To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement with Changing Tides Family Services and the Department of Health and Human Services ("DHHS") - Child Welfare Services ("CWS") for January 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors approve the agreement with Changing Tides Family Services for the period of January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 to assist eligible families with finding a child care provider for the foster youth in their care, securing subsidized placement if eligible, completing child care program applications, and developing a plan for long-term child care appropriate to the child's age and needs via the State General Fund allocation; authorize the Chairperson to execute three (3) originals of the agreement; direct the Clerk of the Board to route two (2) fully executed originals of the agreement to the DHHS-Contract Unit for further processing; and authorize the DHHS-CWS Director to amend program elements of the agreement as necessary after review and approval by County Counsel and Risk Management for the term of January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund 1160
DISCUSSION:
California Department of Social Services (CDSS) issued an All County Letter announcing the start of a new and optional program available to counties called the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children. The aim of this program is to provide emergency childcare to children involved with Child Welfare Services in Humboldt County who have been placed in out-of-home care with a caregiver that requires temporary emergency childcare in order to maintain placement of the child.
Changing Tides Family Services (CTFS) in collaboration with DHHS-CWS is working to assist eligible families with finding a child care provider for the foster youth in their care, securing subsidized placement (if eligible), completing child care program applications and developing a plan for long-term child care appropriate to the child's age and needs. Without the collaboration between CTFS and CWS, CWS would be unable to meet the requirements of the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program set forth by All County Letter 17-109.
Therefore, DHHS recommends that the Board approves and authorizes the Chair to execute this agreement for the period of January 1, 2018-June 30. 2019.
This contract is being submitted late as a function of confusion with the funding source and claiming codes at CDSS. Counties received clarification in the form of a County Fiscal Letter (CFL) on the funding source and claiming codes as of March 29, 2018.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of the Changing Tides Family Services Agreement for the period of January 1, 2018 through June 20, 2019 is 100% State funded. This Agreement will reside in fund 1160, budget unit 508 CWS for the remainder of fiscal year 2017-18 and 2018-19. The maximum amount payable for services rendered, and costs and expenses incurred, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement effective January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018 is capped by the State General Fund allocation and each category of service. Emergency Child Care Voucher cap is $72,163, Child Care Navigator cap is $30,079 and Trauma Informed Training cap is $12,612. The maximum amount payable for fiscal year 2018-19 will be capped by the State General Fund allocation and each category of service. There is no negative impact to the County General Fund.
The recommended actions support the Board's Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health and protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Risk Management, and County Auditor
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose to not approve the agreement for CTFS to collaborate with CWS to assist eligible families with finding a child care provider for the foster youth in their care. This alternative is not recommended, as without the collaboration with CTFS, CWS will be unable to meet the requirements of the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program set forth by All County Letter 17-109.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Agreement with Changing Tides Family Services
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A