funded with a blend of Federal and State Funds (85%) with County share of cost or required match (15%) (Approximately $30,000 county match) met with realignment funding.
Body
Budget Summary: |
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Total Estimated Cost
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$200,000 |
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Budgeted
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$200,000 |
Total Funding Available
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$200,000 |
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Change To Net County Cost
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$0.00 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agreement. Sufficient appropriations are included in the Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
Background
The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Child Protective Services (CPS) staff strives to protect children from intentional physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, and exploitation or neglect by a person responsible for a child's health or welfare. Further, CPS staff endeavor to protect children from abuse and neglect by attempting to preserve the family unit. To meet the needs of the children and their families, CPS staff are responsible for evaluating the services necessary to support families. Specific and specialized services are selected by CPS staff to assist individuals to overcome obstacles, with the goal of improving client quality of life. Further, Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501 et seq. encourages the CPS program staff to locate community services that promote family reunification and family preservation of children and families in the CPS program.
HHSA has contracted with Teresa McIntyre-Harlow, Ph.D., since 2009. The services provided by Dr. Harlow include therapeutic counseling for individuals, groups, and families, as well as psychological evaluations. The services provided by Dr. Harlow will continue to be a successful tool to support HHSA clients in receiving services through the CPS program. All services shall be provided on an "as requested" basis to deliver necessary, and in some cases, court-mandated services.
Reason for Recommendation
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501 et seq., the County of El Dorado's HHSA CPS program is encouraged to locate community services to promote family preservation and family reunification. HHSA contracts with several community-based therapists to accomplish this goal. Continuing to contract with Dr. Harlow will ensure continuity of care for clients currently referred to her; as well as ensure Dr. Harlow's services are available for future referrals.
Failure to approve Agreement for Services 344-S1511 will result in a disruption in the continuity of services provided to current CPS clients who are receiving services from Dr. Harlow. Further, failure to approve this Agreement will reduce access to services required to meet community needs, while limiting HHSA's ability to refer clients to court-mandated services.
Clerk of the Board Follow Up Actions
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of the Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 344-S1511.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road.
Contact
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director
Concurrences
County Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, and Procurement and Contracts