RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to execute a contract amendment with Child's Best Interest, a corporation of California, to increase the payment limit by $43,125 to a new payment limit of $199,375 and to extend the term from August 31, 2017 to November 30, 2017 for increased ombudsman services to program applicants, recipients, community members, and staff while the Department process a new Request For Proposal. (10% County, 45% State, 45% Federal)

FISCAL IMPACT:

$199,375.00 - Administrative Overhead: % County, 45% State, 45% Federal

BACKGROUND:

Under this contract, a Child's Best Interest, provides comprehensive ombudsman services for the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). The ombudsman receives and investigates complaints, gathers information, and works to resolve issues using various mediation skills. Complaints maybe received from the Children and Family Services Director, Division Managers, program applicants, recipients, other County departments, community-based organizations, individual community members, elected officials, and others. As systemic issues are identified, the ombudsman makes formal recommendations to EHSD Director/s to improve service delivery.