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County to seek side-letter clarifications and telehealth options for SHARE Center services
Summary
After a board referral, county staff reported March 18 that Community Human Services’s current process is linking most SHARE Center residents to behavioral health services; staff recommended a side-letter or amended MOU to clarify reporting and operations and to expand telehealth access on-site.
County staff reported March 18 that Community Human Services (CHS), the operator of the SHARE Center shelter, is conducting comprehensive assessments and linking residents to behavioral health and substance-use services, including transportation when needed. The board directed staff to pursue a short-term side letter or an amendment to existing agreements to clarify reporting and operational protocols and ensure continued county oversight.
What staff reported: Elsa Jimenez of the Health Department said behavioral health providers had worked with CHS to link shelter residents to services and that CHS provides transportation when necessary. "CHS staff are able to provide transportation if the residents need that," Jimenez said, and the Health Department is exploring telehealth on-site at the SHARE Center as an additional option.
What supervisors asked: Supervisors sought assurances that mental-health screening, referral and follow-up will be consistent and integrated with SHARE Center casework. They also asked for clearer mechanisms so the Board and city of Salinas are notified before operational changes, and they asked staff to make reporting on placements and service outcomes more transparent.
Next steps: County Social Services Director Roderick Franks said staff have prepared a draft side-letter to the existing agreement to clarify operational details without a lengthy renegotiation. He also said the county will wrap any side-letter negotiations into the June renewal of the operator contract and coordinate with the City of Salinas, which co-operates the site. "We have prepared a draft letter of agreement that we would be looking to negotiate with the parties…clarifying the current terms and conditions," Franks said.
Why it matters: SHARE Center serves people experiencing homelessness and families; supervisors emphasized the importance of on-site and rapid behavioral-health access for children and adults who have experienced trauma. Several supervisors requested the county capture outcome measures—such as moves to permanent housing, employment placements and behavioral-health enrollments—so the board and public can evaluate performance.
Board direction: Supervisors asked that staff include clear referral protocols and telehealth options in the side letter and return with a status update; the item was referred to the county’s 4/3/7H committee for further review and possible formalized action alongside contract renewal.
