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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC14-331 State of Colorado Department of Human Services MOUT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The State of Colorado Department of Human Services
And
The Board of County Commissioners or other elected governing body of
Eagle County, Colorado
This Memorandum of Understanding (or "MOU") is made this day of
, between the State of Colorado Department of Human Services (the
"CDHS") and the Board of County Commissioners or other elected governing body of Eagle
County, Colorado (the "County").
CDHS is the sole state agency with the responsibility to administer or supervise the
administration of the human services programs listed in CRS 26-1-201.
The Colorado General Assembly enacted SB 13-231 in response to the CDHS being granted
waiver authority by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, under Section 1130 of the Social Security Act, which authorizes states
to conduct demonstration projects which are determined to promote the objectives of parts B or
E of Title IV of the Social Security Act. A copy of the waiver terms and conditions are attached
to this MOU as Exhibit A.
CRS 26-5-105.4 requires CDHS and the County to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding
that explains the County's duties and responsibilities in implementing the Title IV -E Waiver
Demonstration Projects.
CDHS and the County understand and agree that the services outlined in this MOU are subject to
available appropriations by the General Assembly, and neither party will be obligated to provide
services or assistance if adequate appropriations have not been made.
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The following terms are agreed to by CDHS and the County:
1. MOU MEETS PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT REQUIREMENT
The parties agree that the provisions of this MOU constitute compliance with CRS 26-5-105.4.
2. TERM
The term of this MOU will be from July 1, 2014 to and including June 30, 2015.
3. DEFINITIONS
The parties agree to provide the following minimum services to the identified populations as
denoted below (check all that apply):
® Family Engagement — Meetings will be provided to families with a newly opened
child welfare case during the demonstration period:
• At case opening — within 7 business days after the 60'h day (69 days by including
weekends);
• Within 7 business days of initial placement;
• Every 90 days when in out -of -home care (DHS/DSS custody);
• Every 6 months in in-home (case open).
® Permanency Roundtables — Meeting will be held quarterly for youth with an opened
child welfare case who are:
® Over the age of 16 with a goal of Other Planned Permanent Living Arrangement;
and/or
® With a goal of Other Planned Permanent Living Arrangement who have been in
care for longer than one year; and/or
❑ Other:
❑ Kinship Supports — Support services and goods will be provided to kinship families
who are:
❑ Licensed kinship foster caregivers;
❑ Non -licensed kinship foster caregivers.
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Z Trauma Informed Screening, Assessment, and Treatment to the following target
population:
® Eagle County will screen all children participating as a child in PA 4 and PA 5
case.
4. REQUIRED DUTIES OF THE COUNTY
a) During the term of the agreement, the County agrees to implement the intervention(s) in
accordance with the rules adopted by the State Board of Human Services, and as
described in Exhibit B, "County IV -E Waiver Demonstration Application," modified as
necessary in accordance with Section 6 of this Memorandum of Understanding.
b) The County will maintain sufficient records, will submit reports, and will accurately
record Colorado Trails (Trails) and CFMS actions as may be required to document all
cost and case activities supporting the implementation of the Waiver, and will permit
CDHS, its evaluators, duly designated agents and/or representatives of the federal
government, to inspect the records and will make such records available to CDHS as
specified in CRS 26-1-122. If the County complies with current record keeping
requirements as outlined by current rules, such shall be considered to be "sufficient
records."
c) Counties shall report costs to provide an intervention service to an individual, as
authorized through this MOU. The cost shall include the type of intervention service
provided, the volume of such services provided, and costs of the intervention service,
where applicable. The costs include intervention funds, staff and vendor costs as
identified in Trails, County Financial Management System (CFMS) and/or 100% time
reporting by individuals performing a waiver activity. There is a presumption that a cost
is not a waiver cost unless affirmatively documented in CFMS, Trails, and/or a vendor's
time detail report for 100% time reporting.
d) The County agrees to participate in the evaluation of the Title IV -E Waiver
Demonstration Project, as described under Section 3 of Exhibit A, and as established
under CRS 26-5-105.4.
e) In accordance with CRS 26-5-105.4, the County agrees to the State retaining 50% of the
Child Welfare savings resulting from the IV -E Waiver activities. The remaining 50%
savings will be retained by the County for additional Child Welfare services, as defined
in CRS 26-5-101(3). Cost savings are determined as follows:
1) The difference between i) the amount of Title IV -E funds that were claimed for
foster care maintenance, case planning and administration and eligibility
determination in State Fiscal Year ("SFY") 2012-13, and ii) the amount of Title IV -E
funds that would have been claimed for foster care maintenance, case planning and
administration and eligibility determination in SFY 2014-15, had the State of
Colorado not been granted waiver authority by the United States Department of
Health and Human Services under Section 1130 of the Social Security Act.
2) For the ten counties with the largest caseload size, the methodology for distributing
cost savings between counties that have entered into a Title IV -E Waiver
Demonstration Project MOU shall be based on the reduction in the number of foster
care bed days between SFY 2012-13 and SFY 2014-15;
3) For all other counties that have entered into a Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration MOU
with CDHS, the methodology for distributing cost savings between counties that have
entered into a Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration Project MOU shall be based on the
reduction in the number of foster care bed days between either SFY 2011-12 or SFY
2012-13, and SFY 2014-15, as selected by the County.
4) "Cost savings" shall not include unspent Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration Project
funds provided to counties through the MOU for purposes of implementing Waiver
Interventions. Any such unspent funds remaining at the end of SFY 2014-15 shall
revert to the CDHS and shall be included in the total amount of available funds for
counties' SFY 2015-16 IV -E Waiver Demonstration interventions.
5) The County insures any county employee funded with Title IV -E Waiver Intervention
funds participates in 100% time reporting. County employees with 100% of time
devoted to Title IV -E Waiver intervention(s) may utilize the 6 Month Certification
form in lieu of 100% time reporting.
f) No later than June 30, 2016, the County agrees to use 50% of the underspent county
Title IV -E Waiver funds for child welfare services that can include:
1) IV -E Waiver intervention services to eligible and non -eligible Title IV -E children
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2) Conventional title IV -E program services that are maintained for those Title IV -E
eligible children in out of home placement
3) Other child welfare services to eligible and non -eligible Title IV -E children and their
families
4) The County plan to expend either allocated Title IV -E Waiver funds, or underspent
county Title IV -E Waiver funds as outlined in Exhibit B.
5. DUTIES OF CDHS
a) CDHS will oversee the implementation of the Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration Project,
and will develop standardized forms and reporting processes for the tracking of
participants, in consultation with the Counties.
b) CDHS will monitor the County's provision of Title IV -E Waiver intervention services as
outlined in the Exhibit B and Exhibit C. CDHS will pull any necessary records or data
for monitoring purposes from existing TRAILS and other current recording/data keeping
systems. CDHS will not request the County to compile records/data that CDHS may
compile or access through the use of TRAILS or other record/data keeping systems.
c) CDHS will exercise oversight of and responsibility for the development,
implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of Trails and its application relative to
Child Welfare Services.
d) For SFY 15/16 and subsequent years, CDHS agrees to allocate to counties any Title IV -
E funds transmitted to the Title IV -E Waiver cash fund and appropriated by the general
assembly to either implement the Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration Project, or to fund
out of home placement and case planning for Title IV -E eligible children, in accordance
with CRS 26-5-105.4.
6. BUDGET
In the preparing of Exhibit B, "County IV -E Waiver Demonstration Application," the County
shall develop a detailed budget that identifies all direct costs associated with the implementation
of the Waiver interventions, as defined in Section 3 of this Memorandum, for which the County
has applied for IV -E Waiver Demonstration funds,
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a) Based on the results of negotiations with CDHS, should the level of funding awarded
through the MOU differ from the funding requested through the Application, the County
shall prepare and submit a revised Budget and any other changes to service delivery that
will differ from the County's original Application submission. The revisions to the
Application, once accepted by CDHS, shall constitute the Exhibit B, and shall become
part of this MOU.
b) With the written approval of CDHS, the County may request a revision to its accepted
budget during the term of the agreement:
1) The County may transfer budgeted funds between interventions, provided that the
transferred amount does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the amount authorized
for any of the inventions impacted by the budget revision.
2) The County may transfer budgeted funds between expenditure line items within a
specific intervention, provided that the transferred amounts do not constitute a
significant modification to the services as described within the Application.
3) A written statement of impact to the services as described in the Application shall
be prepared by the County and accompany any requested budget revisions that
exceed the thresholds as identified in Sections 6.B.1 and 6.B.2 above, and may be
required by CDHS for any requested budget revision falling within the thresholds
identified in Sections 6.B.1 and 6.B.2 above.
7. SEVERABILITY
To the extent that this MOU is executed, and performance of the obligations of the parties may
be accomplished, the terms of the MOU are severable. Should any singular term in this MOU be
declared invalid or become inoperative for any reason, it will not invalidate the MOU itself, or
any of the terms included therein.
8 INTEGRATION OF UNDERSTANDING
The parties recognize the nature of the relationship between the County and the State. This
relationship is governed more broadly by pertinent provisions of the Colorado Constitution and
of state statutes and rules, including lawful rules promulgated by the State Board of Human
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Services. The parties further recognize that this MOU is not intended to supersede or change the
relationship between the County and the State as established by any legal authority.
9. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY
This MOU is binding to CDHS and the County, as well as their respective successors and
assigns. It is agreed that the enforcement of the terms and conditions of this MOU are reserved
for CDHS and the County, to the extent permitted by law. Nothing contained in this MOU allows
a claim or right of action by a third party. Any third party receiving services or benefits under the
provisions of this MOU is deemed an incidental beneficiary.
10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Prior to the execution of this document, if the parties are unable to reach agreement concerning
the inclusion of, or wording of, provisions of the MOU, either party may refer the dispute to the
Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration Project Oversight Committee. The Committee's decision will
be made by a majority vote of its members, and is non-binding.
If dissatisfied with the decision of the oversight committee, either party may seek review by the
Office Director of Children Youth and Families or designee. Nothing in these provisions limits a
party's ability to pursue other remedies available under the law.
11. TERMINATION
The parties acknowledge that withdrawal from this MOU will result in the termination of this
Agreement and termination of funding and services associated with this Agreement. The County
shall assure as little disruption as possible in the delivery of services provided to Recipients.
a) Withdrawal/Termination. Any party may withdraw from this Agreement at any time
by providing 30 days written notice to all other Parties.
b) For Loss of Funds. Any party may withdraw from this Agreement, in the event of loss
or reduction of resources from its funding sources and shall provide notice of
withdrawal, in writing within 30 days.
c) Lack of Compliance. CDHS may terminate the agreement if it is found the County is
not complying with the terms of this memorandum. In the event the memorandum is
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terminated for failure to perform, interventions funds may be reduced at the discretion
of CDHS.
C
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto, through their authorized representatives have
executed this Memorandum of Understanding effective for the dates written above.
Director, Division of Child Welfare
Date
COUNTY(ies) OF COLORADO,
by and through the BOARD OF CO�JAItTY COMMISSIONERS
GLe
C�rman 0
ATTEST: '�the
St W1 u�l °`—' County Clerk to
UP-
DATE:
P-
DATE:
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Exhibit A
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
CHILDREN'S S BUREAU
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT AUTHORITY
STATE: COLORADO
Waivers of the following provisions of the Social Security Act and Program Regulations are
provided to the State to operate a demonstration project:
Section 471 (a)(10): Licensing Standards: To allow the State to waive categorically specific
non -safety standards (as determined by the State) in relative foster family homes for
specific children in care.
Section 472 (a): Expanded Eligibility: To allow the State to expend title IV -E funds for children
and families who are not normally eligible under Part E of title IV of the Act as described in the
Terms and Conditions.
Section 474(a)(1): Expanded Claiming: To allow the State to claim at the Federal medical
assistance percentage any allowable expenditures of foster care maintenance payment cost
savings.
Section 474(a)(3)(E) and 45 CFR 1356.60(c)(3): Expanded Services: To allow the State to
make payments for services that will be provided that are not normally covered under Part E of
title IV of the Act; and to allow the State to use title IV -E funds for these costs and services as
described in the Terms and Conditions, Section 2.0.
All waivers are granted only to the extent necessary to accomplish the project as described in
these Terms and Conditions.
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
COLORADO
SECTION 1: GENERAL
1.0 The Department of Health and Human Services (hereinafter referred to as "the
Department") will grant waivers to the State of Colorado (hereinafter referred to as "the
State") under Section 1130 of the Social Security Act (hereinafter referred to as "the
Act") to operate a demonstration project (hereinafter referred to as "the demonstration")
as set forth in these Demonstration Project Terms and Conditions. The Department
reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to withdraw approval of this demonstration
project, including withdrawal of any and all waivers granted by the Department at such
time(s) that the Department determines that the State has materially failed to meet the
requirements as set forth in these Demonstration Project Terms and Conditions. The
State also retains the right to terminate the demonstration.
1.1 Failure to operate the demonstration as approved and according to Federal and
State statutes and regulations will result in withdrawal of approval of this demonstration
project. The Federal statutes and regulations with which the State must comply in the
operation of the demonstration include civil rights statutes and regulations that prohibit
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, and
religion, including title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, title II of the Americans
with Disabilities Act, the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1981, and the Multiethnic Placement Act as amended. After the
demonstration is approved, the Department reserves the right to withdraw approval if
agreement cannot be reached on any item(s) cited in this document as needing approval
by the Department. The State also has the same right.
1.2 The Department may terminate the State's authority to conduct a demonstration project
if, after the three-year period following approval of these Terms and Conditions, the State
has not made significant progress in implementing the child welfare program
improvement policies proposed by the State in its application to conduct a demonstration,
and as described in section I I30(a)(3)(C) of the Act (see also Section 2.3).
1.3 If Federal or State statutes or regulations that would have a major effect on the design and
impacts of this demonstration are enacted, or if any deficiencies or serious problems in
implementation of these Terms and Conditions are noted by the Department, the
Department and the State will reassess the overall demonstration and develop a mutually
agreed-upon strategy for dealing with the demonstration in the context of such changes.
If such a mutually agreed-upon strategy cannot be developed, the Department reserves
the right, in its sole discretion, to withdraw approval at such time(s) as the Department
determines.
Colorado Terms and Conditions - FINAL 2
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1.4 All provisions of the Act not waived remain in effect.
1.5 The demonstration provisions will be implemented no earlier than April 1, 2013, and no
later than October 1, 2013. The implementation date of the demonstration shall be the
first day on which the State offers services, subsidies, or other supports under the
provisions of these Demonstration Project Terms and Conditions to participating
children, caregivers, or other targeted individuals. For cost -neutrality purposes, the
demonstration shall be deemed to begin on the first day of the calendar quarter
(hereinafter "quarter"), which includes the implementation date, but for the purpose of
calculating costs for the initial quarter of the demonstration, only costs incurred
beginning with the month that includes the implementation date will be counted. The
demonstration shall end no later than the last day of the 20th quarter ending after the
deemed beginning date. The demonstration provisions shall be as specified in Sections 2
and 3. Waivers necessary for the demonstration are approved upon acceptance by the
Department and the State of these Demonstration Project Terms and Conditions. They
will become effective as of the implementation date and will remain in effect until the
last day of the 20th quarter ending after the deemed beginning date, unless the
demonstration is terminated earlier. The State's project demonstration period may not
exceed a maximum of five total years under the provisions of the Act, unless in the
judgment of the Secretary, the demonstration project shall be allowed to continue.
1.6 Federal approval of these Demonstration Project Terms and Conditions shall not be
construed to establish any precedent that the Department will follow in the approval of
any subsequent request for Terms and Conditions.
1.7 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall create eligibility for any child or family for
any Federal program or entitlement for which that child or family would not otherwise be
entitled, except that title IV -E funds may be expended, according to the provisions of
these Terms and Conditions, for persons who would not be eligible for title IV -E funds in
the absence of the demonstration. Receipt of services reimbursable under title XIX but
provided under these Terms and Conditions for children and families who are not eligible
under title IV -E does not constitute eligibility for Medicaid. Children under this
demonstration who are determined to be eligible under title IV -E will retain that
eligibility through the duration of the demonstration project, so that such children will
remain eligible for Medicaid, title IV -E Adoption Assistance, title IV -E Foster Care, and
title IV -E Guardianship Assistance Program, if applicable.
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL
SECTION 2: IMPLEMENTATION
2.0 Under these Demonstration Project Terms and Conditions, the State is authorized to
implement a demonstration project that seeks to integrate current systemic child
welfare reforms and innovative practices through the use of strategies to increase
family engagement and address the assessment and treatment of childhood trauma.
The State's demonstration will focus on accomplishing the following goal(s):
• Increase permanency for all infants, children, and youth by reducing the time in foster
placements when possible and promoting a successful transition to adulthood for
older youth.
• Increase positive outcomes for infants, children, youth, and families in their homes
and communities, including tribal communities, and improve the safety and well-
being of infants, children, and youth.
• Prevent child abuse and neglect and the re-entry of infants, children, and youth into
foster care.
The demonstration will be implemented in up to 64 counties in the State; however,
each county will implement some or all service interventions in varying stages
during the demonstration time period. The demonstration's target population will
include all title IV -E eligible and non -IV -E eligible children with screened -in reports
of abuse or neglect and those already receiving services through an open child
welfare case during the demonstration period regardless of custody status. Once the
demonstration is fully implemented, the State estimates that it may serve up to
101,100 cases (duplicated count) through the sig service interventions described in
Section 2.1 below.
The state may choose to implement the demonstration project either by individual
county performance agreements or by a change in State regulation.
2.1 The State's demgnstration will include the following three primary service
interventions to be implemented statewide:
• Family Engagement: The State will introduce family engagement precepts and
processes through a combination of training, coaching, and peer mentoring.
Additionally, the State will modify non -safety certification regulations of relative
foster family homes to facilitate the placement of children with relatives when
out -of -home placement is necessary.
• Trauma -Informed Child Assessment: The State will supplement existing
assessment processes and instruments with standardized tools that are geared
specifically toward children who have experienced trauma. The following
assessment tools will be evaluated to determine the best tool for use by
Colorado's county departments and behavioral health organizations and may
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL
include but are not limited to:
■ Child Observation Record
■ Battelle Development Inventory
■ Ages and Stages Questionnaire
■ Child Development Inventory
■ Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale
■ Clinical Assessment Package for Assessing Clients' Risk and Strengths
■ Social Skills Rating System
■ Child and Adolescent Adaptive Functioning Scale
■ 4-D Strengths -Based Assessment Tools for Youth in Care
■ Family, Friends, and Self Form
Colorado Behavioral Health Organizations (BHOs) and/or local child welfare
service agencies may be engaged to conduct the trauma -informed assessments.
The final selection of trauma -informed assessment tools, and the timeline for
implementing them, will be specified in the State's Final Design and
Implementation Report (Section 2.4).
Trauma -Focused Behavioral Health Treatments: Counties and behavioral
health organizations will increase the use of behavioral health treatments that
have been shown to be effective with children who have experienced trauma
through contracts with local human service providers and/or through their
expanded utilization by BHOs. The treatment interventions (organized by
category below) will be evaluated to determine the best tool to meet local need
and may include, but are not limited, to:
■ General Case Management: Family Connections and Solution -Based
Casework
■ Trauma and Anxiety: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing,
Trauma -Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Coping Cat
■ Therapeutic Interventions: Multidimensional Family Therapy, Multi-
systemic Therapy, and Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care
■ Substance Abuse (adults): Motivational Interviewing
■ Depression (adults): Cognitive Therapy and Interpersonal
Psychotherapy
■ Parent Training: The Incredible Years, Parent Management Training,
Parent -Child Interaction Therapy, and Positive Parent Program (Triple
P)
The final selection of trauma -focused behavioral health treatments, and the timeline
for implementing them, will be specified in the State's Final Design and
Implementation Report (Section 2.4).
In addition to the three primary service interventions noted above, the State will
assist individual counties in identifying additional interventions to be implemented
Colorado Terms and Conditions - FINAL
based on the specific needs and circumstances of the county. Additional service
interventions that may be implemented by counties include:
• Permanency Roundtables: Expansion of Casey Family Program's existing
Permanency Roundtable initiative to counties that do not directly participate in
the initiative, and that make substantial use of congregate care and other
planned permanent living arrangements for children in out -of -home placement.
• Kinship Supports: Establishment of support groups and referral networks,
combined with the provision of discretionary funds for time-limited supports
and services, to assist non -licensed kin foster caregivers.
• Market Segmentation: Development of a tool to assist in the identification and
recruitment of foster and adoptive parents.
The specific counties that will implement each of these supplemental service
interventions, and the timeline for implementing them, will be based upon counties'
readiness to implement, driven by local need, and specified in the State's Final
Design and Implementation Report (Section 2.4).
2.2 The State shall comply with the following general provisions over the full term of the
demonstration project. The State will, or where appropriate, will ensure that
caseworkers, supervisors, and contracted service providers:
a. Work closely with the evaluator to maintain the integrity of the evaluation.
b. Develop and deliver services to meet the individual needs of each child and
family.
Ensure that any services being provided to a child or family member at the time
the demonstration ends will be completed.
d. Ensure the confidentiality of the information collected on the children and
families under the demonstration.
Ensure that the rights of children and their families are protected, and that the
safety of the children is a paramount concern of the demonstration project.
f. Ensure that title IV -E eligibility determinations are made for all children who are
involved in the demonstration project, throughout the life of the demonstration
project, to ensure that eligible children retain their eligibility after the
demonstration ends.
9-- Bear any costs that exceed the amount of Federal funds provided for the
demonstration.
Colorado Terms and Conditions - FINAL
h. Ensure that the State is organizationally and legally prepared for all aspects of
demonstration project implementation.
i. Ensure that a conventional title IV -E program is maintained for those children and
families that are not designated to receive demonstration services, and that these
children and families continue to receive services that are consistent with the
"traditional services" available to such children and families in the State at the
time the demonstration begins.
j. Ensure that all applicable provisions of the Act apply to all demonstration
components except for those provisions that are explicitly waived above.
k. Ensure that children who are eligible for the Medicaid program will retain their
eligibility for a full range of Medicaid services under the demonstration.
1. Ensure that any "savings" resulting from the demonstration, whether they are
savings to the Federal government, to the State, or to a county or to another
jurisdiction within the State, will be used for the further provision of child welfare
services. For the purposes of this provision, "savings" means any amount that
would have been expended for conventional title IV -E purposes in the absence of
this demonstration, or that could have been expended under title IV -B of the Act.
In. Ensure that the State annually will provide an accounting of any additional
Federal, State, tribal, and local investments made, as well, as any private
investments made in coordination with the State, to provide the service
intervention(s) that the applicant intends to undertake through the
demonstration (see Section 5.6).
n. Ensure that in each year throughout the duration of this demonstration the
appropriate State official(s) and evaluators will attend and participate in an annual
meeting of the Child Welfare Demonstration States in the Washington, D.C. area.
o. For the duration of the demonstration project, assure that the State shall provide
health insurance coverage to any child with special needs (as determined under
Sec. 473(C) of the Act) for whom there is in effect an adoption assistance
agreement between the State and an adoptive parent or parents.
2.3 The State shall provide assurance of how the State has implemented, or plans to
implement within three years of the date on which it submits its application the following
child welfare program improvement policies:
• Address Health and Mental Health Needs of Children in Foster Care: The
development and implementation of a plan for meeting the physical and mental
health needs of infants, children, and youth in foster care that ensures that the
provision of such care is child -specific, comprehensive, appropriate, and
consistent (through such means as ensuring that the child has a medical home,
Colorado Terms and Conditions - FINAL
regular wellness medical visits, and addressing the issue of trauma, when
appropriate).
• Limiting the Use of Congregate Care: The development and implementation of
a plan that ensures congregate care is used appropriately and reduces the
placement of children and youth in such care.
2.4 Within 90 days following acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, the State will
Submit a Preliminary Design and Implementation Report to the Department for
approval; and a Final Design and Implementation Report will be submitted to the
Department for approval within 180 days following acceptance of these Terms and
Conditions (see Section 5.2). These reports will include information about program
design and implementation. Report sections regarding implementation will include:
• A Final Work Plan, outlining the key tasks, reporting requirements, and timelines
throughout the course of the demonstration;
• A phase -down plan for the demonstration so that case plans for children and their
families can be adjusted, if necessary, for the post -demonstration portion of their
placement (See Section 6.1);
• The detailed protocol or set of policies.that will guide decisions about which families
or children are to be selected to participate in the demonstration, how the selection
will be made, and how the suitability of services will be determined;
• Standards of quality and safety and practice requirements identified by the State to be
incorporated into any agreements with public and private providers that are expected
to provide support and services; and
• The status of evaluation activities, including efforts to engage a third -party evaluator.
The demonstration project will be reviewed periodically by the Department to ensure that
the demonstration activities are consistent with the purposes of titles IV -13 and IV -E of
the Act and these Terms and Conditions in providing child welfare services, including an
assurance of the safety of the children and families involved. The review is intended to
ensure that benefit eligibility will not be impaired and that improved outcomes for the
children and families will result. Any proposed amendment to these Terms and
Conditions is subject to prior approval by the Department.
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL
SECTION 3: EVALUATION
3.0 The State will conduct an evaluation of the use of title IV -E funds to test the hypothesis
that the flexible use of title IV -E funds to provide family engagement services,
trauma -informed child assessments, and trauma -focused behavioral health
treatments, as appropriate, will result in improved safety, permanency, and well-
being for children. The evaluation will consist of three components: A process
evaluation, an outcome evaluation, and a cost analysis.
The State is required to engage a third party to conduct an evaluation of the
demonstration program. The evaluator shall be an independent organization that is not
affiliated with state or local government, except that state universities may be engaged to
conduct the evaluation. The evaluator shall be responsible for the development of the
final evaluation design within the basic evaluation parameters outlined below. The
evaluator shall develop a research design and sampling plan; develop and execute the
data collection and analysis plans; and prepare interim and final reports.
3.1 Evaluation Design: The State's evaluation will involve a matched case comparison
design and a time -series analysis. The matched case comparison design will
examine changes in outcomes for children receiving one or more interventions
implemented at the beginning of or early in the demonstration period compared to
similar children in counties that implemented these interventions later in the
demonstration period. The time series analysis will examine changes over time in
key measures of child safety and permanency. To the extent possible, the State's
analysis of process and outcome findings will be based on case -level data from the
State's child welfare information systems, case records, and other data sources as
appropriate.
Additionally, the State's process and outcome evaluation will include an analysis of
the modification of State non -safety certification regulations for relative foster
family homes on child safety outcomes which will include, but are not limited to,
allegations of abuse in relative foster family homes. The State will also examine the
differences in outcomes for children placed in relative foster family homes as they
compare to those in traditional foster family homes. These outcomes will be
regularly monitored by the State's Administrative Review Division and reported in
the State's progress reports (Section 5.3) and interim and final evaluation reports
(Sections 5.7 and 5.8).
Additional details of the final evaluation design will be determined in consultation
with the Department and the State's third -party evaluation contractor and
described in the State's evaluation plan (Section 3.5).
Throughout the evaluation, the State will apprise the Department of any difficulties
encountered in achieving the estimated sample sizes for the project, and in consultation
with the outside evaluator will determine if such difficulties will affect the State's ability
to identify statistically significant differences in key demonstration outcomes. The State
Colorado Terms and Conditions - FINAL 9
will notify the Department as soon as any serious problems are noted. Semi-annual
progress reports (see Section 5.4) will include an update on the sample sizes and progress
toward meeting the targeted sizes.
Cases will maintain their assigned status for the full period of the demonstration.
Modifications to the sampling plan may be proposed to the Department for approval if
the sample sizes for the experimental and control groups are such that the number of
clients in each group will provide adequate statistical power to detect differences in
outcomes of interest between the two groups.
3.2 Process Evaluation: The evaluation will include interim and final process analyses that
describe how the demonstration was implemented and that identify how demonstration
services differ from services available prior to implementation of the demonstration, or
from services available to children and families that are not designated to receive
demonstration services. The analysis will include a logic model that describes the
demonstration's objectives, the services or other interventions provided, and the way the
intervention is linked to measurable outcomes. In addition, the process analysis will
examine, at a minimum, the following:
• The planning process for the demonstration including whether any formal needs
assessment, asset mapping, or assessment of community readiness was conducted;
• The organizational aspects of the demonstration, such as staff structure, funding
committed, administrative structures, and project implementation, including ongoing
monitoring, oversight, and problem resolution at various organization levels;
• The number and type of staff involved in implementation, including the training they
received, as well as their experience, education and characteristics;
• The service delivery system, including procedures for determining eligibility,
referring subjects for services, the array of services available, the number of
children/families served and the type and duration of services provided;
• The role of the courts in the demonstration and the relationship between the child
welfare agency and court system, including any efforts to jointly plan and implement
the demonstration;
• Contextual factors, such as the social, economic and political forces that may have a
bearing on the replicability of the intervention or influence the implementation or
effectiveness of the demonstration. This discussion will note any possible
confounding effects of changes in these systems, or changes resulting from other
demonstrations or reforms that were implemented during the title IV -E
demonstration;
Colorado Terms and Conditions FINAL 10
• The degree to which demonstration programs and services are implemented with
fidelity to their intended service models; and
• The barriers encountered during implementation, the steps taken to address these
barriers, and any lessons learned during implementation.
For each of the factors described above, the process analysis will note any differences, as
appropriate for the State's evaluation design, in implementation before and after the start
of the demonstration, among participating counties or other administrative units, or
between the experimental and control/comparison groups.
3.3 Outcome Evaluation: The State's outcome evaluation will address, at a minimum,
changes in the following outcomes:
• Caregiver knowledge and capacity.
• Child emotional/behavioral and social functioning.
• Out -of -home placement and re-entry rates (placement avoidance).
• Placement with kin caregivers (both licensed and unlicensed).
• New and repeat allegations of abuse (in relative and non -relative foster family
homes).
• Length of stay in out -of -home care.
• Frequency of changes in placement setting (placement stability).
• Exits to permanency through reunification, guardianship, and adoption.
• Foster care re-entry rates.
• Use of congregate care.
The State is free to propose additional research questions and outcome measures for
inclusion in the evaluation.
The State will collect data to address these questions from the State's automated child
welfare information systems, child welfare agency case records, and additional
information sources as appropriate. The State will work with its evaluation contractor to
identify other appropriate data sources to address the process and outcome measures
described above.
3.4 Cost Study: The cost analysis will examine, at a minimum, the costs of the key elements
of services received by children and families designated to receive demonstration
services and will compare these costs with those of services available prior to the start of
the demonstration, or that were received by the children and families that were not
designated to receive demonstration services. The cost analysis will also include an
examination of the use of key funding sources, including all relevant Federal sources
such as titles IV -A, IV -B, IV -E and XIX of the Act, as well as State and local funds. The
purpose of the analysis will be to compare the costs of services available through the
demonstration with those of services traditionally provided to children and their families.
Where feasible, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted to estimate the costs of
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL 11
each successful outcome achieved through the demonstration. This analysis will be
conducted using one or more of the key outcome measures for which a statistically
significant difference is identified.
3.5 Evaluation Reporting Requirements: The following reports and documents shall be
provided to the Department for review and approval (also noted in Section 5):
The State will submit to the Department for review a draft of the specifications or
Request for Proposals (RFP) for the agreement to conduct an evaluation of the
demonstration within 60 days after acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. The
draft specifications must detail the objectives of the project, the evaluation design, the
specific tasks to be conducted, the time frames for conducting those tasks, and a
schedule and list of deliverables. The research questions, key variables, data
collection methods, sample sizes and other aspects of the evaluation noted in these
Terms and Conditions will be clearly described.
The State will submit an evaluation plan to the Department for approval within 120
days after the evaluation contract is awarded. The evaluation plan must present the
underlying logic linking interventions to expected outcomes, the research questions to
be studied, the major variables to be measured, the final sampling plan, the data
sources (including an assessment of the reliability and validity of each source), data
collection procedures, and the major data analyses to be performed. The plan will
describe the comparability of selected time periods and groups on key variables.
Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of the 101' quarter following the
demonstration's implementation date, the State will submit an interim evaluation
report (see Section 5). The report will include a process analysis of the evaluation to
date and any outcome data available at that time. The report will also include a brief
description of the outcome and cost components of the evaluation planned and note
any issues or problems anticipated in completion of these components. If the findings
are unclear or incomplete, the Department may request revisions and resubmission of
the report.
• Not later than six months after the conclusion of the demonstration (20a' quarter), a
final report integrating the process, outcome and cost components of the evaluation
will be submitted. If the findings are unclear or incomplete, the Department may
request revisions and resubmission of the report.
• The State will post copies of the interim and final evaluation reports on the State's
child welfare agency Website (see Section 5.10).
• Not later than six months after the conclusion of the demonstration (20th quarter), the
State will have the evaluation contractor produce and make available public -use data
tapes, including documentation necessary to permit re -analysis of the data gathered
during the course of the evaluation.
Colorado Terms and Conditions -- FINAL 12
Public release of any evaluation or monitoring reports required under this agreement will
be made only by the Department or the State. Prior to public release of such reports, the
Department and the State will have at least a 30 -day period for review and approval.
3.6 Program Changes: Additional program changes that are not applied equally to
experimental and control/comparison groups, or that would substantially affect the
evaluation of the demonstration, must be approved by the Department as an amendment
to these Demonstration Project Terms and Conditions.
Colorado Terms and Conditions - FINAL 13
SECTION 4: COST NEUTRALITY
4.0 As required by section 1130(h) of the Act, the amount of Federal funds expended for this
project may not exceed the amount of such funds that would be expended by the State
under the State plans approved under parts B and E of title IV if the demonstration
project were not conducted. Therefore, except for costs of evaluating and developing this
project (as specified in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 below), starting with the deemed beginning
date (see Section 1.5) the operation of this demonstration is to be cost -neutral to the
Federal government with respect to maintenance and administrative costs for titles IV -B
and IV -E of the Act.
4.1 Section 4 Terms:
Costs. All references made to costs (unless otherwise specifically noted) consist of
total computable (gross) costs. The Federal share of demonstration project costs
will be computed using the matching rate applicable to the funding category.
Maintenance Costs. All references made to maintenance costs include title IV -E
allowable foster care maintenance assistance payments (per Section 475(4)(A) of the
Act), and such other costs for cases deemed as title IV -E allowable through a waiver
granted for this demonstration project.
Administrative Costs. All references made to administrative costs include title IV -E
allowable administrative costs (per Federal regulations at 45 CFR 1356.60(c)) and
other costs deemed as title IV -E allowable through a waiver granted for this
demonstration project.
Cumulative. All references made to cumulative in the context of costs will indicate
that costs are to be summed for all quarters from the deemed beginning date
through the quarter in question.
4.2 The total costs of foster care payments, including maintenance and administrative
costs, shall be an amount determined by a base allocation as determined in Section
4.2.1 below plus any annual change factor or exclusions as specified in Section 4.2.2.
The results of this calculation are shown in Section 4.3, Table 1. The aggregate five-
year sum of Federal share payments shall be the cumulative fixed payment that
shall be made to the State. Receipt by the State of payments not greater that the
cumulative fixed payment shall be considered cost neutral to the Federal
government.
At least 90 days prior to implementation, the State shall provide the Department
with a document showing a fixed schedule of payments for the five-year
demonstration period. The State may receive quarterly payments in accordance
with a schedule of quarterly payments the sum of which do not exceed the total
cumulative payments under the demonstration.
Colorado Terms and Conditions -- FINAL 14
4.2.1 The foster care base allocation amount to be used for purposes of
establishing a cap to reflect cost neutrality to the Federal government for
demonstration project operations has been determined for each of the
funding categories impacted by the demonstration project through the
following processes:
Source of claims: The base amount is the calculated State Fiscal Year (SFY)
total computable (gross) title IV -E Foster Care claims (including current and
prior quarter adjustments) submitted by Colorado on quarterly reports of
expenditures and estimates (i.e. form ACF -IV -E-1 or CB496, as applicable)
during the specified time periods for the following cost categories and
adjusted for baseline increases as specified below:
• Foster care maintenance costs: Total computable costs of
$35,943,219. This total is calculated from the average of maintenance
payments claims for SFY 2008-2010.
• Foster care administrative costs (excluding SACWIS, non-SACWIS
child welfare information systems, and training): Total computable
costs of $54,251,490. This total is calculated from the average of
administration claims for SFY 2008-2010 in the following specific
categories of administration: eligibility determinations and case
management.
Application of base allocation: The base amount will be applied separately in
determining annual allocations for maintenance assistance payments and
administration.
4.2.2 The payments for each full FFY during the 5 -year operational period of the
demonstration project shall consist of the base amount adjusted each FFY by
the change factor(s) and the exclusions described in the subsections below.
Thus, payments in the second and subsequent full FFYs of demonstration
operations will equal the amount calculated for the prior FFY plus any
further applicable changes. Payments for demonstration operations during
any partial FFY will be pro -rated proportionally by quarter to reflect the
portion of the FFY when the demonstration project is operational.
4.2.2.1 The annual allocation change factors applied have been
determined by the following process:
a. Maintenance assistance payments: Three year average annual
rate of change in the ratio of total computable maintenance
payment claims to average monthly number of children.
b. Administration: Three year average annual rate of change in total
computable administration claims for the specified categories.
Colorado Terms and Conditions -FINAL 15
4.2.2.2 The foster care costs excluded from the cost neutrality
calculation and thus subject to payment outside of the capped
allocation are as follows:
a. Any allowable foster care administrative costs not previously
identified in Section 4.2.1 will be excluded from the calculation of
the demonstration's capped allocation (see Section 4.3), and will be
reimbursable separately in addition to the amount of the capped
allocation.
b. Any allowable SACWIS or non-SACWIS child welfare
information system development or operational costs will be
excluded from the calculation of the demonstration's capped
allocation (see Section 4.3), and will be reimbursable separately in
addition to the amount of the capped allocation. Costs associated
with the development, maintenance and operation of the State's
SACWIS project will be subject to applicable advance planning
document and approval processes.
c. Any allowable staWprovider or professional partner training costs
will be excluded from the calculation of the demonstration's
capped allocation (see Section 4.3), and will be reimbursable
separately in addition to the amount of the capped allocation.
4.3 Federal title IV -E payments to the State for this demonstration, including
expenditures of any realized savings, will be made for amounts in accordance with
Table 1 (shown below) quarterly based on State estimates of demonstration
expenditures for the next quarter in accordance with the payment schedule (as
determined in Section 4.2 above).
Table 1- Colorado Title IV -E Foster Care Total Computable Demonstration Project Capped Allocation Payments
Demonstration
Base SFY
SFY 2013
SFY 2014
SFY 2015
SFY 2016
SFY 2017
SFY 2018
Project Funding
Amount
Allocation
Allocation
Allocation
Allocation
Allocation
Allocation
Category
Cap
Cap
Cap
Cap
Cap
Cap
Maintenance
Payments
35,943,219
36,593,888
37,212,120
38,486,500
39,353,687
40,323,825
41,414,040
Administration
54,251,490
55,651,178
56,669,595
57,383,632
58,468,183
59,438,754
60,389,774
All Capped
Categories
90,194,709
92,245,066
93,881,715
95,870,132
97,821,870
99,762,579
101,803,814
Federal title IV -E payments for demonstration operational expenditures will be
made for any quarter beginning in accordance with the dates specified in section 1.5
of these terms and conditions when the demonstration is in operation and for a total
period of no longer than five years (20 quarters) thereafter.
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL 16
Actual expenditures claimed for the demonstration project, including expenditures
of any realized savings, along with estimates in advance of each quarter, will be
identified separately on the ACF quarterly claim form, CB -496. Summary fiscal
information on the results of the project must be reported in Part 3 as well as other
applicable parts of form CB -496. These estimates and claims relating to the
demonstration will be subject to review and deferral or adjustment according to the
normal procedures for reviewing title IV -E estimates and paying title IV -E claims.
All other title IV -E claims that are not related to this demonstration will continue to
be filed in accordance with current quarterly claiming requirements for payments
for allowable cost. The State must examine its cost allocation plan to determine
whether any of the components will affect the calculation of or claiming for any
administrative costs under title IV -E, and if so the State must submit an amendment
to the cost allocation plan prior to the implementation date to address any such
effects appropriately.
4.4 Developmental Costs. Developmental costs are the expenses the State incurs to establish
the demonstration prior to the project's implementation. These costs are excluded from
the cost -neutrality calculation. For activities undertaken prior to the implementation date
specified in Section 1.5 above, the Federal government will match the approved
administrative costs related to development of the demonstration project (otherwise
called developmental costs) at the applicable matching rate without application of cost
allocation. Such costs can begin with the preparation of the State's proposal and may
also include automated systems development and changes, policy or procedures
development, and staff training. Developmental costs do not include costs for activities
performed on or after the deemed start date of project operations. No later than 30 days
after the State formally accepts these Terms and Conditions, the State will submit a plan,
for approval by the Department, designating which administrative costs will be treated as
developmental costs for purposes of this section (see Section 5.0). This section is not
intended to supersede other requirements for Federal approval for administrative costs of
the programs involved in the demonstration.
4.5 Evaluation Costs. Evaluation costs are expenses incurred by the external evaluator as
well as those incurred by the State that are directly related to the evaluation effort. These
costs are excluded from cost -neutrality calculation. Evaluation costs begin with the first
evaluation planning activities and continue until the final evaluation report is submitted.
Such costs will encompass all costs necessary to carry out the approved evaluation plan,
including costs for evaluation activities carried out by State and local agencies as well as
those carried out by the evaluation contractor. The costs of approved evaluation activities
may be charged to title IV -E administrative costs without cost allocation so that the State
may claim a full 50 percent of these costs as title IV -E administrative costs. The State
shall address any changes needed to implement this provision through submission of
appropriate amendments to its approved State cost allocation plans. Costs of evaluation
that arise from the demonstration project(s) approved under these Terms and Conditions
may be claimed for a reasonable period of time after the expiration of the period of this
demonstration (Section 1.5) so long as the costs are for activities required by the
evaluation plan(s) approved by the Department and are otherwise allowable and
Colorado Terms and Conditions - FINAL 17
reasonable. Evaluation components not approved by the Department will not qualify for
Federal matching funds.
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL 18
SECTION 5: MONITORING
The State will send all reports required in this section to the Children's Bureau, the Regional
ACF Office, and the evaluation technical assistance contractor for this initiative.
5.0 The State must submit a plan, for approval by the Department, designating which
administrative costs will be treated as developmental costs (see Section 4.4) no later than
30 days after accepting these Terms and Conditions.
5.1 Within 60 days of acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, the State will submit to the
Department a draft of the specifications or Request for Proposal (RFP) and evaluation
specifications for review.
5.2 Within 90 days following acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, the State will
submit a Preliminary Design and Implementation Report to the Department for
approval; and a Final Design and Implementation Report will be submitted to the
Department for approval within 180 days following acceptance of these Terms and
Conditions (see Section 2.4 for detailed elements of the reports).
5.3 The State shall submit quarterly progress reports beginning 90 days after the acceptance
of these Terms and Conditions and continuing until implementation. The Preliminary
Design and Implementation Report will serve as the first quarterly report. All
subsequent reports are due no later than 30 days after the conclusion of each quarterly
period and will include a basic update on the status of each activity or task identified in
the Implementation Report. The report will also identify any problems encountered that
may have an impact on the design or anticipated implementation schedule. Suggestions
for resolving these problems will be provided for the Department's review and approval.
5.4 Once implementation has begun, semi-annual progress reports will be required
throughout the project period summarizing project and evaluation activities and
accomplishments during the reporting period as well as interim findings from the
evaluation, if available. The semi-annual monitoring reports shall indicate issues or
problems and resolutions regarding the implementation of the demonstration or
evaluation as approved, including updates on the resolution of any significant problems
identified in the implementation report. The State will address its progress toward
implementing the Child Welfare Program Improvement Policies as described in Section
2.3. These reports are due no later than 30 days after the conclusion of each reporting
period.
5.5 The State will submit an evaluation plan to the Department for approval within 90 days
after the evaluation contract is awarded (Section 3.5). The evaluation plan must be
approved by the Department prior to implementation.
5.6 The State will submit an annual accounting during the demonstration project period of all
investments, public or private, made in coordination with the State to provide services
under the proposed demonstration project.
Colorado Terms and Conditions — FINAL 19
5.7 The State will submit an Interim Evaluation Report 60 days after the conclusion of the
101 quarter following the demonstration's implementation date (Section 3.5).
Additional reports may be proposed by the State and, subject to approval by the
Department, may be considered allowable components of the evaluation of the
demonstration.
5.8 The State will submit a Final Evaluation Report six months after the project ends,
integrating the process study, the outcomes study, and the cost analysis (Section 3.5).
5.9 The State will post copies of the interim and final evaluation reports on the State's child
welfare agency Website (see Section 3.5).
5.10 The State will submit, or have the evaluation contractor produce and make available,
public -use data tapes, including documentation necessary to permit re -analysis of the data
gathered during the course of the evaluation, six months after the project ends (Section
3.5).
Colorado Terms and Conditions -- FINAL 20
SECTION 6: TERMINATION PROCEDURES
6.0 Federal financial participation in demonstration activities requiring waivers will not be
provided beyond the period approved by the Department.
6.1 As part of the Preliminary Design and Implementation Report and the Final Design and
Implementation Report (Section 2.4), the State will submit for the Department's approval
a plan to phase down and end the demonstration to ensure that there are no
demonstration -related Federal costs incurred beyond the period approved by the
Department. All activities requiring Department approval must cease on the date decided
by the Department if the project is terminated prior to the end of the 201h quarter after the
deemed beginning date of the demonstration.
Approval:
and Families
/�)8 M,
Date
Colorado Terms and Conditions FINAL 21
Acceptance:
Reggie Bicha
Executive Director
Colorado Department of
Human Services
Date
� .hlbi+ L`5
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
5/24/13
Intervention- Family Engagement and Kinship Support
Contact Person: Sharon Longhurst Pritt
saritt@earfield-county.com
970-625-5282 Ext. 3265
Intervention- Permanency Roundtables
Contact Person: Toni Rozanski
toni.rozanski@easlecountv.us
970-328-8852
Management Plan for Waiver implementation
Intervention- Family Engagement and Kinship Support
Lead Persons for Waiver Activities:
Sharon Longhurst Pritt, CW Services Admin. Garfield County
Intervention- Permanency Roundtable
Lead Persons for Waiver Activities:
Toni Rozanski, Children Family and Adult Services Director, Eagle Co
IVE Waiver Executive Committee
Sharon Longhurst Pritt, Services Administrator, Garfield County
Toni Rozanski, Children, Family and Adult Services Director, Eagle County
Kim DuBois, CW Admin. Pitkin County
Bonnie Ruckman, Director, Rio Blanco County
Vickie Clark, Director, Routt County
Kerri Klein, Director, Moffat County
1
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
Waiver Team- PRT and Family Engagement
Sharon Longhurst Pritt, Services Administrator, Garfield County
Toni Rozanski, Children, Family and Adult Services Director, Eagle County
Kim DuBois, CW Admin., Pitkin County
Sheila Strouse, Supervisor, Garfield County will lead efforts of Family Engagement
Susan Garcia, Supervisor, will lead efforts of Kinship Support
Matt McGaugh, supervisor, Garfield County, will lead PRT efforts in Garfield County and collect data
Dorothy Wilson, Eagle County, Manager
Holly Kasper, Eagle County, manager
Waiver Team- Kinship Support
Sharon Longhurst Pritt, Services Administrator, Garfield County
Kim DuBois, CW Admin. Pitkin County
Susan Garcia, Supervisor, will lead efforts of Kinship Support in Pitkin and Garfield County
Mission- will be determined as the team begins to come together as a group and goals are outlined for
their purpose.
Task- Supervisors and managers identified to lead the components of the waiver are responsible to
implement steps as outlined in this proposal. The coordinator will be responsible for arranging meeting
times and setting an agenda for reports on the waiver activities. The coordinator will lead the monthly
meeting in an effort to keep the counties and CDHS informed of the progress and identify barriers as they
arise. This person will also collect data and share outcomes at the monthly meetings.
Waiver Interventions
Title IV -E waiver Interventions Proposed
1. Family Engagement Funding Amount Requested 228.320
2. Permanency Roundtables Funding Amount Requested 139.061
3. Kinship Supports Funding Amount Requested 55,243
Total 422,624
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
The Counties will commit staff to serve on an implementation committee to discuss issues that
arise in putting in place particular interventions or in overall implementation of the intervention
strategies.
Family Ensaeement:
Garfield County has designed and implemented a Family Engagement practice that has been
solidified in practice. This policy includes a number of family meeting types that include Team Decision
Making meetings, Family Group Conferencing and Facilitated Family Meetings. The policy (attached)
describes at what intervals in a case any particular type of meeting is to be used. Workers are held to this
policy through group supervision and individual supervision. All meetings with the family are
documented in Trails. There are no needed changes within the county's practice or policy for Family
Engagement, changes proposed would include two separate distinct areas to enhance and grow the
engagement of families.
Expand current Family Engagement practice to Pitkin and Eagle County
Garfield County would propose collaborating with Pitkin County and Eagle County to provide
the resources and infrastructure to implement family engagement strategies as outlined in the Garfield
County family meeting policy. Through conversations that have already taken place Pitkin County has
verbally agreed to utilize GarCo facilitators as outlined in the established policy. This verbal agreement
would be solidified with a written document outlining Pitkin's intent on following the policy with fidelity
and Garfield's agreement that facilitators would be available upon demand. This facilitation would be
available for the portion of Eagle County that Pitkin County is servicing. Eagle County would propose
hiring a facilitator and training this individual in TDMs and FGC. The intent would be for Eagle County
to adopt Garfield's policy for Family Meetings and implement this practice with fidelity to the identified
time frames and types of meetings. All three counties would be adhering to the policy that is attached.
Currently all three counties collaborate in a number of areas and the relationships that have been
forged will serve as a strong foundation for implementing this proposal. Garfield has provided limited
facilitation for Pitkin in the past but these arrangements have been loose and dependent on staff
availability and the needs of Garfield families. Through a formal arrangement both counties will
understand their responsibilities and obligation to provide this service. Garfield would propose
contracting or potentially adding a staff member to meet the additional needs of Pitkin County and the
portion of Eagle County that Pitkin services. Eagle County would propose the addition of 1 FTE for
family engagement in their county.
WRAP Facilitator
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitki n- Moffat- Ro utt-Rio Blanco Counties
The counties are cognizant of the fact that unless services and supports are put into place in the
county the efforts to lower congregate care numbers and other placements will be fruitless. Through
strong efforts, collaboration and relationship building GarCo DHS has been putting time and energy into
creating a network and continuum of services to address high level needs of families, youth and children.
The county has spearheaded and encouraged continued efforts with a group of individuals representing
schools, behavioral health, probation, and a youth serving agency (SB94 & diversion programs) to
integrate current programs, develop programming for gaps in services and create a position where these
efforts can be managed in a coordinated manner.
The community came together for WRAP training in early 2013; representatives from the above
disciplines were present. Many of the participants shared this concept and practice would benefit families
presenting with high needs and multiple service providers. With the idea of combining the efforts put
forward from the team working on a coordinated service delivery system and the participants from the
WRAP training a proposal would be to fund the position of a WRAP facilitator. This position would be
supervised and housed by a community partner. There are three community partners that have agreed to
be potential employers of this position, behavioral health, youth serving agency, and school. The position
would be funded .5 by waiver funds and potentially .5 by PA 3 funds (when this funding source becomes
available) to allow for both child welfare involved families and non -child welfare families to utilize this
support. This WRAP facilitator would be able to engage families in all three counties. The entities that
have been identified have services available in all three counties.
Although this concept doesn't fit in the application as outlined argument would be presented that
this model falls precisely within the idea of family engagement. The counties would support that this
proposed funded position allows the community to participate in family engagement and therefore
broaden the spectrum and catch area. The county would contract with an entity and fund the position.
There are natural partners that spam the three counties and could serve as the contractor for this position.
Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle Counties share a Core Service plan and through this plan Colorado
West Mental Health provides behavioral health services to all areas. This agency is willing to partner with
our efforts to bring a position to their organization. This collaboration and established Mationship allows
for this type of proposal to move forward.
The county would anticipate providing this service for 12-15 families. This number is derived
from the number of youth in OOH placement who could potentially return to the counties if
comprehensive services were available, the crossover youth, and YIC cases. This number could also
potentially include complicated cases with younger children involved.
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
Budget
Personnel
1FTE Garfield County $80,601
1 FTE Eagle County $88,792
1 FTE Contracted $50,000
Total for Personnel- 219,393
Training, Travel, Office Supplies and Equipment
Total $8927
Family Engagement Total Budget $228,320
Permanency Roundtables:
The Northwest Region of Colorado is proposing to partner to provide Permanency Round Tables
for Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield, Rio Blanco, Moffat and Routt counties. The partnership is an outgrowth of the
natural region in the Northwest corner of Colorado and the regional efforts of Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle
counties. The regional effort of PRTs for NW Colorado builds upon the work of promoting and achieving
safety, permanency and well-being for all children and youth in foster care; reducing congregate care use,
reducing time in out of home care and increasing the voice of child/youth and family in the planning of
their future. Although, only Eagle has participated in the PRT process with heavy support from CDHS,
the entire region is ready and positioned to support each other in the implementation of taking
permanency interventions to the next level. The needed modifications to engage in PRTs in the region
include building a cadre of staff across the region to support each other in the roles of the PRTs and the
entire training curriculum required by the intervention.
The collaboration of the PRT in the Northwest region hopes to facilitate a strong partnership in
supporting each other and all of our children and youth to identify realistic solutions to permanency
solutions and remove obstacles. Throughout the implementation of this intervention of PRTs, our goal is
to improve permanency outcomes, assess attitudes toward permanency, organizational climate and
culture, document and address barriers to permanency and build on the scientific study of applying the
intervention with fidelity.
The training model is being envisioned over the course of the first quarter and interventions will follow
immediately.
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitki n-Moffat-Ro utt- Rio Blanco Counties
Training
Timeframe
Notes
Intensive 2 day PRT orientation
July/August
Offered multiple times throughout the region
to ensure full participation of staff in all
artici ating counties
Collateral Partners training
August/Sept/Oct
One session in each count
Master Practitioner training
August/Sept
To join statewide offering or create training
opportunity in the region
Facilitator training
August/Sept
To join statewide offering or create training
opportunity in thereion
Ongoing Values training
Ongoing
Throughout the region
Quarterly half day training for
Ongoing
Throughout the region
supervisors, case managers,
managers
Additional resources are being requested to support the Regional PRT effort. Due to the wide
and far reach of the region based on square miles and number of counties, we are requesting 1.5 FTE to
lead, facilitate and implement the PRT intervention for the region. One FTE is planned in Eagle County
and .5 FTE is requested for Garfield County. The region is also requesting a fund for mileage to travel to
and from participating regions for this intervention. The estimates of the mileage are based on an average
number of meetings over the year, average number of kids the region will serve and the anticipated
meeting frequency to lead these actions.
Personnel costs including Salary and Fringe--- $125,832
Mileage and meeting support -- $10,300 (EagCo) + 2929 (GarCo)
Total: $139,061
No anticipated barriers exist for this intervention. A few anticipated challenges will be discussed and
addressed in the early implementation discussions which include: distance, fidelity across systems, the
strengthening of the regional collaborative relationship, and different starting points.
Each county participating in this intervention self-reported the need of PRTs for their identified county by
answering the following questions:
1. Please confirm your participation in the PRT intervention only.
2. Do you plan to have a Master Practitioner in your county to be shared? If yes, do you want a
request for funding for all or part?
3. How many eligible kids do you have in OPPLA?
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin- Moffat- Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
4. How many eligible kids do you have in care over 12
5. From the total of currently eligibles -- how many are
where are they?
r
mos currently? .
placed in the f of in the i t��
County
Partici ation
MP
OPPLA
12 S.
In region
Eagle
Y
Y
1
1
None
Garfield
Y
Y
6.
i
None
Rio Blanco
Y
N
2
P
None
Moffat
Y
N
2•
9
5
Pitkin
Y
N
0
0
n/a
Routt
Y
N
2
0
None
1'�
In the future of developing the PRT regional model, the access and training of master practitioners and
facilitators will occur in the first quarter of the intervention. The administrative and permanency expert
role will be provided by the local county from which the child entered the system. The additional details
behind this part of the implementation will be addressed in the implementation team.
Kinship Supports:
Garfield County DHS Foster Care program in collaboration with Pitkin County is
dedicated to providing Kinship Care to families experiencing difficulties within their family
system. The county is dedicated to diligent search and ensuring that children and/or youth are
placed with their family members. Family members are invited to all Family Meetings and are
involved from the beginning of the child's placement process. Once the legal background
checks are completed and the family member(s) meets the legal and background check
requirements a SAFE Home Study process is started. Kinship placements are required to
complete all of the SAFE Home Study and trainings that are required by the State of Colorado.
A Foster Care Coordinator is assigned to the case and completes monthly visits and case
management as needed by the family.
The collaborative effort has seen an increase in Kinship Placements. The county would
like to dedicate a specific "Kinship Worker" within the Family Resource Unit. The Kinship
Worker would have a support team that would be assisted by a Behavior Coach, In Home Family
Therapist, Life Skill Worker, Transportation Worker, and a Clinical Supervisor. Garfield County
in collaboration with Pitkin County would like to increase the supports that are available to
Kinship placements. In most circumstance, families are more than willing to take their family
into their home. The families are well intended but poorly equipped to bring the child into their
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitki n-Moffa t-Routt- Rio Blanco Counties
home. Most of the situations are an emergency and the families do not have the necessary
diapers, cloths, wipes, beds, formula to meet a younger child needs. With older children and
adolescents, most times they come to the Department with little or no belongings. The
Department has limited supplies on hand to assist these children at those times. The two county
project would like to have provisions available to meet the activities of daily living to meet the
needs of the children and families.
Most importantly the Kinship family needs a significant amount of support and training
related to the child's situation. In most cases, the kinship family member has no idea that there
are issues occurring in their relative's home. The phone call from the department may be the
first call that the Kinship home is made aware that their immediate/extended family is having
difficulties. It is important to the success of the project that the worker increases their contacts
with the family to ensure safety and a smooth transition for the child into the Kinship home. The
project would like to provide tailored training and case management to Kinship family members.
In cases where there is adequate time, the Kinship Worker will be doing a pre interview
and assessment regarding the treatment concerns and safety of the child in the home. The Foster
Care Worker will "front load" the necessary services for the Kinship Family including but not
limited to Therapy, Parenting, Behavior Coaching, Life Skills, and transportation. The foster care
program is administrated in collaboration with Pitkin County and the Kinship piece of the
program would also include Pitkin County.
Anticipated resource needs:
Staff: Kinship Worker .5 FTE
Respite: In most cases the children who enter the kinship program have significant mental
health, attachment, and behavior challenges. Kinship families have children of their own.
Respite is an important component to the success of the kinship placement.
Daycare: Often times Kinship providers are working full time and will need daycare for the
children who are placed in their care. The funding streams for the county are often limited and
restrictive. There are frequently emergency situations that Daycare is needed and funding is
unavailable.
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
Purchasing of Hard Supplies: When a Kinship family takes a child into their home, they are
frequently in need of hard supplies, age appropriate furniture, clothing, baby supplies, school
supplies, food, gifts (depending on the time of year), transportation needs (a larger car and fuel),
and items related to meeting the Kinship Home Study requirements (fire extinguishers, night
lights, safety locks, fences, and smoke detectors.
In Home Training: The counties have significant resources within the county to provide in
home training to families. However, there are some circumstances that families may need
additional resources beyond what the department can offer. Trainers can be contracted with but
at a higher fee.
Housing Assistance: There may be occurrences in which Kinship Family's are willing to take
children into their home and make a long term commitment to the child. Their home may not be
able to accommodate all of the family members and the family may have to look for a different
home to meet the family's needs. Families may need financial assistance to move into another
residence.
Transportation: Kinship providers may have limited options to transport children.
Anticipated barriers
No identified barriers at this time.
Budget
Personnel
.5 FTE Garfield County 29,144
Total for Personnel- 29,144
Office Supplies and Equipment. Kinship Supports
Total $26,099
Kinship Support Total Budget $55,243
Number of Kinship Family Foster Homes Served
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
Pitkin and Garfield County together are currently serving an average of 3 to 5 families
per year. The project is anticipating serving 5-7 Kinship Foster Homes.
Service Implementation
Implement services will begin July 1, 2013:
Kinship Worker .5 FTE
Behavior Coach
Parenting Support
Intensive Family Therapy with Clinical Supervision.
Respite Care
Day Care
Intensive Case Management and Monitoring
Training
Areas of concern that cause significant barriers for the Kinship workers and the family are
funding transportation, daycare, and hard supplies such as furniture, diapers, wipes, clothing, and
car seats. TANF is utilized when appropriate and available but the need exceeds the resources.
Community Partners: Rate each of your major community partners on their knowledge of and
support for the waiver in your county on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being least knowledgeable,
supportive, etc. Use additional columns to add other major partners in your county.
10
Court
Behavioral
Health
School
System
Probation
SB 94
YZ
CMP- All
Members
Understanding of
Colorado's waiver?
2
4
4
4
4
4
Understanding of the
implications of waiver
2
3
2
2
2
2
10
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
for the partner?
Willingness to work
with county on waiver
5
5
5
5
5
5
implementation?
Commitment of staff to
waiver -related tasks
5
5
5
5
5
5
and interventions?
Any special interests or
commitments?
2
5
4
4
4
5
Briefly describe the county's initial plans for increasing/solidifying support and
engagement by community partners.
In GarCo ground work has been laid with community partners. The topic has been introduced
and discussed at the IOG meetings and with other partners not represented at the IOG. Although
little information has been available to share with these partners they do understand the general
concept of reducing OOH placements, increasing community support and either building on
existing services or creating new services to embrace the concept of our children staying in their
own community. The community has indicated full support of these efforts and is anxiously
awaiting information to move forward on a planning process. This planning process would
include discussions on gaps of services -and supports that would need to be implemented to keep
our children and youth in all six counties.
Some similar work although somewhat different has been done in the other counties. Each
county is unique in their community engagement strategies. The common thread is all counties
have begun conversations with their community members and laid a foundation to strengthen
their home community resources. Throughout the region partners of child welfare are hearing a
strong and consistent message that we must development a safety network within our
neighborhoods to support families and keep kids home safely.
Systems: For each of the following initiatives describe briefly how the county envisions the
connections/complementarities between the Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration and the
initiative. If your county does not yet participate in the initiative and does not plan to do so
during the waiver period, write NA.
11
0
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
12
N
Trauma -Informed Systems of Care- Garfield County is involved with Project Focus
and has committed to continue work with the Kempe Center. This effort has been
expanded to include Pitkin and Eagle Counties and training all staff in Garfield County.
The vision would include moving this work forward and solidifying practice as the
Trauma Informed portion of the IVE Waiver is introduced in 2014. Colorado West
Mental Health (BHO) has a number of individuals trained in trauma informed care; there
were two individuals who attended the convening with county staff in early April. This
agency has indicated an interest and a willingness to partner in movement towards
assisting with assessment of trauma. A youth serving agency in the three counties that is
responsible for SB94 and provides services for delinquent youth has also received
training and attended the convening in early April. This agency has also expressed
interest and willingness to utilize trauma informed care throughout their assessments and
treatment of this population of youth.
• Collaborative Management Program- Garfield County has been a CMP site since 2008
and the members have developed a solid working relationship. DHS utilizes this group of
community partners as a conduit for information sharing and service development. This
group serves as the Advisory Committee for Core, RRHY and PSSF. Information
regarding the waiver has been shared with this group monthly as it has become available.
GarCo CMP will serve as a working group to allow services to be developed within the
county enhancing the efforts to service children and youth to remain in county. Eagle
County also has an active CMP group. Their community members will work in a similar
fashion on being a gateway for assessing community needs and working towards service
development. Pitkin County is in the early stages of CMP development but have a strong
community collaboration.
• Differential Response- Garfield County was part of the five county demonstration
project. Garfield is serving as a resource for counties that are introducing this practice.
The philosophies that Colorado has adopted as part of this dual track system complement
the IVE activities. This practice change has laid solid ground work for Garfield County to
move into an implementation phase for waiver proposals. The proposal would suggest
that Family Engagement be enhanced and expanded to a neighbor county, the policies
written as part of DR will serve as the venue to allow this to move forward.
• Permanency by Design- The counties haven't taken this particular initiative on as the
definition would suggest but all the components of Permanency by Design are woven
into the practice in the counties. There is no formal plan to "label" any of the work we
have implemented under a Permanency by Design title but the counties will continue to
utilize the components of this model in all areas of interactions with families.
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
Waiver Planning and Monitoring Process:
Briefly describe your planning process to date- Planning has included three main areas:
• Meeting with neighboring counties (Eagle and Pitkin) a number of times to define where
each county is at in the areas as outlined in the waiver. Potential areas of overlap or
where there is a potential for collaboration. Conversations including thoughts and ideas
about how each county plans on implementing the three areas of waiver activity.
• Internal meetings in all the CW Divisions within the region. These discussions have
happened in the context of the work being completed by the CQI team and the
management team. Conversations have included brainstorming on waiver implementation
ideas and matching data with areas of concentration within the waiver.
• External meetings in the community including CMP and other collaborations. This has
included continuous introduction and communication on the direction of CW,
brainstorming on service delivery to support families and commitment from partners to
be part of the planning process.
Attach any written plan or other materials that have been developed related to waiver
implementation- NA
Briefly describe anticipated implementation planning and monitoring activities during the
first year of the waiver- Implementation planning and monitoring activities will be a part of the
CQI team process. The teams are currently monitoring action plans that were put into place as a
result of the process mapping and data review. The suggested activities as a part of the IVE
waiver were developed in part through the work of these teams. The CQI teams are a natural
connection for the monitoring and review of the IVE waiver activities. The activities will also be
monitored by the Executive Team as identified in the contact portion of the application and the
working team.
Barriers:
• Working out details of cross county collaboration
• Integrating additional meetings into practice
• Arranging contracts and creating a practice around a WRAP Facilitator
13
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
• Distance between counties
• Each county's low number of involved children, youth and families
Independent Evaluation:
Family Engagement and Kinship Support Intervention
Primary Contact: Sharon Longhurst Pritt, Services Administrator, spritna,garfield-county.com,
970-625-5282 Ext. 3265.
Additional Evaluation Contact: Matt McGaugh, Unit Manager, mmcmaugh a a8 rfiled-
county.com, 970-625-5282 Ext. 3018
Permanency Round Table Intervention
Primary Contact: Toni Rozanski, Children, Family, and Adult Services Director,
toni.rozanskie,eaglecounty.us
Garfield County has participated in rigorous evaluation with four other counties in Colorado for
the purposes of the DR demonstration project. Matt worked closely with other data experts in
the creation and ongoing work to monitor outcomes on the DR project. The county runs
regular reports and reviews data monthly. GarCo also has completed the first round of CQI
training and implementation.
Eagle County is a Colorado Practice Model County and is completing the first round of the CQI
process. Toni Rozanski is an active member of the POIT and has lead evidenced based
services for CORE services in Denver and Eagle counties. Toni is also a member of the CPM
CQI workgroup.
The counties will continue the practice of reviewing data monthly and submitting reports to the
appropriate BOCC. Through the use of this monthly monitoring the counties will examine
trends and adjust programming as needed.
. Other:
Garfield/Pitkin/Eagle:
I1i
Regional IV -E Waiver Application
North West Regional Intervention
Garfield- Eagle- Pitkin-Moffat-Routt-Rio Blanco Counties
The county has proposed to utilize IV -E waiver funding to pay for FTEs, the two .5 FTE
positions are already positions held within the GarCo CW Division and 3 new positions, 1
for GarCo and 2 in EagCo. Through the savings of these salaried individuals in GarCo the
county would reinvest these dollars into community services. In Eagle County, the
additional positions for Family Engagement and the regional effort of PRT models will
allow implementation with fidelity.
Through the GarCo CQI process a determination was made that the barrier most significantly
impacting the county's ability to keep youth and children in their own homes is the lack of
intensive services to achieve this goal. This becomes a barrier not only at time of initial
placement but also at the point a return home has been achieved. Recidivism rates are
directly linked to a lack of comprehensive services as analyzed and reviewed through the
CQI team. The dollars reinvested would serve as only part of a larger community effort to
pool resources from CMP members to create programming for youth. Other community
members willing to commit resources are behavioral health, schools, probation and Youth
Zone (S1394 and diversion programming). Ground work has been laid and efforts have been
coordinated for a year to create a comprehensive service delivery system to youth that are
at highest risk for high level out of home placement. This same model could be replicated
to service children under the age 12.
Volume VII:
• Will your county request any waiver of rules? No
15
County _Pitkin
I agree to participate in the NW regional model of the IV -E waiver application. By participating, I agree to
support the programmatic requirements, cooperate with the Evaluation Team, and implement the
waiver interventions with fidelity to the models in use.
15 -
Director
Director signature Date
County
I agree to participate in the NW regional model of the IV -E waiver application. By participating, I agree to
support the programmatic requirements, cooperate with the Evaluation Team, and implement the
waiver Interventions with fidelity to the models In use.
%I
Director signature Date
County r-)O.r4I'Fj G
I agree to participate in the NW regional model of the ME waiver application. By participating, I agree to
support the programmatic requirements, cooperate with the Evaluation Team, and Implement the
waiver interventions with fidelity to the models in use.
(A (oc+of
County
I agree to participate in the NW regional model of the ME waiver application. By participating, I agree to
support the programmatic requirements, cooperate with the Evaluation Team, and Implement the
waiver Interventions with fidelity to the models in use.
l
Director signature Date
County 1 u aGla t C
I agree to participate in the NW regional model of the IV -E waiver application, By participating, I agree to
support the prbgrammatic requirements, cooperate with the Evaluation team, and Implement the
waiver Interventions with fidelity to the models In use.
County _ "R Mk
I agree to participate in the NW regional model of the IV -E waiver application. By participating, I agree to
support the programmatic requirements, cooperate with the Evaluation Team, and Implement the
waiver interventions with fidelity to the models in use.
Date
Director signature
Garfield County
Department Of Human Services
PROGRAM AREA:
Child and Adult Protection
EFFECTIVE DATE:
REVISION DATE:
TITLE: Family Group Decision Making
AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE:
FGDM Purpose:
Garfield County recognizes the importance of involving family groups in decision making about
children who need protection or care.
The Family Group Decision Making process actively seeks the collaboration and leadership of
family groups in crafting and implementing plans that support the safety, permanency and well-
being of their children.
FGDM Definition:
A decision-making process when members of the family group are invited and joined by
members of their informal network, community groups, and the child welfare agency that has
become involved in the family's life.
FGDM Key Principals:
• The child's welfare is paramount
• Families should be empowered to be centrally involved in planning for children's futures
• Children's best interest are generally served in a safe home environment within their family
• Immediate and extended family have a right to be given every opportunity to provide for their
children's best interest
• Children, young people and their families have a right to be provided with processes that allow
them to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the children's future care and safety
• A child's need for permanence is critical to ensure their ongoing development
• The family should be centrally involved in decision-making around permanency planning for the
child
• It is essential to work in partnership with families by:
- Showing respect to each participant
- Ensuring accountability for each person's contribution
- Valuing each person's contribution
Page 1 of 4
Respecting the principle that wherever possible, children are best looked after in their own
families
Gaining an understanding of each family's unique and individual needs; and practice in a way
to meet these needs #� )A 1 Ittli,h'ii
FGDM Policy: ES 'i�`` 4'
tJ
Each family involved in a child welfare Assessment/Case with,Garfield County Department of
Human Services shall be given an opportunity to participate in family meetings with the
Department when agency intervention is required, including; Family Group Conferences (FGC),
Team Decision Making Meetings (TDM) & Family Support Meetings (FSM). These meetings can
be initiated by the family or the child welfare agency whenever a pivotal decision about a child is
required. The various meeting types allow Garfield County DHS and families that require DHS
intervention flexible options that emphasize the family's voice in planning and decision making
around safety and permanency of children.
Criteria for holding different Family Meetings:
1.) Family Group Decision Making in Garfield County is mandatory at "Pivotal Decision" making
points when a family is involved with Garfield County DHS.
2.) There can be "Optional Reasons" to provide Family Decision Making meetings for families to
support success of families Garfield County DHS becomes involved with. 1 f}
Pivotal (Mandatorv) Decisions Include:
1.) Emergency removal of child
2.) Considered removal of child
3.) Change in child's placement
4.) Reunification Decisions
5.) Permanency Goal Decisions
Optional Reasons for FGDM:
1.) Family Support Meeting
2.) Case Planning
3.) Transition Planning
4.) Follow up Meetings
5.) Case Closure Planning
t Ot
• Family Group Conference (FGC
-FGC is considered "Family Driven" meetings that allow families to lead decision making by
presenting plans to address identified concerns & agency accepts and supports plans when all
safety concerns are addressed. FGC are to be used at any decision making point, only with
families who include extended family and a "Safety Network" of people to support plans. The
family must be willing to participate in "private time" to craft a plan to be presented to the
agency and GAL (when necessary). Preparation is completed by the Family Meeting
Coordinator, which can take 2-4 weeks to plan and prepare for a Family Group Conference.
• Team Decision Makin (g TD1M
-TDMs are considered "Agency Driven" meetings that include the family's input; the team has
the goal of reaching a consensus; however DHS is responsible for final decision making
regarding court recommendations to ensure child safety. TDMs are used for Emergency
situations and when Pivotal Decisions are to be made; and the family does not fit criteria or want
to participate in Family Group Conferencing.
Page 2 of 4
• FamilSupport Meeting(FSM)
-A meeting when decision making has been made or is not necessary. This meeting is held for
planning purposes to support families. Permanency and Placement changes can happen under a
family support meeting if it appears the options in the case are limited or already agreed on.
Procedure:
• At any point in a Child Welfare Case/Assessment when the family or agency worker feels a
"pivotal decision" about a child needs to be made; or an "optional" family meeting can
occur when the family is in need of support. The family, agency worker or anyone from
the "Safety Network" can request such a meeting.
• Pivotal decisions mandating the need to call a family meeting include:
- Emergency/Considered Removals
- Emergency/Considered Change in Placements
- Permanency Planning
- Family Reunification
- Transition Planning
- Any other issues Related to child safety, permanence and well-being
• The agency worker will need to consult with their supervisor about requesting a family
meeting
• The agency worker will need to consult with the family about having a family meeting;
- clearly explaining meeting types (FGC, TDM, & Family Support)
- clearly stating agency concerns & goals
- explore family concerns & goals relating to decision making and planning for the
meeting
• Following the worker's discussion of the family meeting with the supervisor and the
family; the agency worker will need to provide a completed FGDM referral to the meeting
coordinator and their supervisor.
• The meeting coordinator (if necessary) will consult with the agency worker to confirm aims
and objective for the family meeting. The meeting type will be established by the
coordinator, caseworker and/or management team.
• The meeting coordinator will initiate contact with family (or caseworker, as appropriate)
and begin preparations for scheduling a family meeting.
• Dependent on the type of meeting to be held, TDM, FGC, or FSM, Garfield County DHS
staff will follow the appropriate protocol for the meeting type that will be provided.
Please Note:
• In the event that a pivotal decision needs to be made for a child and the family is
unable or unwilling to have a FGC, the agency will plan for a TDM.
• In the event where there is a restraining order in place or a family member has been
identified as the person responsible for serious physical abuse, injury, separate
meetings will be planned .....(from the TDM protocol.)
Page 3 of 4
• Some Cases will meet criteria to follow the Services Assessment Team's (SAM)
process and protocols. In the event a family's involvement falls under that criterion
(Usually Program Area 4 children); the FGDM Policy will not need to be followed.
Page 4 of 4
County Name: North West Regional
Intervention: Family Engagement
Cost Projected
Workload
0
*FTE (Include position level and function)GarCo 80,601 20 family meetings per month
*FTE (Include position level and function)EagCo 88,792 20 family meetings permonth
*FTE (Include position level and function)TriCo 50,000 Case load of 15 families /(
*FTE (include position level and function) � J
Caseworker level positions with assigned responsibility for facilitation exclusively I
Total FTE Costs 219,393
Hardware/Software Costs - Detail below
Office Supplies and Equipment 2,550
Training 2,322
Travel (Incurred getting to the family meetings) 4,054
Transportation (For Families)
Total Request 228,320
*&Include Salary, benefits, mileage, cellphone
Garfield and Eagle County's cost to employ a FTE are higher then the suggested amount of 55,000
i�
IV -E Waiver Budget Needs (7/1/13-6/30/14)
Salary + Benefits/Contractor
1 GarCo FTE 80,601
1 Contracted FTE 50,000
.5 FTE Bret 37,040 i
.5 FTE Mikki 29,144 l I �jll
TOTAL 196,785 �g
Office supplies & Equip
1- Garco FTE 2,550
2 - .5 FTE 300
TOTAL 2,850
PRT
Training 1,309
Travel 1,620
TOTALI 2,929
FE
Training
Travel
2,322 _ N,
44,7-1
054
TOTAL 6;3771'` 1
GRAND TOTAL 208,941
1
County Name: Garfield/Eagle
Intervention PRT
Cost Projected Workload
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Garfield .5 37,040 regional coverage for PRTs
*FTE (Include position level and function) Eagle
1 FTE 88,792 regional coverage for PRTs
*FTE (include position level and function)
*FTE (include position level and function)
Caseworker position with function of providing facilitated meetings exclusively
Total FTE Costs (.5 FTE) 125,832
Garfield Eagle
Hardware/Software Costs - Detail below for Garfield. 600
Office Supplies and Equipment 300 2000
Travel (Incurred getting to meetings) 1,620 5134
Training
Transportation (For Families) 1,309 2566
3,229 10300
Total Request 139,061
*&Include Salary, benefits, mileage, cellphone
County Name: North West Region Cost Projected
Intervention: Kniship Supports Workload
*FTE (include position level and function) 29,144
*FTE (Include position level and function) rr 1 ��v 111
*FTE (Include position level and function) K
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Caseworker posistion with functions including resource/foster home/kin home responsibilities
Total FTE Costs (.5 FTE) 29,144 n
Hardware/Software Costs - Detail below
Transportation (For Families)
Kinship Hard Supports
(detail per unit costs and units needed)
Detailed information was submitted with the original application
Total Request
*&Include Salary, benefits, mileage, cellphone
County Name Number of out of home placements
Foster Homes Certified Kin Homes Group Homes Residential Care
Garfield a 5 3 9
Eagle 2 3 1 6
Proposed Reduction Number of out of home placements
Foster Homes Certified Kin Homes Group Homes Residential Care
Garfield 5 3 2 5
Eagle 2 3 0 5
Projected $ Savings:
Garfield Eagle
Foster Homes
1,500 mthly
Certified Kin Homes
1,000 mthly
Group Homes
2,000 mthly
Residential Care
24,000 mthly
total
$50,000
Comments: Eagle -- Eagle County would like to aim to have one PRT youth move into permanency
intervention from residential care to foster care in the next year. Eagle County projects a $50,000
well as efforts to reunify children and youth faster and /or establish permanency for children and
C4 -
Kinship Foster Care Budget; Maxi7 Ant ipated Families
umber of Families
Monthly Cost Participating in
Services Family Service
Hard Services
Monthly or Average Monthly
One -Time Total
Furniture
$ 200.00
2
$400.00
Diapers
$35.00
1
$35.00
Wipes
$12.00
1
$12.00
Clothes
$40.00
3
$120.00
Bedding
$25.00
3
$75.00
Shoes
$15.00
4
$60.00
School Supplies
$35.00
5
$175.00
Gifts
$50.00
3
$150.00
Food
$100.00
3
$300.00
Mattresses
$120.00
2
1 $240.00
./Transportation
9/1/13-6/30/14 Hard Services Subtotal: $2084.00
Fuel $50.00 2
$100.00
Tires $300.00 2
$600.00
Repairs $200.00 2
$400.00
Bus Passes $50.00 2
$100.00
9/1/13-6/30/14 Transportation Subtotal: $1200.00
One Day/Month $216.00 1 $216.00
Three Days/Month $648.00 1 $648.00 j
9/1/13-6/30/14 Respite Subtotal: $8640.00 DiVK1'
✓Training
Staff
Kinship Family $700.00 7 1 $4900.00 1
9/1/13-6/30/14 Training Subtotal: $4900.00
Daycare 1�0
Monthly Rate $700.00 1 $700.00 7
D 9/1/13-6/30/14 Daycare Subtotal: ,000 Vexr
,/Recreation
Activities -$50.00 7 $350.00
9/1/13-6/30/14 Recreation Subtotal: $350.00
Education
Tutoring _
$80.00
1
$80.00
After school
Activities
$25.00
3
3
$75.00
Sports Fee
$75.00
$225.00
Education Subtotal: $1775.00 - () �W
)me. We estimate that could save us around $43,000 a year, which we could then reinvest in other
is IV-E funding $6, 717.00 That leaves $6,717.00 Moffat County dollars monthly. 50% of that to be
fficult to predict an amount. But for the sake of this exercise we would estimate a savings of 6 mon•
Average Length of Stay
Foster Homes Certified Kin Homes Group Homes Residential Care
224 70 315 188
Average Length of Stay
Foster Homes Certified Kin Homes Group Homes Residential Care
180 60 175 150
with family and another PRT youth step down a level in
savings in placement expenditures from these goals as
/or youth for children within 12 months of placement.
County Name: Garfield/Eagle
Intervention PRT
0
Cost Projected Workload
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Garfield .5 37,040 regional coverage for PRTs
*FTE (Include position level and function) Eagle
1 FTE 88,792 regional coverage for PRTs
*FTE (Include position level and function)
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Caseworker position with function of providing facilitated meetings exclusively
Total FTE Costs (.5 FTE) 125,832
Garfield J
Hardware/Software Costs - Detail below for Garfield. -.
Office Supplies and Equipment 300
Travel (Incurred getting to meetings) 1,620
Training
Transportation (For Families), 1,309
,�_ �r
Total Request 3,229
Eagle___�
600
2000
5134
*&Include Salary, benefits, mileage, cellphone
2566 im ,'
10300
139,061
County Name: North West Regional
Intervention: Family Engagement
Projected
Cost Workload
Ali ID
*FTE (Include position level and function)GarCo 80,601 20 family meetings per month
*FTE (Include position level and function)EagCo 88,792 20 family meetings permonth
*FTE (Include position level and function)TriCo 50,000 Case load of 15 families
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Caseworker level positions with assigned responsibility for facilitation exclusively
Total FTE Costs 219,393
Hardware/Software Costs - Detail below
Office Supplies and Equipment 2,550
Training 2,322
Travel (Incurred getting to the family meetings) 4,054
Transportation (For Families)
Total Request 228,320
*&Include Salary, benefits, mileage, cellphone
Garfield and Eagle County's cost to employ a FTE are higher then the suggested amount of 55,000
County Name: Garfield/Eagle
Intervention PRT Cost Projected Workload
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Garfield .5 37,040 regional coverage for PRTs
*FTE (Include position level and function) Eagle
1 FTE 88,792 regional coverage for PRTs
*FTE (Include position level and function)
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Caseworker position with function of providing facilitated meetings exclusively
Total FTE Costs (.5 FTE) 125,832
Garfield Eagle
Hardware/Software Costs - Detail below for Garfield. 600
Office Supplies and Equipment 300 2000
Travel (Incurred getting to meetings) 1,620 5134
Training
Transportation (For Families) 1,309 2566
3,229 10300
Total Request 139,061
*&Include Salary, benefits, mileage, cellphone
County Name: North West Region Cost Projected
Intervention: Kniship Supports Workload
*FTE (Include position level and function) 29,144
*FTE (Include position level and function)
*FTE (Include position level and function)
*FTE (Include position level and function)
Caseworker posistion with functions including resource/foster home/kin home responsibilities
Total FTE Costs (.5 FTE) 29,144
Hardware/Software Costs - Detail below
Transportation (For Families) �{�
Kinship Hard Supports t ` OC
(detail per unit costs and units needed)
Detailed information was submitted with the original application
Total Request
MInclude Salary, benefits, mileage, cellphone
County
Number
of Youth
Eagle
Garfield
Moffat
11
252 miles round trip
178 miles round trip
6048 miles annually 2 PRT/day
4272 miles annually 2 PRT/day
120 hr in travel annually
72 hr in travel annually
Eagle
2
118 miles round trip
472 miles annually 2 PRT/day
8 hr in travel annually
Pitkin
0
144 miles round trip
136 miles round trip
NA
NA
NA
NA
Routt
2
168 miles round trip
262 miles round trip
672 miles annually 2 PRT/day
1048 miles annually 2 PRT/day
8 hours in travel annually
20 hours in travel annually
Rio Blanco
3
200 miles round trip
82 miles round trip
1600 miles annually
656 miles annually
32 hours in travel annually
16 hours in travel annually
Garfield
8
118 miles round trip
1888 miles annually 2 PRT/day
32 hours in travel annually
208 meeting hours
(2 hrs/meeting)
312 prep/post hours (1
hr prep/2 hrs post)
In Moffat - 24 nights @ hotel ($90) _
$2,160
10,208 miles X $0.55 = $5,654
208 meeting hours
(2 hrs/meeting)
312 prep/post hours (1
hr prep/2 hrs post)
In Moffat - 24 nights @ hotel ($90) _
$2,160
6,448 miles X $0.55 = $3,546
TOTALS $7,814 $5,706
710 Hours 636 Hours
STATE OF COLORADO
Colorado Depailment
cdhs of Human 5ervic9l;
people who help people
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
]ulle Krow, MA, LPC, Director
Division of Child Welfare Services
1575 Sherman Street, 21' Floor
Denver, Colorado 80203-1714
Phone 303.866.5932 Fax 303.866.5563
www.colorado.gov/cdhs
CORRECTED
August 19, 2013
Ms. Toni Rozanski
Eagle County Department of Health and Human Services
PO Box 660 551 Broadway
Eagle, CO 81631
Dear Ms. Rozanski,
John W. Hickenlooper
Governor
Reggie Bicha
Executive Director
We are pleased to inform you that Eagle County Department of Health and Human Services is being
awarded Title IV -E Waiver Demonstration Project funding by the Colorado Department of Human Services,
Office of Children, Youth, and Families.
Each application was reviewed and follow up contact was made with each applicant to further define the
request for funding. These discussions included:
• Review by two separate staff to assure county plan was evaluated against criteria established by a
state/county workgroup
• Removing federally disallowed expenditures
• Removing costs not directly related to service
• Removing optional or other components not defined as core components of model
• Focusing on fidelity
• Focusing on average cost per child
Given thorough review of your application, it was determined your county will receive $99,092.00. This
funding shall be used to fund the following interventions:
Permanency Roundtables $99,092.00
$99,092.00
Staff will need to be hired or designated, and intervention implementation in place by July 30, 2013.
Funding is allocated for State Fiscal Year 2013. A separate application process will be in place to secure
funding for subsequent years. The Memorandum of Understanding is being sent separately for review and
signatures. Please return the signed MOU by Monday, September 30, 2013 to Paige (Black) Rosemond,
r)aige.rosemondCa)state.co.us, 303-866-2866.
In implementing Family Engagement and Kinship Supports, please focus your efforts on serving new cases,
kin, families, youth and children. You are able to continue efforts with existing families, but they will not be
included in the specific Title IV -E Waiver funded intervention. To further understanding of the evaluation
process and logic models, the evaluator, Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) is convening
participant counties. You will receive communication about the specific locations, dates, and time. HSRI
will review the Evaluation Plan, expectations and terms, and solicit your input regarding the individual
intervention logic models.
We are encouraged by your participation in the Project and look forward to continued collaboration. Please
contact us with any questions. Also, join us every other Monday, from 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM (877-820-7831,
742294#) to discuss any implementation and/or funding questions. The next phone conference is
scheduled for August 5, 2013.
Sincerely,
Deputy Office Director
Acting Child Welfare Director
Office of Children, Youth and Families