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Tehama County approves $400,000 STRTP agreement with ZND Residential for youth placements
Summary
The board authorized the Health Services Agency to sign a contract with ZND Residential Inc. for short-term residential therapeutic program placements for youth (ages roughly 10–18), not to exceed $400,000 and effective upon signing through June 30, 2027; the vote was unanimous.
The Tehama County Board of Supervisors voted March 10 to authorize an agreement between the Health Services Agency and ZND Residential Inc. to provide short-term residential therapeutic program (STRTP) placements for youth. The contract’s maximum compensation is not to exceed $400,000 and will terminate June 30, 2027, unless amended.
Jamie Botke, executive director of Health Services, said the contract is intended to ensure county access to STRTP placements for youth who require a higher level of care. Botke described STRTPs as short-term residential therapeutic placements “for those who are 10 to 18 years old, who require a higher level of placement for a short while, up to 6 months.” She said the county had delayed the contract while ZND met additional insurance requirements and that the contract is brought forward now that requirements were satisfied.
Becky Emery (social services/public guardian) spoke in support, telling the board these placement options are scarce statewide and are critical for high-needs youth. A phone caller, John Prince, criticized the spending and called the arrangement a waste, but Botke and Emery emphasized that the county does not immediately spend the full contract amount; funds are drawn from the county’s realignment funds only as services are used and the county will return to the board if expenditures exceed the authorized amount.
The board approved the motion to authorize the executive director to sign the agreement; the vote was recorded as 'Yes' from Supervisor Hansen, Supervisor Zane, Supervisor Burrows, Vice Chair Jones and Chair Walker.
Why it matters: STRTP placements provide care for youth who need short-term, high-level residential treatment; having a standing agreement allows the county to place a child quickly rather than delaying while negotiating a contract in a crisis.
Next steps: Health Services will monitor usage and return to the board for any contract amendments if spending approaches the $400,000 ceiling.
