To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Authorization for Binti Collaboration on Data Conversion Activities for the Child Welfare Services - California Automated Response and Engagement System
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Child Welfare Services Director, or a designee thereof, to execute the Authorization for Binti Collaboration on Data Conversion Activities form; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit with one (1) fully executed certified copy of the Board order related to this item.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The Resource Family Approval (“RFA”) process replaced multiple previous foster caregiver approval processes into one streamlined process statewide as of January 1, 2017. The RFA process now includes, but is not limited to; case management, home study completion and tracking of processes that were previously completed by the State of California Community Care Licensing Division. These processes include intensive tracking of all trainings, background checks and all steps completed by applicants and current approved homes while ensuring that placement homes are readily available for children and youth served by the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Child Welfare Services (“DHHS - Child Welfare Services”). Tracking of these numerous steps is cumbersome. The existing statewide Child Welfare Services - Case Management System does not accommodate the multiple data tracking points necessary to manage the RFA process. As the Child Welfare Services - Case Management System does not provide RFA data tracking for the majority of counties, including the County of Humboldt, DHHS - Child Welfare Services has contracted with Binti, Inc. to do so since RFA’s implementation in 2017.
The State of California Child Welfare Digital Services is currently developing a replacement system for Child Welfare Services - Case Management System, the Child Welfare Services - California Automated Response and Engagement System. This new Child Welfare Services - California Automated Response and Engagement System will encompass the RFA data points that Child Welfare Services - Case Management System does not currently allow for. To support the transition to Child Welfare Services - California Automated Response and Engagement System, the State is facilitating data conversion with Binti, Inc. In response to county feedback requesting the Child Welfare Services - California Automated Response and Engagement System project work directly with Binti, Inc., the State of California has developed a collaborative process allowing Binti to assist directly with the technical aspects of data conversion to the new system. This approach will reduce the burden on counties while ensuring compliance with federal Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System regulations.
The State of California is requesting counties who contract with Binti, Inc. to authorize Binti, Inc. to collaborate directly with the State of California in providing the necessary information for data conversion and documentation to the Child Welfare Services - California Automated Response and Engagement System through execution of the attached Authorization for Binti Collaboration on Data Conversion Activities form.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund (1160)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no direct costs associated with the execution of the attached Authorization for Binti Collaboration on Data Conversion Activities form.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Execution of the attached Authorization for Binti Collaboration on Data Conversion Activities form will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Department of Social Services - Child Welfare System Branch - Child Welfare Digital Services
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve execution of the attached Authorization for Binti Collaboration on Data Conversion Activities form. However, this alternative is not recommended due to the need for such services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Authorization for Binti Collaboration on Data Conversion Activities Form
2. Binti Master Subscription Agreement
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 01/17/2017; 06/19/2019; 05/23/2023
File No.: 17-0416; 19-703; 23-142