REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL June 22, 2017 FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police Police Department BY: TOM LABAND, Lieutenant Investigative Services Division SUBJECT: ..Title Authorize the Chief of Police to approve the 2nd Amendment to the original agreement for forensic interview services with Family Healing Center, Inc., to extend the term of the agreement for one (1) year and to increase the total contract dollar amount to $105,000. ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that City Council authorize the Chief of Police to approve the Second Amendment to an agreement with the Family Healing Center, Inc. (FHC), for forensic interviews for victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence, thereby extending the agreement period for a one (1) year period or $35,000, and authorize the Chief of Police or designee to execute all related documents. The term of the proposed amended agreement is from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On July 1, 2015, the City executed an agreement with the Family Healing Center, Inc., to provide forensic interviews authorized by the Fresno Police Department (FPD) for certain victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. The agreement amount, $35,000, was below the limit established for Council approval. On July 1, 2016, the FPD and FHC extended the agreement, with Council approval, for an additional year under the same terms and conditions. The FPD and FHC now seek to extend the agreement for an additional year under the same terms and conditions. The additional year would bring the total amount over three consecutive years to $105,000 and requires Council approval. BACKGROUND The FPD investigates allegations of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence involving children. Interviews of children in these areas often require expertise to limit having additional emotional distress placed on the child while ensuring that necessary relevant information is obtained for all stakeholders. An appropriate venue is required to accommodate children's needs in a non-threatening environment. Forensic interviews are a highly specialized field. The FPD has had great success working with the FHC to obtain thorough interviews of child victims that allows perpetrators of crimes against children to be held accountable for their actions. FHC's specialized expertise is recognized by the District Attorney's Office and the Superior Court allowing them to legally provide these services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The services extend to interviewees who may be non-English speaking, deaf, hard of hearing or developmentally delayed. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This contract amendment is not a "project" for the purposes of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section �15378. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference does not apply as this is an amendment of an existing agreement. FISCAL IMPACT Funding for these services will have no impact on the City of Fresno's General Fund, funding was included in FPD's approved FY 18 Budget. Attachments: Second Amendment to Agreement First Amendment to Agreement Agreement with Family Healing Center