Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Aspiranet for operation of the Cherish Receiving Center for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in the amount of $1,074,060; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($107,406) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $1,181,466.
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 Aspiranet for operation of the Cherish Receiving Center for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in the amount of $1,074,060; and
b) Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($107,406) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $1,181,466.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Aspiranet currently operates the Cherish Receiving Center (Cherish) which provides a safe and nurturing environment for children 0-17 years of age who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or a disruption in foster care placement. These children need a safe, comfortable place to stay until their home issues are resolved or until they can be placed with an appropriate resource (foster) family. Cherish has provided the much needed transitional care and temporary housing for youth entering protective custody as well as proving respite and placement stabilization support for youth and families already engaged with FCS.
The Receiving Center has served approximately 160 youth annually and continues to provide immediate services for youth taken into protective care. As of 2021, Aspiranet has successfully become the only agency in the region to obtain the newly required 72 hour Transitional Care Facility license obligated by the California Department of Social Services.
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:
Funding for this Agreement is provided with a combination of Federal Child Welfare revenues, Realignment, and Wraparound-Flex funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues in SOC005 are included in the FY2025-26 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 at risk of abuse and neglect through expanding the Department’s ability to work in collaboration with the community to address services needed during the youth’s temporary custody or removal.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
_ Economic Development
_ Administration
X Health & Human Services
_ Infrastructure
_ Public Safety
Prepared by: Edward Juárez-Lefèvre, Management Analyst III, x3525
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, Director, x4435
Attachment: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.