Title
Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 370-S1611 with EDCA Lifeskills, for the provision of therapeutic counseling, substance abuse testing, and related services on an “as needed” basis, for the term April 26, 2016 through March 31, 2019, with a maximum contractual obligation of $300,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 370-S1611, 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: Federal and State Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve Agreement for Services 370-S1611 to provide therapeutic counseling and substance abuse testing services for those eligible individuals, ensuring HHSA meets the requirements of the funding source. Further, Welfare and Institutions Codes encourage county Child Welfare Services (CWS) to offer services that promote family reunification and family preservation for children and families. EDCA Lifeskills offers an array of services designed to promote family reunification and family preservation.
Additionally, HHSA has determined that services provided pursuant to this Agreement satisfy the criteria defined in Chapter 3.13, Section 3.13.030 of the County Ordinance in that the work performed under this Agreement is on an “as requested” basis; therefore, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for therapeutic counseling and substance abuse testing services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
HHSA has contracted with EDCA Lifeskills since 2007, for the provision of therapeutic counseling and substance abuse testing services. Agreement for Services 370-S1611 allows for the continued provision of therapeutic counseling and substance abuse testing services on an “as requested” basis. Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code, county CWS are encouraged to provide services to promote family reunification and family preservation 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. The services provided by EDCA Lifeskills continue to be a successful tool to support families who are clients of the CWS program.
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 on the specific needs of each individual HHSA client.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 370-S1611 will result in difficulty meeting the service demands of the community and HHSA’s mandated service 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, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the fiscal year (FY) 2016-17 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 Agreements for Services 370-S1611.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Project 3: Program Effectiveness/Integration - 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