Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 3741 with Scripps Psychological Associates, Inc. for the provision of psychological evaluation services, in the amount of $180,000 for the term of three years from May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2022;
2) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 that it is more economical and feasible to contract with Scripps Psychological Associates, Inc. for services provided under this Agreement 3741 because the County does not have the staff to perform said services; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 3741, 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: 35% Federal Funding, 65% 2011 Realignment: Funding sources are Foster Care - Title IV-E, and Social Services Realignment.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16501-16508, the Health and Human Services Agency’s (HHSA) Child Welfare Services Program (CWS) is required to provide services to promote family reunification for children and families. Such services are designed to promote the well-being of children by ensuring safety, achieving permanency, and strengthening families to successfully care for their children.
In some cases, CWS clients are court-ordered to submit to psychological evaluations; therefore, HHSA maintains agreements with several vendors for the provision of psychological evaluations and related services. Choice of vendor is based upon the specific needs of each individual HHSA client. HHSA has contracted with Scripps Psychological Associates, Inc. (Scripps), since 2007 for the provision of psychological evaluation services. Approval of this Agreement will permit HHSA to maintain continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor, as well as permit HHSA to continue to refer clients to this vendor.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy C-17, Section 7.11 “Contracts over $100,000,” prior to finalizing this Agreement 3741 with Scripps, HHSA sought and received a review of the scope of services and the contractor’s professional qualifications by a group of individuals qualified to judge the contractor’s ability to perform the services, including one representative from outside the department requesting the services.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would continue to provide services through existing contracts, however there would be limited availability of licensed Psychologists, which could result in difficulty meeting the needs of the community, and would disrupt continuity of care for clients currently receiving services from this vendor.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 04/06/2010, 10-0254, DHCS 4-06-10 Scripps Agreement 578-0710 A3
2) 01/07/2014, 14-0011, HHSA Scripps Agreement
3) 04/05/2016, 16-0221, HHSA Scripps Agreement
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, Procurement and Contracts, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This Agreement for Services is a renewal of a prior year agreement and continues to be funded with Foster Care: Title IV-E and Social Services Realignment funding. The maximum obligation has increased based on need and a 25% rate increase per hour for psychological evaluations, however, related service rates have remained the same. Funds have been allocated for this Agreement in fiscal year 2018-19, and will continue to be allocated in future fiscal years for the duration 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 3741.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County of El Dorado Strategic Plan Goal: Healthy Communities - Improved health, well-being and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.
CONTACT
Donald Semon, Director