Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 5535 with CASA El Dorado, for the provision of Court Appointed Special Advocates in the amount of $168,946, for the retroactive term beginning January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021;
2) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 (b) that specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work included in Agreement 5535; and
3) Authorize the Director of Health and Human Services Agency, or the Chief Fiscal Officer, to execute and administer any subsequent administrative documents relating to Agreement for Services 5535 including Amendments, which do not change the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING Funded by California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the County Victim Services Program.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On September 22, 2020 with Legistar item 20-1164, the Board of Supervisors authorized the submission of the grant application to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the County Victim Services Program for Fiscal Years 2020-21 and 2021-22, for an estimated grant amount of $168,946 and approved and authorized the Director of Health and Human Services Agency and Board Chair to sign the Certification of Assurance of Compliance, pertaining to the Request for Application, as required by the grant;
Additionally, the Board delegated authority to the Director of Health and Human Services Agency to accept funding and execute any grant agreement, if awarded, with all match being met by the subcontractor, including any extension(s) or amendment(s) thereto, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval, and authorize the Director of Health and Human Services Agency, or the Chief Fiscal Officer, to execute and administer any agreement or subsequent administrative documents relating to said award, including required fiscal and programmatic reports as well as a subaward agreement with CASA El Dorado, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
The grant application was submitted in October to fund CASA volunteers from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. The Notification of Approval of the Grant was received after January 1, 2021. HHSA is recommending the Board approve this agreement with a retroactive term. CASA had previously received similar grant funds, and therefore, had staff hired and in place to carry out these functions and continue into this new grant cycle. As a result and in anticipation of receipt of continued funding, CASA continued to provide services and accrue costs from January 1, 2020 to present with the expectation of the services to continue through the term of the grant. Additionally, the intent stated in the Grant Agreement, is that any operational agreement utilizing this funding must cover the entire grant period, which began January 1, 2021.
CASA El Dorado advocates for and empowers the abused, neglected, and at-risk youth in our community by providing court appointed volunteers who speak up for the needs of children and make a positive impact in their lives. Every year, there are more than 400 children who have suffered abuse or neglect and are being served in the child welfare system in El Dorado County. Currently, there are over 50 children in El Dorado County on a wait list for a CASA advocate.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, HHSA would sign an agreement with CASA El Dorado that would start upon execution but would leave the already performed CASA services unfunded from January 1 through the effective date of this agreement.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
09/22/20, 20-1164, HHSA County Victim Services Grant Application.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
In the previous 42 months, during prior agreements, all required matching funds have been met by CASA El Dorado. This model will be continued for the new grant cycle resulting in no impact to other county funds due to this agreement. However, if CASA fails to meet the match requirement, CASA would be required to reimburse the County for any expended grant funding that has not been appropriately matched at the matching ratio, which is approximately $4 of grant funding for every $1 of match. The returned grant funding would then be considered unexpended and revert back to the funder.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agreements for Services #5535.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA, Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road, Placerville.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Goal: “Healthy Communities, Improved Health, Well-being, and Self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.”
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director, Health and Human Services Agency