Approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a retroactive amendment effective June 1, 2016 with Quest Intelligence Investigative Services to increase the maximum compensation by $2,500 for Fiscal Year 2015-16 (from $45,000 to $47,500).

Quest Intelligence Investigative Services investigates, prepares, and files reports pursuant to orders of the Shasta County Superior Court in matters involving stepparent adoptions and petitions filed under Part 4 of Division 12 (commencing with section 7800) of the California Family Code. 

Quest Intelligence Investigative Services has provided the Shasta County Superior Court investigative reports for both stepparent and independent adoptions as filed under Part 4 of Division 12 (commencing with section 7800) of the California Family Code for several years.  The California Family Code section 7851.5 provides the courts with the discretion to defer, waive, or reduce costs when the payment would cause an economic hardship which would be detrimental to the welfare of the child. 

Over the 2015-16 fiscal year there has been an increase in the number of independent adoptions.  The process for independent adoption requires both parents’ rights be terminated.  This increase in parental right terminations have led to an increase in the actual number of individuals investigated.

In addition to the increased number of independent adoptions, petitioners are choosing to complete the paperwork themselves rather than hiring legal counsel. This has resulted in additional time required by Quest Intelligence Investigative Services to guide petitioners in proper completion of required investigative documents.  With the increase in independent adoptions and petitioners without legal counsel the annual cost surpassed expectations.  

The Board may choose not to approve the recommendation, if so the Shasta County Superior Court could consider contracting with a different company to investigate, prepare and file reports for matters involving stepparent adoptions and petitions as ordered by the Shasta County Superior Court.  The Board may choose to review the current policy to defer, waive, or reduce costs to petitioners. 

County Counsel has approved the amendment as to form.  Risk Management has reviewed and approved the amendment.  The recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

There is no additional impact to the General fund with approval of the recommendation.