Title
Receive an updated response to Board Referral No. 2024.16 seeking to establish on-site mental health services for children and families served at the SHARE Center and to modify the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Salinas to require advance notice, input and agreement by the Board of Supervisors when there is a proposed change to the operator of the SHARE Center.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Receive an updated response to Board Referral No. 2024.16 seeking to establish on-site mental health services for children and families served at the SHARE Center and to modify the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Salinas to require advance notice, input and agreement by the Board of Supervisors when there is a proposed change to the operator of the SHARE Center.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On December 3, 2024, Board Referral No. 2024.16 was assigned to the Health Department, County Counsel, and County Administrative Office, to explore the need and opportunity to provide onsite mental health services to families and individuals being served at the SHARE Center. Additionally, the referral requests modifications to the MOU between the County of Monterey and the City of Salinas for the operation of the SHARE Center, to ensure the Board of Supervisors is consulted prior to making any changes to the operation of the Center, and to require annual reporting of SHARE Center activities to the Board of Supervisors.
On January 28, 2025, staff from the Health Department and Department of Social Services provided a preliminary response on this referral to the Board of Supervisors.
The SHARE Center is operated by the County of Monterey through its Department of Social Services in partnership with the City of Salinas. After a recent Request for Proposals, Community Human Services (CHS) was awarded the contract to serve as the operator of the SHARE Center effective September 1, 2024. Community Human Services is also a sub-contractor of the Health Department through its Behavioral Health Bureau (BHB) to provide behavioral health services to eligible community members experiencing a severe mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorder.
As previously presented, the Health Department summarized CHS’s current processes to assess and link individuals and families to services needed. Individuals determined to need mental health and/or substance use disorder services are referred to behavioral health service providers’ clinic sites in the area, with transportation being provided, if needed. After further analysis of assessment data and current processes, it is determined that the current system in place of referring individuals to community behavioral health providers is working for the individuals needing this service. CHS will continue to assess the Center’s individuals, make referrals to appropriate service providers, and provide transportation as needed to ensure behavioral health needs are met. Additionally, CHS will designate one of the offices in the Center for telehealth services and assigned case managers will assist individuals with connecting to telehealth/tele psych providers, if this is the preferred method of connection for the individual. Health BHB staff have this topic as a standing agenda item for their quarterly meetings with CHS as one of our contracted behavioral health services providers.
After initial update to the Board of Supervisors on this referral, staff from the Department of Social Services has been in discussions with County Counsel regarding further assurances needed to clarify language and roles and responsibilities included in the existing Agreement for services. Staff are working on revised language to the Agreement between the County of Monterey through its Department of Social Services and Community Human Services and new Agreement will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for consideration later this year. Some of the areas to be further clarified include termination and non-renewal clauses, notification requirements regarding reportable incidents, notification regarding change in Center’s managerial and supervisory staff, and comprehensive annual report requirements.
Staff may be directed to provide an update on this referral when new Agreement for services between the County and CHS is presented to the Board later this year. Staff requests that this Referral be deemed complete.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Health Department Behavioral Health Bureau and Department of Social Services will continue to work with Community Human Services, the current operator of the SHARE Center and the City of Salinas on ensuring successful operation of the Center and that occupants are receiving the services they need to improve their wellbeing and linkage to more stable housing and employment. County Counsel and the County Administrative Office will be consulted as needed.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the County General Fund with receipt of this report.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared and Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Preliminary Analysis Report
Referral No. 2024.16