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Health and Human Services Agency, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 079-S1811 with 3Strands Global, Inc., for the provision of training and education regarding the warning signs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Children, for a three-year term that commences upon execution, with a maximum contractual obligation of $100,000; and
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 079-S1811, including 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: Federal and State Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 079-S1811 to provide training and education regarding the warning signs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC). Approval of this Agreement will ensure HHSA provides mandated CSEC training, pursuant to California Senate Bill 855 and Public Law 113-183, the “Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act.”
Additionally, HHSA has determined, in accordance with County Ordinance Section 3.13.030, it is more economical and feasible to engage an independent contractor due to the qualifications involved in the performance of the work.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of Justice, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) estimate that there are as many as 100,000 - 300,000 American children at risk of being trafficked for commercial sex in the United States. Additionally, in the United States, human trafficking is an estimated $9.8 billion industry (reference: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). Since El Dorado County is situated along Highway 50, it is considered a county vulnerable to human trafficking.
With the passage and approval of California Senate Bill 855 (Chapter 29 of 2014) and Public Law 113-183 (2014), greater emphasis has been placed on CSEC training and education. HHSA first contracted with 3Strands Global, Inc. in 2016 to provide CSEC training for El Dorado County Office of Education students. Since CSEC training is mandated, HHSA recommends approval of Agreement for Services 079-S1811. Approval of this Agreement will enable expansion of outreach services to students, educators, and County employees.
ALTERNATIVES
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 079-S1811 will negatively impact HHSA’s ability to provide mandated CSEC prevention training under California Senate Bill 855 and Public Law 113-183.
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 2017-18 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 079-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 Project 3.2, “External/Community Collaboration.”
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director