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Approve a contract with A Better Way, Inc., for $500,000 to provide Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) mental health services for children between the ages of 0-5, for the period beginning October 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017; and Authorize the County Administrator to execute the agreement
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board approve a contract with A Better Way, Inc. for $500,000 to provide Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) mental health services for children between the ages of 0-5, for the period beginning October 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017; and Authorize the County Administrator to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY:
EPSDT is designed to assess and identify problems early and at periodic age-appropriate intervals as well as screening and diagnostic testing for potential concerns and follow up when risks are identified. H&SS administers a comprehensive Children’s Mental Health System of Care that extends services to individuals and families including, but not limited to, early childhood mental health services for children ages 0-5, outpatient treatment for individuals and families, intensive in-home support, and therapeutic behavioral health services. Approval of the proposed contract provides the necessary capacity of EPSDT services to targeted underserved populations including the foster care population and the Latino and Filipino communities, which are historically underserved populations in the County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Short Doyle EPSDT Medi-Cal, 2011 Realignment, and First Five monies will fund the contract with A Better Way. Appropriation is available in the FY2016/17 Recommended Budget. If funding is reduced, the agreement includes language that the contract can be terminated with notice. There is no additional financial impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) G099-0223A-15 was released February 2015 for the provision of EPSDT services for clients between the ages of 0-5. Services include, but are not limited to, assessment, individual and family treatment and support, mental health rehabilitation and case management, using evidence-supported approaches. On April 8, 2015, Notices of Intent to Award were posted and A Better Way was among the contractors placed on the eligible list, valid for up to three years, to enter into contracts for FY 2015/16.
Due to capacity issues in the County’s organizational provider network there currently exists a need to increase the availability of early childhood mental health services. If approved, the contract with A Better Way, Inc. will allow H&SS to serve a greater number of vulnerable children, including foster children and the Latino and Filipino communities, and to provide timely access and treatment.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve this contract. This is not recommended as failure could result in a delay of EPSDT services designed to reduce disparities for underserved youth and negative consequences for children and their families.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed the contract for legal sufficiency.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION