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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 015-S1811 with New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc. for the provision of therapeutic counseling, parenting classes, and respite services on an “as requested” basis, for the term July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020, with a maximum contractual obligation of $200,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 015-S1811, including amendments that do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Funded with 38% Federal, 2% State, 20% 1991 Realignment, and 40% 2011 Realignment funds.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve Agreement for Services 015-S1811 with New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc. for the provision of therapeutic counseling, parenting classes, and respite services. Approval of this Agreement will ensure HHSA meets community service demands and will ensure that HHSA provides mandated services, pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 16501-16508, relative to family reunification for children and families receiving services from HHSA’s Child Welfare Services (CWS).
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 parenting classes. Additionally, the County does not possess the facilities to provide respite services.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
HHSA’s CWS program staff strives to ensure safe, permanent, and nurturing families for children by protecting children from abuse and neglect, while attempting to preserve the family unit. CWS accomplishes this goal by evaluating and referring clients to the services necessary to support families. WIC 16500 et seq. encourages HHSA’s CWS staff to provide counseling, respite care, and parenting training services that promote reunification of children and families in the CWS program. Further, respite services are approved services under the Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment (CAPIT) and Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) funding. Therefore, specific and specialized services are selected by CWS staff to assist individuals to overcome obstacles with the goal of improving client quality of life.
The services provided by New Morning Youth and Family Services, Inc. have been a valuable resource to the families served by CWS since 2005 and continue to be a successful tool in supporting HHSA CWS staff in ensuring clients receive appropriate services. All services shall be provided on an “as requested” basis to deliver necessary, and in some cases, court-mandated services.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 015-S1811 will result in an increased difficulty in meeting community needs and will limit HHSA’s ability to refer clients to court-mandated services.
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 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
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services 015-S1811.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Objective 3.1.6: Coordinate a community wide response to Adverse Childhood Experiences
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director