Memorandum
Date: February 27, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Crystal Markytan, Director, Social Services
Subject: a) Waive the competitive bidding pursuant to section 38.2 due to the unique nature of service; and, b) Approve Memorandum of Understanding between Social Services and Behavioral Health Services for CalWORKs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in an amount that shall not exceed the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Allocation, from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027, and authorize the Chair to sign.
Executive Summary:
For many years, Lake County Social Services has contracted with Lake County Behavioral Health Services (LCBHS) to provide Mental Health and Substance Abuse services to CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work clients. California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides a yearly allocation specific to these services as part of CalWORKs Single Allocation funds. The MOU compensation language is purposely kept vague, as allocation funding varies by year, and often is not announced until mid-Fiscal Year. Funding for fiscal year 2023-2024 is a total of $ $394,590. While flexibility of funding allows for nontraditional or innovative services through alternative providers, services shall be provided primarily through the local mental health department. The State requires DSS and BHS to work jointly in providing services. As described in the CDSS Manual of Policy & Procedures 42-716.31: The County Welfare Department (CWD) shall provide, in conjunction with the county alcohol and drug program or a state licensed or certified nonprofit agency under contract with the county alcohol and drug program, substance abuse treatment services which shall include evaluation, treatment, employment counseling, provision of community service jobs, or other appropriate services. Therefore, the department's request to waive the competitive bidding process using the exemption described in Section 38.2(2) of the County Purc...
Click here for full text