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 in the amount of $611,395 for the provision of services and supports to relatives and near-kin caregivers for the period of July 2022 to June 30, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($61,139) of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
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 in the amount of $611,395 for the provision of services and supports to relatives and near-kin caregivers for the period of July 2022 to June 30, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($61,139) of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This Agreement funds the provision of comprehensive, professional, and peer-to-peer supportive services to relatives and near-kin caregivers who play a significant role in the life of Monterey County children, with an emphasis on those caring, or considering caring for, children associated with the dependency or juvenile justice system. The Seneca Family Ties Program has offered services for close to 20 years, to relative and near-kin caregivers. Services include adult support groups; advocacy; childcare for meetings/trainings; recreation activities; case management; legal assistance; transportation; and emergency fund assistance. During FY 2020-21, a total of 210 families with 376 children were served. Permanency specialists assisted 52 families petition for guardianship of minors under their care. Thus far in FY2021-22, 211 families with 365 children have been served and 40 families have been assisted in obtaining guardianship of minors under their care.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this Agreement. County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is fully funded with Social Services Realignment funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues for SOC005 are included in the FY 2022-23 Requested 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 of, 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.