Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Seneca Family of Agencies for the scheduling and facilitation of Child and Family Team Meetings to meet the requirements set forth in the Continuum of Care Reform effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025 in the amount of $1,631,361; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($163,136) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work not to exceed term maximum of $1,794,497.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Seneca Family of Agencies for the scheduling and facilitation of Child and Family Team Meetings to meet the requirements set forth in the Continuum of Care Reform effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025 in the amount of $1,631,361; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($163,136) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work not to exceed term maximum of $1,794,497.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide third-party facilitation of Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings for families involved in Monterey County child welfare and probation systems, as required by All County Letter (ACL) No. 16-84. As outlined in ACL 16-84, child welfare services are most effective when delivered in the context of a child/youth and family-centered CFT that shares responsibility to assess, plan, intervene, monitor and refine services over time. A CFT is a group of individuals that includes the child/youth, family members, professionals, natural community supports, and other individuals identified by the family who are invested in the family’s success. The CFT typically conducts and coordinates its work through a CFT meeting. Regular CFT meetings are required for all children experiencing out-of-home care in order to involve families in the decision-making process. It is best practice that CFT meetings be facilitated by a third party in order to balance the power dynamics among participants that have the potential of impeding a family’s ability to engage and share their voice during the meeting.
This agreement ensures that CFT meetings are scheduled and facilitated by a third party in order to maintain neutrality and empower families to engage in the decision-making process.
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:
This Agreement is funded though Federal and State funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues of $814,311 in SOC005 are included in the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget and FY 2024-25 will be incorporated in appropriations/revenues of $817,050 in the corresponding budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This Agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to improve the quality of life for children who have been victims, or are at high risk, of abuse or neglect. This Agreement helps the most vulnerable families in the County to reunite whenever safe and appropriate, supporting an inclusive planning process to assure the services and supports they need are decided upon and provided via a communicative, team-based process.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Chelsea R. Chacon, Management Analyst III, Ext. 8596
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, Ext. 4430
Attachment: Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.