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Approve a contract from February 26, 2019 through June 30, 2019 with Caminar Inc. for mental health case management services for mentally ill inmates returning to the community not to exceed $480,954; Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any amendments including changes to terms and conditions, scope of services, and modifications to contract limits not to exceed $75,000; and Authorize the Sheriff to execute contract amendments which are technical and administrative in nature and remain within budget appropriations
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff’s Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a contract from February 26, 2019 through June 30, 2019 with Caminar, Inc. for mental health case management services for mentally ill inmates returning to the community not to exceed $480,954;
2. Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the contract and any amendments including changes to terms and conditions, scope of services, and modifications to contract limits not to exceed $75,000; and
3. Authorize the Sheriff to execute contract amendments which are technical and administrative in nature and remain within budget appropriations.
SUMMARY:
On November 24, 2015, the Board approved a contract with Bay Area Community Services (BACS) for mental health case management services for mentally ill inmates returning to the community funded primarily by Mentally Ill Offender Crime Reduction (MIOCR) grant funds. In November 2018, the contract with BACS was terminated due to an over commitment by BACS that would cause BACS to not complete services. In response and in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Services’ Mental Health Services Division, the Sheriff has identified another provider to continue diverting low-level offenders prior to and shortly after booking. This will include providing jail based mental health programming for offenders based on assessment, comprehensive re-entry planning, and intensive case management aftercare services prior to and after release. Caminar, Inc. (Caminar), founded in San Mateo, California in 1964, serves more than 20,000 individuals annually across San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Solano, and Butte Counties. Caminar empowers and supports individuals and families to move toward resilience, wellness, and independence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The MIOCR grant agreement requires funded projects be sustained by the grantee agency for one year beyond the three-year grant term or FY2018/19. The contract is necessary to continue services during the sustainable year. The contract amount of $480,954 reflects higher housing costs and is included in Mid-Year projections. Mid-Year recommendations include Board action to approve an ATR increasing appropriations by $21,915 that will be funded by Mental Health Service Act funds. The remainder of the contract will be funded by MIOCR Funds, which has sufficient appropriations to cover the anticipated FY2018/19 costs of $337,683. Board approval of the contract is not anticipated to impact the County General Fund.
The contract includes $143,271 for the period July 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019, to allow for continuation of services and sufficient time to complete a novation or renewal contract if necessary.
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
With the implementation of California’s 2011 Public Safety Realignment Act, the average length of stay for an inmate has increased significantly with inmates now incarcerated beyond one year. This in turn has heightened the need for long-term inmate medical and mental health services as well as the need for pre- and post-incarceration re-entry services. The Sheriff’s Criminal Justice Programs Services Manager has worked with H&SS, the Workforce Investment Board, California Forensic Medical Group, and local community-based organizations to develop a county-wide response to meet these needs.
On July 28, 2015, the Board of Supervisors approved the MIOCR grant agreement with the Board of State and Community Corrections to support prevention, intervention, supervision and incarceration-based services and strategies to reduce recidivism and to improve outcomes for mentally ill adult offenders. Now in its fourth and sustaining year, the MIOCR award has helped the County to enhance the county-wide response and provide a continuum of mental health services through County agencies, contracted mental health professionals, and contracted community-based organizations.
In an effort to continue the County’s expanded services, treatment and recidivism reduction for the justice involved mentally ill, Caminar will conduct mental health screening and assessment, create individualized re-entry plans and provide community-based case management for the participants transitioning from jail to the community. Following their release, participants will receive transport to appointments, referral services, assistance with life skills and support network development, and strengthening skills for six to nine months after release.
Caminar case management staff will deliver in-reach services to participants in the jail utilizing the evidenced based Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model. CTI is a structured intervention model that provides support to people during and after a transition to community living from shelter, hospital, or other institutional settings, with the primary goal of preventing a return to homelessness and other adverse outcomes. CTI provides focused, time-limited case management services that help people make lasting connections to other community resources that can provide ongoing supports. CTI is designed to prevent people from returning to homelessness by providing emotional and practical support during the critical transition period and facilitating and strengthening connections to a support network that may include treatment and other community services, family, friends, and other formal and informal supports. CTI has been used effectively to serve adults with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders experiencing homelessness.
The Sheriff’s Office will administer this contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to approve the contract; however, this alternative is not recommended as non-approval may deem the County as non-compliant in meeting its obligation related to sustaining the MIOCR program during the fourth year.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the contract as to form. The County Risk Manager approved the contract insurance provisions and related liability limits. The Department of Health and Social Services has reviewed this report and concurs with the Sheriff’s recommendation.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION