DATE: June 6, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Delfino E. Neira, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Agreement with Aspiranet for Post-Adoption Support Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Aspiranet for the provision of Post-Adoption Support Services, effective July 1, 2017, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $1,125,000.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will provide parents and their children who have finalized adoptions through the Department with services and supports designed to improve family safety and stability and decrease the likelihood of placement disruption. The recommended Agreement will be effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020 and include the option to extend for two additional twelve-month terms at the same annual amount ($225,000). The cost of these services will be financed with Federal Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) funds, with no increase in Net County Cost.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. Should the recommended action not be approved, resources for adoptive families struggling with post-adoption challenges will be limited resulting in the risk of placement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The total cost of the Agreement ($1,125,000) will be funded with PSSF funds. Sufficient appropriations will be included in the FY 2017-18 Recommended Budget for the Department of Social Services, Org 5610, and will be included in subsequent annual budgets.
DISCUSSION:
The Department’s first goal is to have children remain or return to their parent’s care whenever possible. However, when children cannot safely remain with a parent or caretaker due to abuse or neglect, the Department must find an alternative safe, stable and permanent home. Adoption is the preferred alternative and is mandated as the first option when developing an alternative permanent plan. Annually, the Department finalizes an average of 215 adoptions. As the needs of the family change and the children grow, research shows that adoptive families often require services and supports following adoption finalization. A post-adoption support program provides a range of services to strengthen and support adoption stability, family functioning and well-being. The Department currently provides some post adoption services; however, the recommended Agreement would enhance services to meet the needs of children and families that have finalized adoptions through Fresno County.
On January 30, 2017, Request for Proposal (RFP) #17-056 for Post-Adoption Support Services was released to 53 potential bidders through County’s Public Purchase. Three proposals were received by the closing date. An RFP Review Committee was established, comprised of representatives from the Department and the California Department of Social Services Adoption District Office.
All proposals were reviewed and rated based upon the RFP specifications, response quality, proposed services and cost. The proposal submitted by Aspiranet was rated significantly higher than the two other proposals. Strengths identified in the Aspiranet proposal included their demonstrated knowledge of the services requested and the target population and extensive experience providing post-adoption support services to eight California Counties, including counties neighboring Fresno with similar populations. The Review Committee unanimously recommended Aspiranet for full funding and provision of these services.
Services to be provided through the recommended Agreement include, but are not limited to, information and referral, support groups, educational classes focused on adoption issues, mental health screening and intervention, and the development of an adoption specific resource directory. Program outcomes include a decrease post-adoption placement disruption, improved child safety and increased home stability. Annually, Aspiranet will serve approximately 225 families.
The recommended Agreement is effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020 and includes the option to be extended for two additional twelve-month periods at the same terms and conditions unless either party gives a 30-day advance written notice of non-renewal. The Department Director or designee is authorized to execute such written approval on behalf of the County based on the Contractor’s satisfactory performance. The recommended Agreement also gives the Department Director or designee authority to terminate the Agreement without cause upon giving a 30-day advance written notice and the authority to approve changes to the line items in the budget that do not exceed 10% of the total maximum compensation.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald Alexander