Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement, in an Amount Not to Exceed $250,000, with Alameda Family Services for Student and Family Mental Health Services. (Community Development 10061832)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to authorize approval of a contract for mental health services with Alameda Family Services (AFS) in the amount of $125,000 per year for a two-year period for a total contract amount of $250,000. The funds will cover salaries and benefits for approximately 1.40 full-time equivalent employees plus supervision, and direct and indirect costs.
BACKGROUND
On May 14, 2019, the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education passed a resolution requesting that funding from the City of Alameda (City) to be used for increased staffing for student mental health services to be provided by AFS. On June 18, 2019, the City Council approved the Operating and Capital Budget for fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21. It included General Fund appropriations totaling $100,000 to assist with funding of AUSD’s Mental Health program. The City Council approved an agreement with AFS for student mental health services on December 17, 2019. Services were rendered in accordance with the contract. The contract expired on July 31, 2020.
On May 11, 2021, the City Council directed staff to include funds in the City’s budget to support the mental health needs of Alameda students and families in need of these services in the community. The City Council approved the biennial budget at its June 15, 2021 meeting, the requested funds of $125,000 for mental health services were part of the budget.
DISCUSSION
The proposed agreement would provide mental health services for Alameda students at a cost of $125,000 per year for a period of two years, totaling $250,000.
The funding would help cover the salaries and benefits of approximately 1.4 therapists. The monies will fully fund mental health services for one therapist for 40 hours per week for two years, including individual and family therapy as well as case management for students who have been referred for services through a school in the city. The remaining funding will help pay for supervision and one full-time therapist for two years. The therapist will serve the AUSD high schools. The additional funding for the position is provided by Alameda Education Foundation, AUSD, and the AUSD Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). Both therapists are expected to serve 25 to 35 students and families annually in the following areas:
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Crisis drop-ins
• Case management
• Screenings
• Assessments
ALTERNATIVES
• Authorize the two-year agreement ($250,000 total) with AFS for student mental health services.
• Authorize a one-year agreement ($125,000 total) with AFS for student mental health services with option of a second year.
• Request staff conduct a competitive bid process for the mental health services.
• Take no action at this time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The funds for this contract are budgeted under the Youth Collaborative Administration program in the General Fund. On June 15, 2021, the City Council approved $250,000 in General Fund funding for mental health services for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 ($125,000 for each fiscal year).
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Social Services Human Relations Board Charter and Ordinance authority “to improve social services in the community” (Alameda Municipal Code Section 2-11.5).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is not a project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA guidelines section 15061(b)(3) as there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for mental health services with Alameda Family Services in the amount of $125,000 per year for a two-year period for a total contract amount of $250,000.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends approval of the contract for mental health services with Alameda Family Services in annual amount of $125,000.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa, Maxwell, Community Development Director
By,
Lois Butler, Economic Development and Community Services Manager
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Annie To, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Alameda Family Services Contract
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager
Gerry Beaudin, Assistant City Manager