Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla , Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with Family Connections for Mental Health Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Family Connections for Early Childhood Community Team and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation services, for the term of January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $915,805.
body
BACKGROUND:
For over 20 years, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) has contracted with StarVista for Early Childhood Community Team (ECCT) services. On May 7, 2024, this Board approved an amendment for a six-month extension of these services to allow BHRS time to complete required Request for Proposals (RFP) processes for several services provided by StarVista under the current agreement.
In February 2024, BHRS released an RFP seeking proposals from qualified providers to provide ECCT and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) services. StarVista submitted a proposal, and it was recommended and approved to provide these services through June 30, 2026.
DISCUSSION:
StarVista, the former provider of ECCT and ECMHC services, ceased operations effective August 1, 2025. Due to this unforeseen closure, BHRS is requesting that an emergency waiver of the requirement for the Request for Proposals process be approved and an agreement with Family Connections be approved for the continuous delivery of ECCT and ECMHC services. Family Connections has a successful history of partnering with public health and community partners to protect and promote health across the Bay Area.
This agreement will enable BHRS to continue the provision of ECCT and ECMHC services to support our clients and communities in San Mateo County. BHRS has utilized other contracted agencies on a temporary basis to ensure there has been no lapse in service. Family Connections submitted information on their infrastructure, capacity, and interest in providing these services which will enable BHRS to continue the provision of ECCT and ECMHC services to support our clients and communities in San Mateo County on an ongoing basis. A waiver request was reviewed by County Procurement, which recommended submission to this Board for approval.
This contract is late due to the unexpected closure of the previous provider and extended contract negotiations.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate) for each agreement.
The agreements and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 85% of ECCT clients will demonstrate increased knowledge, confidence, and connectedness in supporting their child’s healthy social-emotional development, as measured through pre- and post-assessments and caregiver feedback surveys. In addition, 85% of ECMHC clients demonstrating enhanced capacity to understand and respond to children’s social-emotional needs, resulting in improved functioning, stronger relationships, and retention in care settings.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percentage of ECCT clients demonstrating increased knowledge, confidence, and connectedness in supporting their child’s healthy social-emotional development, as measured through pre- and post-assessments and caregiver feedback surveys. |
85% 70 clients |
85% 70 clients |
|
Percentage of ECMHC clients demonstrating enhanced capacity to understand and respond to children’s social-emotional needs, resulting in improved functioning, stronger relationships, and retention in care settings. |
85% 70 clients |
85% 70 clients |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
ECCT and ECMHC advance wellbeing and access to mental health services by providing culturally and linguistically responsive early intervention and family support to underserved families with children ages 0-5 and pregnant mothers. In FY 2023-24, ECCT served primarily Latino/a/x (73%) and Spanish-speaking (65%) families through child-parent therapy, community-based supports, and childcare consultation. Services included Child-Parent Psychotherapy, case management, and "Light Touch" or "Case Consultation" support tailored to family needs. ECMHC consultants partner with childcare providers and ECCT clinicians to support children's social-emotional development in group care settings, helping teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices while building collaborative relationships with families. Bilingual staff for both ECCT and ECMHC ensure timely linkages within three business days and offer flexible in-person and telehealth options. Through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, reflective, and relationship-centered care, ECCT and ECMHC reduce disparities, strengthen early childhood systems, and foster culturally affirming environments where children and families can thrive.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of all agreements presented under this memorandum is January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The total amount of the agreements is not to exceed $915,805 for the 18-month term. Funds in the amount of $320,269 are included in the BHRS FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. The Mental Health Services Act will fund $320,269. There is no Net County Cost.