To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Professional Services Agreement with Wild Souls Ranch Regarding the Provision of Therapeutic Equine Services to Eligible Youth and Families Residing in Humboldt County
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch regarding the provision of therapeutic equine services to eligible youth and families residing in Humboldt County in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00 for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022;
2. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Child Welfare Services Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed original copy of the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch to the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit for further processing.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund (1160)
DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Child Welfare Services (“DHHS - Child Welfare Services”) utilizes the System of Care approach to provide therapeutic counseling and support services to youth and families residing in Humboldt County. Such an approach is essential in providing effective strategies for foster youth, adopted youth and youth experiencing challenges to achieve safety, relationship building and well-being.
The attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch will allow for the provision of therapeutic equine services, including, without limitation, individual and group counseling sessions and behavioral and support services, to eligible youth and families residing in Humboldt County for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. It should be noted that the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch comes to the Board after the start date thereof due to inadvertent delays that occurred during the contract development process.
Accordingly, DHHS - Child Welfare Services recommends that Board approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch regarding the provision of therapeutic equine services to eligible youth and families residing in Humboldt County for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. It is also recommended that the Board authorize the DHHS - Child Welfare Services Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office, in order to avoid any unnecessary delays in the provision of needed therapeutic equine services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch has a maximum amount payable of $200,000.00 for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. However, in the event local, state or federal funding is reduced or eliminated, the County of Humboldt may reduce the above-referenced maximum amount payable or terminate the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch in its entirety.
Expenditure appropriations related to the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch have been included in the approved fiscal year 2021-22 budget for DHHS - Social Services budget unit 1160-508. Funding for the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch is available through federal CalWORKs and local realignment revenues received by DHHS - Child Welfare Services. As a result, approval of the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations, creating opportunities for improved safety and health and providing community-appropriate levels of services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached professional services agreement with Wild Souls Ranch regarding the provision of therapeutic equine services to eligible youth and families residing in Humboldt County. However, this alternative is not recommended since it will severely limit DHHS - Child Welfare Services’ ability to provide appropriate levels of services to its clients.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Professional Services Agreement with Wild Souls Ranch Regarding the Provision of Therapeutic Equine Services to Eligible Youth and Families Residing in Humboldt County
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A