Title
Health and Human Services Agency, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 2 to Agreement for Services 203-S1410 with A Helping Hand Homecare, LLC, for the provision of in-home supportive services for the Health and Human Services Agency’s Community Services and Mental Health Divisions, increasing the maximum obligation by $125,000 to $487,000, with no change to the term of November 21, 2014 through November 21, 2016; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 203-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: State and Federal Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 2 to Agreement 203-S1410, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, to ensure sufficient funding to provide services through the end of the term of this Agreement.
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for in-home supportive services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The County has historically contracted with providers who offer twenty-four hour per day, seven day per week supportive services and attendance through residential treatment. However, in accordance with Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 5600.1, “The mission of California’s mental health system shall be to enable persons experiencing severe and disabling mental illnesses …. to access services and programs that assist them in a manner tailored to each individual, to better control their illness, to achieve their personal goals, and to develop skills and supports leading to their living the most constructive and satisfying lives possible in the least restrictive available settings."
This Agreement 203-S1410 was developed to assist specific clients who are able to live independently and function at a high level so long as they receive specific in-home supportive services, thereby avoiding placing high functioning clients in a residential treatment center. This on-site service program has proven to be an effective tool, allowing the client(s) to live satisfying lives in the least restrictive setting possible. HHSA has identified a need to increase the maximum obligation of the Agreement to ensure sufficient funding through the term of the Agreement ending in November 2016. Amendment 2 only addresses this increase in the maximum obligation; there is no change to term, Scope of Services, or any other language in the existing agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Amendment 2 to Agreement 203-S1410 will result in an inability to pay for services provided under this agreement, and would disrupt services to existing clients.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel
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 (FY) 2015-16 budget for residential services, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement. The Mental Health Division has seen savings in other contractual expenditures as a result of few long term, residential placements.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Amendments 2 to Agreement for Services 203-S1410.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Amendment 2 to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director