Title
Professional Services Agreement with Wichita State University for the Family Checkup Program.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the agreement and authorize the Chairman to sign.
This item is a renewal of the agreement between SCDDO and the Wichita State University (WSU) Psychology Department for the Family Checkup program. The program focuses on families with children who have presented challenging behaviors. WSU provides three-session child and family assessments to address child developmental issues raised by parents. Using data from this focused Family Checkup assessment, parents are provided supportive feedback about their children's development, a description of actions they might take to address their concerns, and a menu of brief intervention options to meet their family's needs.
The reality is many of the children displaying challenging behaviors are receiving services through the Developmental Disability System, COMCARE and the Corrections system. This program has the potential to keep families intact and help keep children out of custody.
Analysis: Since January 1, 2012, the Family Checkup program has received 28 referrals. In addition to the 28 referrals from 2012, 6 families continue to receive services from 2011. Of these 34 families,15 have completed the program, and the other 19 are currently actively receiving but have not completed services. The three-month follow-up data have demonstrated encouraging results including decreases in most of the problem behaviors reported by the parents. Parent depression also was found to have decreased at the three -month follow-up. Parent satisfaction ratings are positive and supportive of the program.
If approved, 2013 will be the fourth year of this agreement. We will expand the services to families with adolescents, with the intention of providing intervention and assistance prior to the youth and family requiring additional services.
Alternatives: Deny the agreement with WSU.
Financial Considerations: Fund Center - 32002-110 - SCDDO Challenging Behaviors Contracts provides for payments of the following: $57,000 to be paid in quarterly installments, with this total including $ 3,000 for program incentives for participating families.
Legal Considerations: The authority for this action is K.S.A. 19-101, et seq. A simple majority vote is required.
Policy Considerations: