DATE: August 24, 2021
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Dawan Utecht, Director, Department of Behavioral Health
SUBJECT: Agreement with Westside Family Preservation Services Network
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Westside Family Preservation Services Network for implementation and operation of youth empowerment centers, effective September 1, 2021, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract with two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $2,078,333.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will authorize the Department of Behavioral Health through the Westside Family Preservation Services Network (Westside Family) to operate youth empowerment centers that provide a range of prevention, wellness and recovery focused activities. Services are funded with Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI), with no Net County Cost. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. Should your Board not approve the recommended action, youth empowerment services, which were identified through the MHSA stakeholder process, for individuals and their family members/support persons will not be implemented.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The maximum compensation for FY 2021-22 is $358,333; $2,078,333 for the term. Services will be financed with MHSA PEI. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department’s Org 5630 FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget and will be included in future budget requests for the contract term.
DISCUSSION:
After the successes of the Blue Sky Peer Wellness Center (Agt. 10-295) for adult populations, through the MHSA Stakeholder process it was determined that similar services were needed for county youth.
On March 26, 2021, the Department with assistance from the Internal Services Department - Purchasing Division (ISD-Purchasing), issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 21-040 to operate a Peer Wellness Center. The RFP closed on April 9,2021 and four responses were received.
The RFP evaluation panel consisting of a Department Fiscal Analyst, Clinical Supervisor, Senior Staff Analyst, Principal Staff Analyst, and a Behavioral Health Board Member reviewed the proposals and recommended award to Westside Family.
The recommendation was based on a complete, professional, and responsive proposal; extensive knowledge and experience with the target population to be served; demonstration of capability and qualifications to provide wellness and recovery services; commitment to providing culturally competent, specialty mental health services to clients throughout the County; and, knowledge in relevant rules, regulations, laws, principles and guidelines.
The recommended agreement is designated as a prevention program. Services will be peer driven and target 10-24-year-olds, including the underserved and unserved cultural, ethnic, and linguistic communities in the western region of the County. Services will be youth driven and may include, but are not limited to:
• Volunteer Peer/Family Support Services
• Support Groups
• Recreational and socialization activities
• Life Skills
• Education Support
• Employment and Vocational Services
• Family Support Services
• Outreach and education
• Leadership development
• Mentoring/Coaching
• Other Support Services
These services will engage children, adolescents and transitional aged youth who may be trauma exposed; experiencing the first onset of serious psychiatric illness; and/or in stressed families. The services will offer wellness and recovery activities that include socialization, life-skills training, and other peer support activities.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
Behavioral Health Board was informed of the recommended agreement during the August meeting.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI#28, August 6, 2019
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Westside Family
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa