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Probation Department recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 490-S1711 with A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc., for the provision of therapeutic counseling and related services, for the term of three years, with a maximum contractual obligation of $211,320 on a "as needed" basis; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 490-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: 100% General Fund.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Probation recommends the Board approve Agreement for Services 490-S1711 with A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc., to provide therapeutic counseling and related services for both existing and future youth referred by the Probation Department.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In FY 2015/2016 Health & Human Services Agency- Mental Health Division notified Probation that they would no longer have the capacity to provide services to the Probation Juvenile Detention facilities. Based on the ongoing need to provide service to this population of youth it has become necessary to engage an independent contractor. The Board is asked to determine, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor for therapeutic counseling services on an as needed basis.
Section 1437 of California Title 15 Regulations requires Mental Health services including but not limited to crisis intervention, medication evaluation, suicide prevention and assessment, stabilization of youth with mental disorders, and therapeutic transitional planning.
Probation maintains agreements with multiple vendors for the provision of therapeutic counseling and related services to ensure that clients can be referred 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 client.
Health & Human Services Agency has contracted with A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc. for therapeutic counseling and associated services since 2010. The services provided by A Balanced Life: Individual, Family and Child Therapy, Inc. include counseling services, parenting classes, drug and alcohol assessments, and psychological services.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 490-S1711 will result in difficulty in meeting the service demands of the community and the Probation Department’s mandated services requirements, as well as disrupt the progress and continuity of care for youths currently receiving services from this vendor.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended, noting that the contract is for "as needed" services and the County may terminate at any time. The CAO's Office will be working with Probation to determine to what extent these services could be coordinated through the HHSA-Mental Health Division in the future.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or change to Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the FY 2017-18 Recommended 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 the signature of the Chair on two (2) originals of Agreement No. 490-S1711.
2. Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to Probation at 3974 Durock Road, STE 205, Shingle Springs.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
CONTACT
Brian Richart, Chief Probation Officer, 530-621-5625