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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 3537 with Adolescence’s Last Resort, doing business as The Last Resort, for the provision of residential substance abuse treatment services for adolescents, in the amount of $150,000, with a three (3) year term retroactive to July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021;
2) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 that it is more economical and feasible to contract with The Last Resort for services provided under this Agreement 3537 because the County has neither the staff nor facilities to perform said services; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 3537, 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. (Est. Time: 10 min.)
FUNDING: Estimated at 28% Federal and 72% State (Realignment).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Clients who are eligible under the Child Welfare Services (CWS) program, and who require substance use disorder treatment in a residential setting will receive services under this Agreement upon referral by the CWS Program staff. These specialized services are provided by Contractor’s personnel who are trained and licensed in substance use disorder treatment for youth.
The provision of residential substance use disorder treatment services in a group home setting is a new model for CWS, and the services provided by The Last Resort will be available to all eligible clients in the County; however, the facility is located in Modesto, California.
Since 2016, Group Home placements made by CWS staff are authorized using the County Group Home boilerplate, which is comprised of the State Agency Group Home Agreement form, in accordance with Resolution 068-2016. These Group Home placements are paid through the Statewide Automated Welfare System also known as C-IV.
During the placement process, CWS staff obtained copies of the Last Resort’s Group Home license, program certification, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation, and insurance documents. In addition, staff identified that the Group Home portion of services would be paid through C-IV; however, additional funding was needed for the substance use disorder treatment services so the staff obtained a purchase order to cover that portion of costs.
Unfortunately, upon receipt and processing of invoices from The Last Resort, payment through the C-IV system was denied because The Last Resort does not have a State assigned rate letter in place. This oversight on the part of CWS has created a situation wherein outstanding invoices in the amount of $21,839.86 for services provided cannot be paid. To correct this issue, HHSA is recommending the Board approve the attached Agreement for Services #3537 with a start date retroactive to July 1, 2018, to ensure payment for services provided by The Last Resort through an alternate funding source.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA is unable to pay for services already authorized and provided since July 1, 2018.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Payment for services provided under this Agreement #3537 would be through Title IV-E (Federal) Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) funding. Any costs not covered by CSEC funding would be covered with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Fund and potentially realignment. 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 #3537.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to Health and Human Services Agency Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Good Governance.
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., M.P.A., Director