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Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 012-S1711 with Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County, for the provision of “as needed” mentoring services in support of the Mentoring for 3-5 Year Olds by Adults and Older Adults Prevention and Early Intervention Project, for the term July 1, 2016 through June 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 012-S1711, 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: Mental Health Services Act.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve Agreement for Services 012-S1711 with Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County (BBBS) to provide “as requested” mentoring services in support of the Mentoring for 3-5 Year Olds by Adults and Older Adults, Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Program, thus ensuring HHSA meets the requirements of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) program and funding requirements of the MHSA Plan. The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) mandates that stakeholders are to be provided with the opportunity to provide input into the MHSA Plan development on topics such as community needs and funding allocations. During the MHSA community planning process for FY 2016-17, one of the unmet needs identified by the public was mental health services for children under the age of five and their families who do not meet the specialty mental health criteria.
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor to provide these specialized services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
In 2004, California voters passed Proposition 63, the MHSA. The MHSA imposes a one percent tax on personal income in excess of $1,000,000. The funds from the tax are distributed to California counties and are intended to transform the Mental Health System into one that is consumer and family driven, is recovery oriented, accessible and culturally competent, and offers services appropriate for the population that is served.
On August 25, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted and authorized implementation of the MHSA Three-Year Plan Update, which covers Fiscal Years (FY) 2015-16 - FY 2017-18 (File 15-0964, Item 19). Under the Prevention and Early Intervention Component of the MHSA Plan is the “Youth and Children’s Services” program, which includes the “Mentoring for 3-5 Year Olds by Adults and Older Adults” project (the Project). The objective of the Project is to provide mentoring and early intervention services to children ages 3-5 and their families with the goals of improving the emotional and physical stabilization of at-risk families, improving infant/child wellness, and improving coping and parenting abilities for parents.
HHSA has contracted with BBBS, specifically for services related to the MHSA Plan provisions of the Project, since 2014. For more than 100 years, the BBBS have operated under the belief that every child has the ability to succeed and thrive in life. They develop mentoring relationships to help children reach their full potential through one-to-one relationships. BBBS provides specialized services for children age 3-5 and their families.
With the Board’s approval of the MHSA Plan Update in August 2015, the Board authorized implementation of the Three-year Plan Update through June 30, 2016 or until the next Three-year Plan Update is approved by the Board. It is anticipated that HHSA will present the next Three-year Plan Update in summer 2016. However, the current Agreement for Services with BBBS expires June 30, 2016. As the MHSA Plan and MHSA Plan Update require HHSA to continue to contract for services related to the Project and the stakeholders have identified BBBS as the organization to provide these specialized services, HHSA requests the Board’s approval of renewal Agreement for Services 012-S1711 with BBBS, as it is consistent with the current MHSA Plan Update.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 012-S1711 will result in difficulty meeting the service demands of the community and HHSA’s mandated service requirements as specified in the MHSA Plan, 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 change 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 012-S1711.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Project
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director