Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Social Services Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve the use of the Respite Care boilerplate agreement on an “as requested” basis in order to permit HHSA’s Child Welfare Services program to enter into respite care agreements with approved resource family and/or licensed foster homes to provide short-term rest periods for family caregivers seeking to reduce parental stress, thereby promoting placement stability for children; and
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 059-2017, which authorizes the HHSA Director or designee to sign Respite Care boilerplate agreements.
FUNDING: Federal and State Funding.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve the use of the Respite Care boilerplate agreement and adopt the Resolution to authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to execute pre-approved Respite Care boilerplates on an “as requested” basis. Respite care provides short-term rest periods for family caregivers seeking to reduce parental stress and enhances placement stability for children.
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 respite services as the County does not possess the staff or facilities required to provide respite services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
HHSA’s Child Welfare Services (CWS) is required to promote family stabilization, family maintenance, and family reunification for children and their families. To that end, CWS offers an array of services designed to promote the well-being of children by ensuring safety, achieving permanency, and strengthening families to successfully care for their children.
Research has shown an increased likelihood of child abuse when parents are under high stress. In El Dorado County, it is estimated that there are 7.2 cases of child abuse per 1,000 children (source: WellDorado.org and Child Welfare Dynamic Report System). Respite care is defined as short-term care services, provided in the temporary absence of the regular caregiver, to children who are in danger of child abuse or neglect. Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501(b) further defines respite care as a temporary period, not to exceed 72 hours, and in order to preserve the placement, may be extended up to 14 days in any one month. Respite care provides a healthy separation between child and parent/legal guardian, when the parents/legal guardians may be experiencing periods of high stress and the child may be at increased risk of maltreatment. Respite care strengthens families by providing a balance between the parent/legal guardian and the child(ren), while it also provides safe and temporary care for the child(ren).
HHSA, working in conjunction with County Counsel and Risk Management, developed a Respite Care boilerplate agreement to provide respite services to parents/legal guardians of children in the CWS system. HHSA’s responsibilities include referring parents/legal guardians to said respite care and facilitating services and visitation between the respite provider and the children and their parents/legal guardian. The respite provider shall provide accommodations, transportation services, food, and clothing. All respite care services shall be provided on a temporary, “as requested” basis.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of this boilerplate agreement and Resolution will result in an inability for HHSA to refer parents for short-term respite.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. If the boilerplate agreement is approved, sufficient appropriations were included in the fiscal year 2016-17 budget, and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to return one (1) certified copy of the adopted Respite Care Services Resolution to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
County of El Dorado Strategic Plan: Goal - “Healthy Communities,” Objective - “Protect against adverse outcomes among children, adults, and senior citizens.”
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director