DATE: July 21, 2025
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
FROM: Cory Call, Police Chief
DEPARTMENT: Police
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION OF $39,552 FROM THE
GENERAL FUND FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND PEER SUPPORT
SERVICES PROVIDED BY RESTORATION FIRST RESPONDER
NETWORK, LLC
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing an appropriation of $39,552 as part of the one-year contract with Restoration First Responder Network, LLC (RFRN) to provide mental health and peer support services for the Foster City Police Department personnel and their families.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The one-year contract with RFRN will support the overall well-being of the Foster City Police Department personnel by providing proactive and reactive mental health support services, including counseling, incident debriefings, annual wellness check-ins, peer and spouse training, and ongoing consultation. The program offers direct access to over 50 licensed clinicians and peer support experts, many of whom have first responder backgrounds. The total annual cost is $39,552, which includes a 3% administrative fee.
BACKGROUND
First responders are routinely exposed to high-stress, high-trauma environments that can have long-term mental health impacts if not properly addressed. Traditional
employee assistance programs may lack the specialization or immediacy required for effective intervention. To ensure a holistic and confidential support structure, the Police Department seeks to engage a provider with expertise in first responder mental health.
Restoration First Responder Network, LLC is a California-based organization that exclusively supports first responder personnel and their families with mental health services, peer support training, and crisis intervention strategies. Their team includes clinicians with first responder experience, enabling culturally competent care and engagement.
ANALYSIS
The proposed contract includes a comprehensive range of services intended to proactively and reactively address mental health needs across the Police Department:
1. Proactive Annual Check-Ins
30-minute, one-on-one in-station wellness sessions for employees. Designed to normalize mental health conversations and build trust with clinicians.
Mandatory sessions, scheduled with department assistance. Cost: $7,040 (32 hours at $220/hour).
2. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing/Defusing Services Immediate and post-incident group and individual crisis response. Includes debriefings, defusing sessions, and crisis briefings. Cost: $2,360 (2 incidents at a 4-hour minimum per event).
3. Peer Support, Command Staff & Spouse Training
Quarterly training sessions for peer support teams, command staff, and spouses. Tailored content to improve mental health literacy and resilience. Cost: $10,080 (6 trainings at $1,680 each).
4. Department Visits & Contract Management
On-site consultation visits and support for peer program development. Contract oversight, communication, and scheduling included. Cost: $1,100 (5 hours at $220/hour).
5. Individual Counseling Services
Up to 12 confidential sessions per employee or family member, per incident annually.
Telehealth and in-person options with streamlined intake. Support for retirees in their first year post-retirement. Cost: $17,820 (99 sessions at $180/session).
Note: Discounted rate of $165/session applies if use exceeds 99 sessions.
6. Administrative Costs
Covers increased insurance, compliance, and operational expenses. Cost: $1,152 (3% of total contract).
Confidentiality & Compliance
RFRN complies with HIPAA and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). No personal information will be shared without written consent. All services will comply with state and federal regulations governing mental health services.
Contract Terms
Term: One year, with automatic renewal unless notice is given. Payment Options: One-time annual payment or two equal semi-annual payments.
Cancellation: 90 days’ notice by either party.
Lodging Reimbursement: As per CalHR rates if overnight stays are necessary.
California Environmental Quality Act
This action is not a project subject to CEQA, because it can be seen with certainty that it will not cause a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the proposed contract with RFRN is $39,552 annually. The department may opt for semi-annual payments of $19,776. All services beyond the retainer will be billed monthly, if utilized. Funds not used within the contract year will expire and will not be refunded or rolled over. The purchase will be made through Restoration First Responder Network, LLC, a sole source vendor to First Responders. The total cost breakdown will be:
Service Estimated Usage Cost
Proactive Check-Ins 32 hours $7,040
Critical Incident Support 2 incidents $2,360
Training Sessions 6 sessions $10,080
Consultations/Contract Management 5 hours $1,100
Individual Counseling 99 sessions $17,820
Administrative Overhead 3% of total $1,152
Total $39,552
If approved, $39,552 will be appropriated to Account No. 001-0630-421-4251 in the Police budget from the City’s General Fund.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Staff Empowerment and Operational Excellence
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Resolution