Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for the reimbursement of program expenses related to the protection of abused children with the Center for Child Protection, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,216,380.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Austin Police Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $443,276 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of the Austin Police Department.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
Professional Services.
MBE/WBE:
This procurement was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this procurement, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
This contract will provide reimbursement to the Center for Child Protection for program expenses related to persons who are victims of violence, abuse, or neglect. The Center for Child Protection is a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center incorporated in 1989 to assist in streamlining the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases in Austin and Travis County. The core service provided by the contractor includes the forensic interview, where specially trained staff interview child abuse victims to document cases of abuse and neglect. Family advocates are assigned to a case at the point of the forensic interview and stay with the family for months and sometimes years as the case travels through the justice system. The contractor will also provide medical exams, counseling, and intervention during the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases.
The Center for Child Protection’s collaboration with agency partners in Travis County has improved the systematic response to children and families by combining government mandates with non-profit resources. Multiple agencies throughout Central Texas are committed to collaborate on cases of child abuse and operate with the help of the Travis County Child Protection Team.
The contract will replace a contract which expires September 30, 2024. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these services.
If this contract is not approved, the City will risk losing these critical services for child abuse victims and risk a delay of successful investigation and prosecution of these abuse cases.