Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department allowing them to use County of Monterey Cherish Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their homes, where the County of Santa Cruz will reimburse County of Monterey for the placements in an amount not to exceed $168,510 for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee 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 designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department allowing them to use County of Monterey Cherish Receiving Center for the temporary placement of children removed from their homes, where the County of Santa Cruz will reimburse County of Monterey for the placements in an amount not to exceed $168,510 for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee 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 County of Monterey Department of Social Services (DSS) 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 Santa Cruz County Human...
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