DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Bexar CARES Grant Refunding Application
SUMMARY:
The Department of Human Services requests authorization of the following actions related to a renewal grant application and award for the purpose of expanding the Bexar CARES Program, a continuum of care for Bexar County children with serious emotional disturbance and their families:
a) submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and upon award, acceptance of grant funds in the amount of $995,828.00 for the budget period of September 30, 2016 through September 29, 2017;
b) a budget and in-kind match of $331,943.00 for FY 17, to be provided by the Department of Human Services, Center for Health Care Services (CHCS) and collaborating agencies; and associated personnel complement of one grant-funded City position; and
c) execution of documents related to acceptance of the grant, to include acceptance of additional grant funds.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In March 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, released a grant opportunity related to Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances. On March 21, 2014, the Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with the Center for Health Care Services, submitted a grant application seeking to expand the existing system of care, Bexar CARES, to further improve behavioral health and education outcomes for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances.
On November 30, 2014, DHS was notified of a grant award in the amount of $998,061.00 for the first year of a four-year grant project, which City Council approved on April 16, 2015 through Ordinance 2015-4-16-0312.
The CHCS, as subcontractor for the Bexar CARES program, serves as a direct service provider and referral agent for school-aged children, directing them to various community collaborators to provide holistic support services. The City of San Antonio, as program grantee, is responsible for implementation of the Bexar CARES program and data collection, reporting, and monitoring for continuous quality improvement.
ISSUE:
This grant opportunity is focused exclusively on serving young children (three to eight years old) and their families and facilitates and fosters the healthy development and wellness of the young children, preparing the children to thrive in school and beyond. To date, the program has provided services to 246 children, ages 3-8, and their primary caregivers in clinic, home and school settings. Among the 246 children served, 81% were from minority populations, 12% of children were from military families, and 90% were children of low income families. Up to 250 children will benefit from the services provided through this grant each program year for Years 3 and 4.
Through this action, DHS is requesting authorization to submit a grant renewal application for the third year of a four year grant period and accept, upon award, an amount of $995,828.00 for the period September 30, 2016 through September 29, 2017.
Required grant match will be provided by DHS and CHCS, as a pro-rated share of the overall match requirement. CHCS’s portion of the match will include partner agency contributions identified through their participation in the Continuum of Care.
DHS will continue to leverage existing systems and infrastructure to help coordinate and integrate non-profit partners, and coordinate and strengthen data collection and management. The personnel complement provides for one Senior Management Analyst dedicated to these activities.
Upon grant award notice, DHS will seek council approval to authorize the execution of an interlocal agreement with CHCS, as the subcontractor for the Bexar CARES program, for Year 3 of the grant period.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City of San Antonio has designated the Department of Human Services (DHS) as the SAMHSA grant recipient, as the grant eligibility for this program is statutorily limited to public entities. Should City Council not approve submission of the grant, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, would need to identify a new provider and the opportunity to expand the local mental health Continuum of Care may be delayed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes acceptance of renewal grant funds in the amount of $995,828.00 for the budget period of September 30, 2016 through September 29, 2017; authorizes a budget and in-kind match of $331,943 to be provided by the Department of Human Services, Center for Health Care Services and collaborating agencies, and an annual personnel complement of one grant-funded position.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends authorization of the actions related to a renewal grant application and award for the purpose of expanding Bexar County’s Bexar CARES program, a Continuum of Care for children with serious emotional disturbance and their families.