Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department allowing them to use County of Monterey Cherish Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their homes, where the County of Santa Cruz will reimburse County of Monterey for the placements in an amount not to exceed $168,510 for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement that do not encompass payment by Monterey County or significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department allowing them to use County of Monterey Cherish Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their homes, where the County of Santa Cruz will reimburse County of Monterey for the placements in an amount not to exceed $168,510 for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement that do not encompass payment by Monterey County or significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Department of Social Services (DSS) currently operates the Cherish Center, a Receiving Center for youth at risk of abuse and/or neglect where they can be placed for up to 72 hours. The Center provides services to reduce the trauma inflicted upon youth who have been removed from their home and provides support through the initial crisis. Currently, operation of the Center is contracted through Aspiranet, a non-profit family services agency.
The Santa Cruz County Human Services Department (SCHSD) has a need and desire to utilize available beds and space in the CHERISH Center as an adjunct to the programs they run themselves. Through this agreement, DSS will allow SCHSD use of the CHERISH Center facility within the existing scope of contracted services from Aspiranet.
SCHSD will reimburse DSS at a rate of $80.00 per hour for each child placed in the center, up to a maximum of $5,760 per child per 72-hour stay for a total not to exceed $168,510 for the term of the agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to form, as has the Auditor-Controller’s Office as to financial provisions.
FINANCING:
Santa Cruz County will reimburse County of Monterey for costs related to their use of the CHERISH Center. There is no cost to County of Monterey as a result of the approval of this recommendation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to partner with Santa Cruz County so foster children in their county are provided with a safe temporary place to stay when removed from their homes by child welfare.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Sara Sturtevant, Management Analyst II, x4413
Approved by Roderick Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.