Approval of 3rd renewal period with Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. for legal services in support of Department of Social Services (DSS) operations from December 31, 2018 through September 30, 2019.  The contract provides for legal counsel and representation in matters of child and adult welfare services as well public assistance matters when needed. 

DSS maintains a contract for professional services for legal counsel and representation primarily in matters of child and adult welfare services.  Counsel and representation may also be provided through the contract for matters pertaining to public assistance cases (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, etc.)  The contract is with Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C.  It is a one-year contract with the option, at County discretion, for three renewal periods of up to one-year each.  The initial contract period was October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017.  The contract was renewed for the 2^nd Renewal for services covered the period of October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.  The attached letter is for the 3^rd Renewal which is for services from January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019. 

The scope of services provided through the contract includes petitions involving protective orders, transfer of assignment of custody, guardianship, abuse and/or neglect, emergency or preliminary removal, foster care plans, Child in Need of Services (“CHINS”), and/or petitions seeking the termination of residual parental rights; representation in cases appealed to higher courts; judicial review of plans for foster children in agency care; matters of adult protective services; legal advice and court representation when necessary regarding access to agency records, including child protective services, adult protective services and foster care files; determining and evaluating legal options available and provides representation regarding legal issues arising in various complex situations, such as multi-jurisdictional cases, conflict of laws issues, and interpretation of applicable law; and training sessions for the purpose of training agency workers with respect to court protocol, the application of legal principles, statutes, and case law regarding juvenile and domestic relations and child and adult welfare and protective laws and procedures.

Funding for legal services is included in the agency’s FY2019 Approved Budget.

The FY2019 Approved Budget includes $120,000 for legal services. The amount is anticipated to meet the resource requirements in FY 2019.  No additional funds are requested.

Gail Crooks, Director, Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services will not have an executed contract for the provision of legal services in support of child and adult welfare legal proceedings and concerns.