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Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 365-S1611 with Scripps Psychological Associates, Inc., for the provision of psychological evaluation services, as needed, for the term May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2019 with a maximum contractual obligation of $150,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 365-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) recommends approval of Agreement for Services 365-S1611 to provide “as requested” psychological evaluation services for eligible HHSA clients. Approval of this Agreement is necessary to ensure HHSA meets its obligations to provide mandated services.
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 psychological evaluation services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Codes, HHSA’s Child Welfare Services (CWS) and California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids/Welfare-to-Work programs are required to provide psychological evaluation services for eligible clients on an “as requested” basis. Additionally, in some cases, CWS clients are court-ordered to submit to psychological evaluations.
To ensure that clients can be referred by their caseworker to the receive necessary, and in some cases, Court-mandated services, HHSA maintains agreements with several vendors for the provision of psychological evaluations and related services. Choice of vendor is based upon the specific needs of each individual HHSA client. HHSA has contracted with Scripps Psychological Associates, Inc., since 2007 for the provision of psychological evaluation services. Approval of this Agreement will permit HHSA to maintain continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor, as well as permit HHSA to continue to refer clients to this vendor.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 365-S1611 will result in difficulty in meeting 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, Risk Management, Procurement and Contracts, and Human Resources.
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 Agreements for Services 365-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 3.2, “External/Community Collaboration;” Objective 3.2.2, “Increase collaboration with area providers.”
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director