Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Seneca Family of Agencies for $194,018 to support the Resource Family Approval Program throughout Monterey County for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022; and
b. Authorize the Director or 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% ($19,401) 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 an agreement with Seneca Family of Agencies for $194,018 to support the Resource Family Approval Program throughout Monterey County for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022; and
b. Authorize the Director or 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% ($19,401) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Resource Family Approval (RFA) program was authorized through Senate Bill 1013 (Chapter 35, Statutes of 2012) and requires the State Department of Social Services, in consultation with the county welfare agencies, foster parent associations, and other interested community parties, to implement a unified, family friendly and child-centered resource family approval process. Prior to RFA, there were different application, assessment, and approval processes for relatives, near kin and licensed foster family, guardianship and adoptive homes. This resulted in duplication of assessments and paperwork and created delays to permanency for children and families. RFA prepares families to better meet the needs of vulnerable children in the foster care system and allows a seamless transition to permanency.
Sen...
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