COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

September 16, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 24, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Margaret Taylor, Director of Health Services

Gale Bataille, Director of Mental Health Services

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Fred Finch Youth Center

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board:

1) To execute an agreement with Fred Finch Youth Center; and

2) To authorize the Director of Health Services to execute amendments and modifications to this agreement.

Background

In July 1999, the Mental Health Services issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for crisis response in-home stabilization services and for TBS for San Mateo County SED youth and their families. The RFP was for an initial one-year agreement with the option to renew for three additional years. Four proposals were received in response to the RFP. Fred Finch Youth Center was selected to provide these services because of their proximity to San Mateo, experience in providing services for this target population, and ability to manage the potential volume of clients in the newly mandated TBS program, which is closely related to other services they provided. A new RFP for these services will be issued during the term of this agreement.

Discussion

Fred Finch Youth Center provides crisis response in-home stabilization services for approximately 60 SED youth (ages 5 through 18) and their families. This service is a critical component in our comprehensive system of care for youth. It provides 7 days/week, 24 hours/day coverage to our most at risk SED youth. The program goal is to maintain youth in the least restrictive, home-like setting and avoid costly hospitalization and residential care. Fred Finch has extensive experience working with this at-risk youth population, and has demonstrated the ability to successfully implement this intensive program.

Fred Finch Youth Center also provides TBS to approximately 75 youth up to age 21 who are Medi-Cal beneficiaries. TBS are short-term behavioral intervention services to SED children/youth who are experiencing stressful transitions or life crises, which puts them at risk of placement in an institution or intensive residential program, or of being unable to transition to a lower level of care. Medi-Cal requires that these services be provided on an immediate basis to children/youth who meet specific criteria.

The State will reduce the rates for TBS in the fall of 2002, so if this contractor does not agree to the new rates, the TBS portion of this contract will be discontinued.

Performance Measures FY 2002-03

2001-02 Objectives

2001-02 Actuals

2002-03 Objectives

Crisis Response In-Home Stabilization Program: Maximum number of psychiatric inpatient county Medi-Cal beds for youth that will be utilized on a daily basis

2.0

1.7

1.5

Therapeutic Behavioral Services: percentage of children/youth who shall be maintained at current or reduced level of placement for at least six months following provision of TBS

75%

82%

75%*

* Because these high-risk clients receive services for a short time and there is a high rate of turnover, consistently meeting the 75% objective represents significant accomplishment.

This agreement is effective from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, and carries the usual relationship of parties, hold harmless, and insurance clauses. The agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel and Risk Management.

Vision Alignment

This agreement with Fred Finch Youth Center keeps the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 8: Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at risk youth, and others- achieve a better quality of life. The agreement contributes to this commitment by providing in-home crisis response and TBS to youth.

Fiscal Impact

The total maximum for the term of the agreement is $1,528,521. Of that amount, $1,091,177 is included for TBS and $437,344.00 for in-home crisis stabilization. Federal and state Medi-Cal is expected to fund a total of $1,113,263. SB90 will fund $179,311 in reimbursements for SED youth receiving services pursuant to Title 1, Division 7, Chapter 26.5 of the Government Code. The Human Service Agency contributes $81,647 to this program. Sales tax provided through realignment will cover the remaining balance of $154,300.

We request that the Director of Health Services or her designee be given signing authority to execute minor amendments and adjustments up to $25,000 for the term of the agreement.