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 provision of services and supports to relatives and near-kin caregivers, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 in the amount of $629,737; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three future amendments where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($62,973) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work not to exceed maximum of $692,710.
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 provision of services and supports to relatives and near-kin caregivers, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 in the amount of $629,737; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three future amendments where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($62,973) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work not to exceed maximum of $692,710.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The broad target population is Monterey County residents who are relatives and/or near-kin caregivers providing full-time care and support to one or more children. Children are defined to be ages 0-21 years under this Agreement. Emphasis for program outreach includes targeting those care giving families that are eligible for Non-needy relative or CalWORKs services as well as care giving families who come to the attention of Family and Children’s Services (FCS). Professional services and peer support are offered for relatives taking on the care of children. A needs assessment along with information and resources are provided, as Family Ties collaborates with other public and non-profit agencies for a comprehensive system of support to keep families together. In 2022, a big point of services was supporting families in Monterey County establish guardianship; helping to keep children out of the foster care system. One hundred and fifty-eight guardianships were completed at an average of 28 hours of work per family guardianship. Family Ties also provides support and educational cluster groups for caregivers to learn, exchange practical information, and gain skills and confidence.
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 fully funded with Social Services Realignment funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues for SOC005 are included in the FY 2023-24 Recommended 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 also helps the most vulnerable families in the County to obtain the services and supports they need to take care of their children.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Ginger Pierce, CAPC Director, x8784
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachment: Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.