THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This recommendation supports the Commission Value of “Approaching human services collaboratively and compassionately” and the goal to “Collaborate with public and private partners to find creative, equitable, and responsible solutions to systemic community problems. . .” The delivery of child abuse assessment and medical consultation services are being provided through a collaboration with a private medical professional who specializes in child abuse and funding from State of Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
Since 1989, FDOH has provided funding to Broward County to administer the Child Protection Team (CPT) program. This program is administered through the Community Partnerships Division, Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC). Under the Agreement with DOH, the Broward County CPT reviews every child abuse allegation received from the Department of Children and Families and provides statutorily mandated services.
On December 17 and 18, 2016, a Request for Letters of Interest (RLI) was advertised for forensic medical evaluation services (to include sexual abuse and physical abuse), medical consultation services, and testimony in dependency cases for children and families involved in child abuse and neglect investigations through NJCC. Applicants eligible to apply were appropriately accredited, licensed health care professionals or entities employing appropriately accredited, licensed health care professionals. The RLI utilized the procedure established for Human Services Department in the Broward County Administrative Code, Section 23.2.c. that resulted in the funding recommendation for the proposal from Dr. Jason Schulman. Performance Outcomes are stipulated by DOH (funder).
The standard Consultant Form Agreement approved by the Board on August 12, 2014 (Item No. 6) - Resolution No. 2014-382, will be used as reviewed and approved by the Office of the County Attorney and Risk Management, prior to execution by the County Administrator. |