DATE: June 9, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Delfino E. Neira, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Agreement with Averhealth for Random Drug Testing Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Avertest LLC, dba Averhealth for drug testing services, effective July 1, 2020, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $2,848,000.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will allow the Department to continue the provision of random drug testing services to individuals involved in the Department's Child Welfare Services (CWS) system. Drug testing services are court-ordered and are a valuable tool that contributes to the safety of children and to the sobriety and recovery of parents with substance use issues. Services will be provided primarily in Fresno, at 2113 Merced Street, and additional sites will be located in Selma, Kerman and Coalinga. The maximum cost for the five-year Agreement is $2,848,000 with no increase to Net County Cost. The item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. If this item is not approved, the Department's capacity to meet court-ordered random drug tests for parents will be eliminated and will adversely impact the safety of children involved in CWS.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. If approved, the maximum cost for the five-year Agreement is $2,848,000 and will be offset with Child Welfare Realignment funds. Sufficient appropriations and revenues will be included in the FY 2020-21 Recommended Budget for Department Org 5610 and will be included in subsequent FY budgets.
DISCUSSION:
The majority of parents who come to the attention of Child Welfare Services have issues with drug abuse, which is a significant contributor to child abuse or neglect. ...
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