Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Chapter 3.13.030 (b) that specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the provision of outreach and engagement services, to help individuals and families who are homeless or soon to be homeless and have a mental illness, in Agreement 4553;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment I to Agreement for Services 4553 with Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Inc., increasing the maximum contractual obligation, adding the Fiscal Year 2021-22 maximum obligation amount of $47,295, bringing the total contract amount to $94,593, and increasing the term by one year to June 30, 2022; and
3) Authorize the Health and Human Services Agency Director, or designee, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 4553 including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: 75% Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Federal Grant, 25% Mental Health Services Act.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Federal grant program Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) provides assistance to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have serious mental illnesses. PATH funds are distributed to States/Territories that, in turn, contract with local public or non-profit organizations to fund a variety of services to homeless individuals. Eligible services that may be offered under PATH are: outreach services; screening and diagnostic treatment services; habilitation and rehabilitation services; community mental health services; alcohol and drug treatment services; staff training; case management services; supportive and supervisory services in residential settings; referrals for primary health services, job training, educational services; and relevant housing services (no more than 20% of PATH funds may be used for housing assistance). The Health and Human Services Agency, Mental Health Division, (HHSA) has applied for and received an annual allocation of the PATH grant funds through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) for many years. Since Fiscal Year 2019-20, El Dorado County has contracted with Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. to fulfill the duties associated with the PATH grant.
On June 9, 2020, the Board adopted and authorized implementation of the FY 2020-23 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Plan Update (File ID 20-0446). Included in the approved FY 2020-23 MHSA Plan Update is the “Outreach and Engagement Services" program under the Community Services and Supports (CSS) component. A key strategy to accomplishing the goals within the CSS component is to coordinate all available outreach and engagement resources to residents with mental illness, and as such the PATH program is specifically called out within the MHSA plan, as PATH provides “outreach and engagement services for individuals with serious mental illness who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.” Services provided by the Agreement with Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless for outreach and engagement of the target population will be partially funded by the PATH grant along with MHSA funding, while satisfying many of the requirements of the 2020-23 MHSA Plan Update regarding “Outreach and Engagement Services” in the PATH Program.
Amendment I is being brought to the Board as the new maximum contractual obligation exceeds the Purchasing Agent authority as outlined in Procurement Policy C-17.
ALTERNATIVES:
Failure to approve the above actions will decrease the funds required to provide assistance to individuals/families who are homeless or soon to be homeless and who have a mental health issue or a mental health issue and a substance abuse issue.
Disapproval of Amendment I to Agreement for Services #4553 will result in the County being out of compliance with the MHSA Plan and the PATH program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 01/28/2015, 15-0089, 2015-01-28 MHC PATH RFP
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Reviewed by County Counsel and Human Resources/Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. This amendment is an extension of one year to a current agreement and continues to be funded with PATH Grant and MHSA funding. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget and will be incorporated in future budgets for the term of this Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Amendment I of Agreements for Services #4553.
2) Forward one (1) fully executed document to HHSA-Contracts Unit, 3057 Briw Road, Placerville for further processing
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
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