DATE: May 3, 2022
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja K. Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Agreement with Aspiranet
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Aspiranet for Adoption Support and Preservation services, effective July 1, 2022, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $1,306,755.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will provide prospective and adoptive parents and children with services and supports designed to strengthen family functioning and decrease the likelihood of placement disruption. Aspiranet was selected for these services following a Request for Proposal (RFP). The cost of the agreement will be offset with Federal Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) funds, with no increase to Net County Cost. The item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the recommended action, resources for parents considering the adoption of a foster child, or for families struggling with post-adoption challenges will be limited, potentially resulting in placement disruptions and negative impacts upon child wellbeing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. If approved, the maximum cost of the recommended agreement ($1,306,755) will be offset with Federal PSSF funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues will be included in the Department of Social Services’ Org 5610 FY 2022-23 Recommended Budget and in future budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
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 plan for permanency. Annually, the Department finalizes an average of 227 adoptions. Research shows that adoptive families benefit from services and supports both prior to finalizing an adoption and post adoption. The adoption support program provides a range of services to strengthen and support adoption stability, family functioning and the well-being of children. The Department’s current agreement (Agreement No. 17-247) for adoption support services will expire June 30, 2022.
On December 6, 2021, RFP No. 22-029 for Adoption Support and Preservation Services was sent to approximately 370 potential bidders by the Internal Services Department - Purchasing Division. One proposal was received by the closing date of January 10, 2022 and accepted for review. A three-member review committee was established comprised of representatives from the Departments of Social Services and Behavioral Health, and a community-based organization. The proposal was reviewed based on the RFP specifications and quality of response to the requested services. The review committee unanimously recommended Aspiranet for funding due to their organizational readiness, familiarity with the services and target population and experienced staff.
Services to be provided through the recommended agreement include, but are not limited to, adoption-specific parenting skills education, crisis intervention, support groups, case management, mental health screening and assessment, referral services and linkage to adoption-specific community resources. Program outcomes include increased adoptions from foster care, post-adoption placement stability, and improved family functioning. Annually, it is anticipated that Aspiranet will serve approximately 825 families.
With your Board’s approval, the recommended agreement will allow the Department Director, or their designee, to make minor changes to the scope of services and budget changes that do not exceed 10% of the annual agreement maximum compensation. Termination without cause requires a 30-day written notice from County, Department Director, or designee, or Contractor.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #65, June 6, 2017
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Aspiranet
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa