Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with the San Benito County Health & Human Services Department, allowing them to use Monterey County’s CHERISH Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their homes, for the term of December 6, 2022 to September 30, 2025, where San Benito County will reimburse Monterey County for the placements in an amount not to exceed $30,000; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this agreement that do not encompass payment by Monterey County or 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 the San Benito County Health & Human Services Department, allowing them to use Monterey County’s CHERISH Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their homes, for the term of December 6, 2022 to September 30, 2025, where San Benito County will reimburse Monterey County for the placements in an amount not to exceed $30,000; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this agreement that do not encompass payment by Monterey County or significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) 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.
The San Benito County Health & Human Services Department (SBHHSD) has a need and desire to utilize available beds and space in the CHERISH Center as an adjunct to the programs they run themselves. Through this agreement, MCDSS will allow SBHHSD use of the CHERISH Center facility within the existing scope of contracted services from Aspiranet.
SBHHSD will reimburse MCDSS 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 $30,000 for the term of the agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor Controller has reviewed and approved this Agreement. County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
San Benito County will reimburse Monterey County for costs related to their use of the CHERISH Center on an hour-by-hour basis. There is no cost to Monterey County resulting from the approval of the recommendation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department 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 Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Sara Sturtevant, MAII, x4413
Approved by Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments: Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.