The Houston Health Department (HHD) requests City Council approval of an amendment to a continuation grant contract from Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) for its Helping Through Intervention and Prevention Program (HIP). The original contract grant amount of $300,000.00 (approved by Contract No. FC 78222 NCA) is amended by adding $200,000.00 in DFPS funding, for a total contract amount not to exceed $500,000.00. The contract period is from 11/01/2019 to 08/31/2022 and can be extended for two (2) additional years as necessary to complete the mission of the grant. City matching funds are not required.
HHD also requests City Council authorize the Mayor to execute all future related contracts, agreements and documents with the approval as to form of the City Attorney in connection with the grant assistance program and to authorize the Director or his designee to act as the City's representative to apply for, accept and expend the grant funds as awarded, and to accept and expend all subsequent supplemental awards, if any, and to extend the term and/or budget and project period not to exceed five years, if extended by DFPS during the project period, and cash matching funds are not required.
Funds from this grant is cost reimbursement for providing home visits, parent education and support to families to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. The continuation of services will support:
- Families who have a child under the age of two and previously had their parental rights terminated in the two years preceding the birth month month of the new child, due to child abuse or neglect;
- Families who have a child under the age of two and previously had a child die in the two years preceding the birth month of the new child, with the cause identified as child abuse or neglect;
- Foster youth (current and former) who are pregnant, who have recently given birth or are parenting a child up to two years of age. This includes teen fathers who are foster youth (current and former).
Since November 2019 a total of 16 clients have been served in the HIP program and 124 home visits completed. HHD anticipates serving 70 clients annually.
Fiscal Note
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
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Stephen L. Williams, M.Ed., M.P.A.
Director, Houston Health Department