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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 3000 with Pathways Recovery, for the provision of “as requested” therapeutic counseling and substance abuse treatment services, 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 3000, 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.
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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 3000 with Pathways Recovery, to provide “as requested” therapeutic counseling and substance abuse treatment services, thus ensuring HHSA is able to provide mandated services to eligible clients in the Child Welfare Services (CWS) and Employment Services/Welfare-to-Work programs.
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 substance abuse treatment services due to the specialized skills and qualifications involved in the performance of the work. Additionally, the County does not possess the facilities to provide substance abuse treatment services 24 hours per day, seven days per week in a residential living setting.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section (WIC) 16501-16508, HHSA’s Child Welfare Services Program (CWS) is required to provide counseling and substance abuse treatment services that promote reunification of children and families in the CWS program.
WIC Section 11322.6 and 11325.8 outline CalWORKs/Welfare-to-Work activities, including counseling services necessary to obtain and retain employment. Therefore, HHSA is required to provide Employment Services/Welfare-to-Work clients with therapeutic counseling and substance abuse treatment services in an effort to remove barriers to achieving self-sufficiency.
Pathways Recovery offers a continuum of care that includes both outpatient counseling services and residential substance abuse treatment services. In addition to traditional residential treatment services, Pathways Recovery also offers medically and non-medically supervised withdrawal management (detoxification) services.
HHSA contracts with several local and regional vendors for the provision of substance abuse treatment services to ensure that clients can be referred by their caseworker on an “as needed” 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 HHSA client. The demand for these services is greater than the available service providers. Therefore, HHSA desires to expand available options for substance abuse treatment services.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement for Services 3000 may result in challenges providing mandated substance abuse treatment services. There are only a handful of local and regional residential substance abuse treatment programs. Failure to contract with Pathways Recovery will limit HHSA’s ability to provide mandated services to eligible clients.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
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 2018-19 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 3000 in FENIX.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement 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 and youth, adults and seniors.”
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., M.P.A., Director