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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Social Services Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 358-S1611 with Tahoe Turning Point, Inc., for the provision of therapeutic counseling and substance abuse services, on an "as needed" basis, for the term commencing upon execution through May 27, 2019, with a maximum contractual obligation of $500,000;
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 358-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; and
3) Approve and authorize the HHSA Director to sign a termination letter, pursuant to Article XXIII, Section D, “Default, Termination, and Cancellation” in Agreement for Services 555-S1311 with Tahoe Turning Point, Inc., to be automatically terminated effective upon execution of Agreement for Services 358-S1611 with Tahoe Turning Point, Inc.
FUNDING: Federal and State Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommends the Board approve Agreement for Services 358-S1611 with Tahoe Turning Point, Inc., for the provision of therapeutic counseling and substance abuse services. Agreement for Services 358-S1611 includes additional services including Batterer’s Intervention and Anger Management classes, and will replace Agreement for Services 555-S1311. HHSA also recommends the Board approve termination of Agreement for Services 555-S1311 with Tahoe Turning Point, Inc. to allow for the provision of the additional services prior to the expiration date of the current Agreement.
Welfare and Institutions Codes encourages county Child Welfare Services (CWS) to offer services that promote family reunification and family preservation for children and families. Tahoe Turning Point, Inc. offers an array of services designed to promote family reunification and family preservation for families involved in the child welfare system.
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 therapeutic counseling and substance abuse services on an as needed basis.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
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.
HHSA maintains agreements with multiple vendors, including Tahoe Turning Point, Inc., 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 Tahoe Turning Point, Inc. since 2010 for these services. Agreement for Services 358-S1611 adds additional services, including Batterer’s Intervention and Anger Management classes. HHSA desires to terminate and replace existing Agreement for Services 555-S1311 in order to incorporate these additonal services to the Agreement prior to the expiration date of the current Agreement, May 27, 2016. All of the services provided by Tahoe Turning Point continue to be a successful tool to support families who are clients of the CWS program.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 358-S1611 will result in difficulty in 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, Risk Management, 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 are 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 358-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