Title
Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with San Benito County Health and Human Services Department allowing them to use County of Monterey’s Cherish Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their home, for the term of upon execution to September 30, 2026, where the San Benito County Health and Human Services Department will reimburse County of Monterey for the placements in an amount not to exceed $7,500; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not encompass payment by County of Monterey.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with San Benito County Health and Human Services Department allowing them to use County of Monterey’s Cherish Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their home, for the term of upon execution to September 30, 2026 where the San Benito County Health and Human Services Department will reimburse County of Monterey for the placements in an amount not to exceed $7,500; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not encompass payment by County of Monterey.
SUMMARY:
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.
DISCUSSION:
The San Benito County Health and Human Services Department (SBHHSD) have a need and desire to utilize available beds and space in the CHERISH Receiving Center as an adjunct to the programs they run themselves. Through this agreement, DSS will allow SBHHSD use of the CHERISH Receiving Center facility within the existing scope of contracted services from Aspiranet.
SBHHSD 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 $7,500 for the term of the agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
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:
The San Benito County Health and Human Services Department will reimburse County of Monterey DSS for costs related to their use of the CHERISH Receiving Center. There is no cost to County of Monterey because of the approval of this recommendation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing DSS to partner with San Benito County so foster children in their county are provided with a safe temporary place to stay when removed from their homes by child welfare.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
__X_Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Prepared by: Sara Sturtevant, (831) 755-4413, Management Analyst II
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.