Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement for $219,427 with Aspiranet for operation of the CHERISH Receiving Center for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($21,942) 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 for $219,427 with Aspiranet for operation of the CHERISH Receiving Center for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($21,942) of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Contractor operates the CHERISH Receiving Center which provides a safe and nurturing environment for children 0-17 years of age who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or a disruption in foster care placement. These children need a safe, comfortable place to stay until their home issues are resolved, or until they can be placed with a foster family. The Center offers this nurturing and supportive environment for children when they are first placed in protective custody. Children only stay at the CHERISH Receiving Center for a maximum of 23 hours while safety concerns are resolved or placements in foster care, or with relatives, are arranged.
The CHERISH Receiving Center provides a child-friendly, safe, home-like environment through the successful collaboration between Aspiranet and County’s Family & Children’s Services. In order to ensure the safety of these children transitional beds in Emergency Shelter Foster Homes (ESFH) has been identified as an ongoing need. This agreement contains an extension of CHERISH services into Emergency Shelter Foster Home service provision, and will ensure that we are able to maintain the CHERISH facility within its 23 hour mandate, but transition youth who need more time in finding suitable placement into a 30-day foster home. With the reduced availability of licensed foster care, it is becoming more difficult to match youth with suitable placements. This agreement will support the department’s effort in locating appropriate placements.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this agreement. County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
Funding for these services is provided with a combination of Federal revenues and Realignment funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues in SOCOO5 are included in the FY 2016-17 Adopted Budget. Approval of this action has no impact on the County General Fund contributions.
Prepared by: Daniel Bach, MA III, x3525
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director of Social Services
Attachments: Attachment: ASPIRINET agreement 2016/17
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report