Commission approves Merced Residential Care contract increase to secure emergency APS beds

The DAS Commission voted unanimously Sept. 6 to modify a contract with Merced Residential Care to ensure four emergency beds remain available for Adult Protective Services clients through June 30, 2025.

Presenter explained the modification increases the contract to secure four emergency beds, stating the change is necessary because prior COVID‑related funding that had covered an additional bed has been depleted. Staff said the modification will use local funds combined with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to continue providing 24‑hour respite beds, meals and supportive personal care for APS clients who are experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or self‑neglect and need temporary or interim placement.

The commission had no public callers on the item and approved the modification in a roll call vote with all present commissioners voting yes. The presenter noted Merced has provided emergency placement services for APS clients since fiscal year 2017–18 and that the modification restores bed capacity that had been sustained by temporary pandemic funding.