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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 18, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-f <br /> SUBJECT: Legal Services Contract Award for the Department of Social Services <br /> DEPARTMENT: Social Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> FY 2024-25 Stephenson & Fleming, LLP Nancy Coston, 245-2800 <br /> Contract Rebekah Rapoza, 245-2800 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a contract with Stephenson & Fleming, LLP, to provide legal services for <br /> the Department of Social Services. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for offering mandated <br /> services for child welfare and adult services for community members. This work sometimes <br /> requires legal intervention for protective action involving vulnerable children and adults and can <br /> require extensive legal representation. <br /> All actions related to agency custody of children, protection orders, adoptions, adult protective <br /> service orders and guardianships require court hearings. Child Welfare court involved cases are <br /> heard in District Court for a minimum of two (2) full days twice a month which require legal <br /> representation. Adult Services cases requiring legal representation are heard at various times <br /> throughout the month depending on the need. Outside of court appearances, DSS social work <br /> staff need regular case consultation with the attorney. <br /> There is an increased emphasis on assuring all child welfare cases are handled as quickly as <br /> possible to assure that children achieve permanency. Currently, child welfare and adult services <br /> cases requiring legal consultation and representation total an average of 120 hours per month. <br /> In March 2024, Orange County published a Request for Proposals (RFP). On April 18, 2024, the <br /> County received one (1) sealed bid. The bid received was from the current DSS legal services <br /> contractor, Stephenson & Fleming, LLP. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: Social Services estimates that $266,400 will be spent on legal fees during <br /> FY 2024-25. The rate per hour increased by approximately 10% to $185. However, there has not <br /> been an increase in the per hour rate in the last five (5) years. Approximately half of this cost will <br /> be paid by State and Federal revenues. <br />