Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board authorize HHSA to sign a letter of support to the California Department of Social Services, Foster Care Rate Bureau in support of Summitview Child and Family Services, Inc., assuming operation of two (2) group homes in the County of El Dorado.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board authorize HHSA to sign a letter of support for Summitview Child and Family Services, Inc. (Summitview). Sierra Child and Family Services, Inc., has determined that they will be closing two (2) of their group homes located in the County of El Dorado; Summitview intends to resume operation of the two (2) homes and is seeking a letter of support from the County in this regard.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County, through its Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division, has contracted with both Sierra Child and Family Services, and Summitview for many years for foster care/group home services as well as behavioral health services. Group homes provide the most restrictive out-of-home placement option for children in foster care. They provide a placement option for children with significant emotional or behavioral problems who require more restrictive environments. The licensed group home is defined as a facility of any capacity which provide 24-hour nonmedical care and supervision to children in a structured environment, with such services provided at least in part by staff employed by the licensee. Sierra Child and Family Services, has determined that they will be closing two of their group homes; the closure of two group homes in the County would have a significant impact on the County's ability to provide needed services.
Summitview seeks to resume operation of the two group homes being closed, and is requesting support from the County by way of a letter to the licensing agency. This transition of the two homes from Sierra Child and Family to Summitview will not result in any increase to the overall number of group home beds in the County, but will help ensure ongoing availability of services to the County.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may decline to authorize the letter of support.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this board item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to provide one (1) copy of the Minute Order approving this Letter of Support to the Health and Human Servces Agency, Contracts Unit, at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Alexis Zoss, Chief Assistant Director