Title
Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 233-S1410 with A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc., for the provision of therapeutic counseling and related services, for the term ending November 4, 2016, and increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $56,000 for a maximum contractual obligation of $381,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 233-S1410, 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: Federal and State Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommends the Board of Supervisors approve Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 233-S1410 with A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc., to provide therapeutic counseling and related services for eligible individuals. Approval of said Amendment will ensure HHSA meets the community service demands and will ensure that HHSA provides mandated services, pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501-16508, relative to family reunification for children and families being serviced by the HHSA Child Welfare Services program (CWS).
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030(H), it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for therapeutic counseling and related services on an as needed basis.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501-16508, HHSA’s Child Welfare Services program is required to provide services to promote family reunification for children and families. Such services are designed to promote the well-being of children by ensuring safety, achieving permanency, and strengthening families to successfully care for their children.
HHSA maintains agreements with multiple local vendors for the provision of therapeutic counseling and related services to ensure that clients can be referred by their caseworker on an "as requested" basis to receive necessary, and in some cases, Court-mandated services from the most appropriate and conveniently located vendor. Choice of vendor is based upon the specific needs of each individual HHSA client.
HHSA has contracted with A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc. for therapeutic counseling and associated services in the South Lake Tahoe area since 2010. The services provided by A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc. include counseling services, parenting classes, drug and alcohol assessments, and psychological services. These services continue to be a successful tool to support families who are clients of the CWS program.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 233-S1410 will result in difficulty in meeting the service demands of the community and HHSA’s mandated services requirements, as well as disrupt the progress and continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor.
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
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the fiscal year 2015-16 budget, 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 Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 233-S1410.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Amendment to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan, Goal number 3, “To develop collaborative partnerships and community networks that focus on quality, performance standards, outcomes, and accountability through mutual goals and continuous improvement.”
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director