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.
Seneca is a full-service agency providing assessment, training and support to Resource Families and continues to provide services focused on retention efforts to ensure children remain in Monterey County.
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 funded by Social Services Federal and State revenues. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues for SOC005 are included in the FY 2021-22 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 foster children by expanding capacity for timely completion of Resource Family Approvals in partnership with Seneca Family of Agencies.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Rene Kausin, MAII, x4737
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachment: Agreement
Proposed agreement is filed with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.