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 372-S1511 with Equifax Information Services LLC. for the provision of credit reports for foster youth and non-minor dependent foster youth, with a perpetual term and a one-time account set up fee of $500; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 372-S1511including amendments that do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreements and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Funded with a blend of Federal and State funds (85%) and realignment funding (15%). One time account set up fee.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 10618.6, the Health and Human Service Agency's (HHSA) Child Protective Services (CPS) Program is required to annually assist foster youth in obtaining, interpreting, and resolving inaccuracies in their credit reports from all three nationwide credit reporting agencies. To meet the Federal and State mandates, HHSA must contract with each of the three credit reporting agencies, including Equifax Information Services LLC.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 30, 2011, Public Law 112-34, known as the Children and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act, was signed by President Barack Obama. This law requires that each foster youth who has reached the age of 16 years old, receive a free copy of any credit report each year until that youth has been discharged from care. This law also requires that the foster youth receive assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the credit reports, including referral to other governmental or nonprofit agencies that provide consumer credit services. On September 30, 2012, California Senate Bill 1521 was approved, which amends Welfare and Institutions Code Section 10618.6 and brings California State law into compliance with the Federal law. In addition to assisting foster youth, the law requires CPS to assist non-minor dependents in obtaining and interpreting their credit reports.
Most foster youth and non-minor dependents should not have any accounts listed on their credit reports. The existence of an account on the foster youth's credit report does not necessarily indicate identity theft. However, the law requires CPS to assist foster youth in obtaining, interpreting, and if necessary, resolving inaccuracies in the credit reports, including referral to entities that assist consumers in resolving credit inaccuracies.
While the law does not require CPS to assist non-minor dependents in obtaining their credit report, it does require CPS to assist non-minor dependents in requesting and reviewing the reports. Under this Agreement, Equifax requires a one time account set up fee of $500.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Risk Management, and Information Technologies.
HHSA has worked with the County of El Dorado's Information Technologies Department to ensure complete compliance with the technological and security requirements in the Agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agreement. Sufficient appropriations for the one-time contractual obligation were included in the Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 372-S1511.
2. Clerk of the Board to return two (2) partially executed Agreements to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road. HHSA to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the Board Clerk upon counter-signature by Equifax Information Services LLC.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Project 3.1, "Program/Service Integration."
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director