Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a New Service Provider Agreement with Alameda Family Services to Provide Clinician and Case Management Services for the Community Assessment, Response, and Engagement (CARE) Team Covering July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028, for a Total Not-To-Exceed Amount of $1,681,886; and Receive an Update on CARE Team 2024 Operations. (Fire 10032270-52010)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides an update on the Community Assessment Response and Engagement (CARE) Team program, including its implementation, progress, and future plans, as well as requesting City Council's authorization to execute a new agreement with Alameda Family Services (AFS) to continue supporting the CARE Team Program.
Key areas addressed in this report include the CARE Team program history, collaboration with AFS, and significant developments achieved in 2024. The program has shown success in improving the City of Alameda's (City) mental health crisis response, its cost-effectiveness, and the importance of retaining AFS for continuity of care.
This report also outlines the recommended AFS staffing model for the next three years with associated budget projections. To provide ongoing support for the CARE Team program and ensure uninterrupted client services, the Alameda Fire Department (AFD) seeks City Council approval for the City Manager to execute a new agreement with AFS for an amount not-to-exceed $1,681,886 from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.
BACKGROUND
In July 2021, City Council approved the establishment of the CARE Team, a pilot program designed to address mental health crises in the community through an innovative and compassionate approach. The CARE Team focuses on providing specialized assistance to nonviolent individuals experiencing mental health challenges, reducing reliance on traditional law enforcement and emergency room interventi...
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