To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Dan Makelky, Director, Human Services
Prepared By:
prepared
Jessica Williamsen, Child & Adult Protection Services (CAPS) Division Manager, Human Services; Bob Prevost, Interim Finance Division Manager, Human Services
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presenter
Presenter: Dan Makelky, Director, Human Services; Jessica Williamsen, CAPS Division Manager, Human Services; Bob Prevost, Interim Finance Division Manager, Human Services
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Subject:
title
2:45 PM *Alternatives to Detention Program
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
In the county budget year 2026, Human Services is proposing the County become the fiscal agent for the Alternatives to Detention (A2D) program for youth. Douglas County has been the fiscal agent, however, is no longer participating in the program as of June 30, 2025. In order for this program to continue and be a resource for participating counties, there is a need for a fiscal agent.
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Background and Discussion: In 2019, Shiloh House, in partnership with Savio and 7 counties, created the A2D program. This program is the first of its kind in the state of Colorado and was established with the overarching goal of reducing juvenile recidivism and decreasing the prevalence of long-term placement in a higher level of care, as a result of juvenile delinquency. Youth in this program reside in a safe and structured residential environment while they participate in robust assessment and evaluation to identify needs, strengths, and individualized recommendations. In general, youth admitted to this program have struggled with lower level delinquency behavior or they have recently entered the juvenile delinquency system. The maximum length of stay for this program is 21 days with the intent of returning youth to a lower level of care with more robust and applicable outpatient services in place at the time of discharge.
Arapahoe County Human Services utilizes this program as a resource for placement for youth. As the fiscal agent, Arapahoe County will be responsible for the oversight of bed utilization and wraparound services for youth and their families. Arapahoe County will maintain accurate records and documentation of all financial transactions for invoicing and billing. Arapahoe County will partner with the State to communicate compliance with the program and will communicate with statewide counties regarding how funds are being used. As the fiscal agent, Arapahoe County will be reimbursed 100% of this contract by the State of Colorado.
Fiscal Impact: Shiloh and Savio both hold the contract for this program with the State. The contracted amount for Shiloh is $817,819. The daily bed rate is $727.60 per day, per bed. The county utilizing the bed will enter the placement into Trails, covering $425 of the daily cost. Arapahoe County pays $302.60 but is reimbursed at 100% by the State. Arapahoe County will be responsible for $727.60 per day, per bed for vacant beds, but then be reimbursed at 100% by the State. The contracted amount for Savio is $300,264 per year. Arapahoe County would pay 100% of the monthly invoice for the program but be reimbursed at 100% by the State. The estimated fiscal note is $1,118,083 with Arapahoe County being reimbursed at 100% by the State.
Alternatives: If there is no fiscal agent identified for this program, the State would be willing to take over the responsibility of the fiscal agent. However, the State would have to put out an RFP and open the program statewide, and they are not able to get this in place by 7/1/2025. Shiloh and Savio have been community partners with this program since the inception of this program. The utilization of Shiloh and Savio provides continuity and fidelity to the model of this program since both have been consistent partners and providers of quality services to families.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that Arapahoe County Human Services become the fiscal agent for the Alternatives to Detention program.
Concurrence: Finance and Purchasing have been consulted as part of this proposal.