Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a one year agreement with Seneca Family of Agencies for $611,395 to operate the Family Ties Program which provides services and supports to relative and near-kin caregivers within Monterey County for the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021; and
b. Authorize the 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 of the Department of Social Services to sign a one year agreement with Seneca Family of Agencies for $611,395 to operate the Family Ties Program which provides services and supports to relative and near-kin caregivers within Monterey County for the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021; and
b. Authorize the 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:
The Monterey County Department of Social Services, through its Family and Children’s Services branch, provides services for children who have been victims, or are at high risk, of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Many of these children reside with relative or near-kin caregivers who provide for their full-time care.
This Agreement provides operations for the Family Ties Program. This program provides services to relative and near-kin caregivers, including adult support groups, advocacy, childcare for meetings/trainings, recreation activities, case management, legal assistance to support families attaining permanence outside of the Child Welfare system, transportation for medical/training services, information and referral, and family emergency fund assistance. Although some caregiving families participating in the Family Ties program receive formal DSS benefits, it is estimated that close to 70% of relatives caring for a child(ren) would have no additional supports specific to their caregiving role without the Family Ties Program.
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 SOCOO5 are included in the FY 2020-21 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 who have been victims, 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.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Ginger Pierce, Management Analyst III, Ext. 8784
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, Ext. 4430
Attachments: Seneca Family Ties Agreement 2020-21
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report