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: Authorizing the Chief of San Mateo County Health or Designee to Execute Agreements with Essential Local Community-Based Organizations for Board and Care Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the Chief of San Mateo County Health or designee(s) to execute agreements and negotiate amendments with each contractor listed in Attachment A to provide board and care services, for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,170,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1985, this Board has approved resolutions authorizing expenditures for residential board and care (B&C) facilities serving clients with severe mental illness by providing residential care services. These facilities serve a critical role in supporting Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) clients by providing long-term placements and care for a population of clients that are often stigmatized and perceived as having too many complex issues.
B&C facilities provide essential services, including meals, assistance with daily living activities, medication support, and social skills development. In-County placement allows clients to remain connected to their families, friends, and communities. The alternative - out-of-County B&C placement - would be more costly and disrupt these support networks.
In recent years, the County B&C market has declined. Several established providers have retired or closed operations, and few new operators have entered the field. Efforts by BHRS to engage additional County-based providers have been unsuccessful, largely due to limited financial incentives and the complexity of serving this population.
As a result, over the past year alone, BHRS has lost two more in-County contracted B&...
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