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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBocc Packet 03262014 Permanency for Children MOUAGENDA ITEM SUMMARY REGULAR MEETING DATE: March 26, 2014 AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Resolution Approving A Memorandum of Understanding Between Garfield County and Pitkin County for Permanency for Children STAFF RESPONSIBLE: Kim DuBois, Nan Sundeen ISSUE STATEMENT: Today the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is asked to approve first reading and set for second reading and public hearing the attached Resolution to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between Garfield County and Pitkin County for Permanency for Children. BACKGROUND: The Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Welfare Services was awarded a Title IV-E Demonstration Waiver on October 23, 2012 by the Children's Bureau. The waiver will build on four initiatives already in place in Colorado counties: Differential Response, Permanency by Design, the Colorado Practice Model, and the Collaborative Management Program. The Title IV-E waiver allows five interventions to build on the initiatives. The five interventions are: Family Engagement, Permanency Roundtables, Trauma -Informed Assessment, Trauma -Informed Treatment, and Kinship Supports. Goals of the Title IV-E Waiver are: • Increased permanency for infants, children and youth by: o reducing time in foster placements, and o promoting 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 Through evidence -based interventions and fidelity to the models, the Title IV-E Waiver seeks to: • Decrease lengths of stay for: o children and youth in care twelve months or longer and o youth 16 years and older (initially) with a permanency goal of Other Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (OPPLA) • Decrease the use of congregate care • Increase the appropriate use of trauma -informed assessments and trauma -informed treatment throughout Colorado • Decrease over -reliance on psychotropic medications for children and youth in out -of -home care • Decrease the large number of short-term placements with front-end loading of services and supports • Increase stability in out -of -home care, thereby reducing the number of moves while in care • Reduce the number of entries and re-entries into out -of -home care 1 The Title IV-E Waiver is a five-year project. "All 64 counties will participate in the waiver, with some becoming more active earlier in the waiver than others, and with each county having the option to target its waiver interventions most appropriate for its population and community environment." Family Engagement will be state-wide by the end of the five years. Trauma -Informed Assessment and Trauma - Informed Treatment will be statewide beginning July 1, 2014. Counties/regions will implement Permanency Roundtables and Kinship Supports as they are able. In 2013, Garfield and Pitkin County Human Services submitted a combined application to the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) for participation, funding and implementation of the Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project and were awarded funding (Garfield County is the fiscal agent) for Family Engagement and Kinship Support activities. Additional staff was hired through Garfield County and assigned responsibilities related directly to the implementation of the activities as described in the Title IV-E Waiver application. Since early 2011, Garfield and Pitkin County Human Services have been collaborating on foster care retention, recruitment, certification and training. This arrangement has benefited both counties and was a solid foundation for the combined Title IV-E Waiver application for Kinship Support. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Garfield County and Pitkin County for Permanency for Children memorializes our agreement to work together on the foster care program, family engagement and kinship support. LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN: Livable and Supportive Community: A sense of personal and community safety KEY DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1.Review and amend (as needed) the proposed Resolution to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Garfield County for Permanency for Children. BUDGETARY IMPACT: None, Garfield County is the fiscal agent and these programs will be "cost neutral" to Pitkin County. RECOMMENDED BOCC ACTION: Approve the first reading and set for second reading and public hearing the attached Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding between Garfield County and Pitkin County for Permanency for Children. ATTACHMENTS: A) Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between Garfield County and Pitkin County for Permanency for Children. B) Memorandum of Understanding between Garfield County and Pitkin County for Permanency for Children. 2 (ATTACHMENT A) A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN GARFIELD COUNTY AND PITKIN COUNTY FOR PERMANENCY FOR CHILDREN Resolution # Recitals WHEREAS, the Counties are authorized to make the most efficient and effective use of their governmental powers, responsibilities and monies by cooperating and contracting with other governments. Colo. Const. art. XIV 18(2)(a) and (2)(b): Colorado Revised Statutes 29-1-201; and, WHEREAS, Garfield County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) for participation, funding and implementation of the Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project; and, WHEREAS, Garfield County and Pitkin County submitted a combined application to the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) for participation, funding and implementation of the Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project and were awarded funding (Garfield County is fiscal agent) for Family Engagement and Kinship Support activities. Additional Staff was hired through Garfield county and assigned responsibilities related directly to the implementation of the activities as described in the Title IV-E Waiver application; and, WHEREAS, Garfield and Pitkin County have been collaborating on foster care retention, recruitment, certification and training since early 2011. This arrangement has benefited both counties and was a solid foundation for the combined IV-E Waiver application for Kinship Support. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO, that Pitkin County enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Garfield County for the provision of services described in the Permanency for Children agreement and that the Chair be authorized to execute such agreement on behalf of Pitkin County. INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ ON THE 26th DAY OF MARCH, 2014. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLISHED IN THE ASPEN TIMES WEEKLY ON THE DAY OF FULL TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION POSTED ON THE OFFICIAL PITKIN COUNTY WEBSITE ON ADOPTED AFTER SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON PUBLISHED BY TITLE AND SHORT SUMMARY, AFTER ADOPTION, IN THE ASPEN TIMES WEEKLY AND POSTED ON THE PITKIN COUNTY OFFICIAL WEBSITE ON 3 ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO Jeanette Jones Deputy Clerk & Recorder APPROVED AS TO FORM: By Robert A. Ittner, Jr., Chair Date: MANAGER APPROVAL: John Ely, County Attorney Jon Peacock, County Manager 4 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN GARFIELD COUNTY AND PITILN COUNTY FOR PERMANENCY FOR CHILDREN THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDJNG ("MOU") is hereby entered into by and between the Board of County Commissioners of Garfield County, Colorado ("Garfield County") and the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin County, Colorado ("Pitkin County"), each a body corporate and politic, hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Counties or Parties". RECITALS A. The Counties are authorized to make the most efficient and effective use of their governmental powers, responsibilities and monies by cooperating and contracting with other governments. Colo. Coast, art. XIV §§ 18(2)(a) and (2)(b); Colorado Revised Statutes § 29-1-201. B. In 2013, Garfield County entered into an MOLT with the Colorado Department of Human Services ("CDHS") for participation, funding and implementation of the Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project. C. Garfield County and Pitkin County submitted a combined application to the Colorado Department of Human Services ("CDHS") for participation, funding and implementation of the Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project and were awarded funding (Garfield County is fiscal agent) for Family Engagement and Kinship Support activities. Additional staff was hired through Garfield County and assigned responsibilities related directly to the implementation of the activities as described in the Title IV-E Waiver application. D. Garfield and Pitkin County have been collaborating on foster care retention, recruitment, certification and training since early 2011. This arrangeinent has benefited both counties and was a solid foundation for the combined IV-E Waiver application for Kinship Support. NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, the Parties agree as follows: 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The foregoing Recitals are incorporated here as if set forth in full. 1 2013-14 IV-E Mou 2. Purpose. The purpose of this MOU is to formalize a cooperative relationship between the aforementioned Counties for the purpose of cooperating to identify and increase efficiency and effectiveness for family engagement activities; foster care and kinship placement services for children and families in, Garfield and Pitkin/Eagle (El Jebel and Basalt) Counties. Pitkin County has entered into a separate MOU with Eagle County to provide these services in western Eagle County (El Jebel and Basalt). 3. Objective. The objective of this MOU is to establish a working relationship between the Counties to identify and contribute resources to develop a coordinated program for the efficient management of services related to increased permanency outcomes including: family engagement activities and foster care/kinship placements/supports while ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements and mandates. 4. Benefits. The benefits to both Parties will be to: A. Provide foster care placement for children within their community to minimize trauma related to removal from parents. B. Promote accessibility of services for parents and children to maximize contact and potential for reunification. C. Increase the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of services delivered to children and families who would benefit from permanency services including: family engagement services, foster care/kinship services and supports. D. Encourage cost and resource sharing among the Counties to maximize efficiencies. (Cost sharing for Family Engagement Activities and Kinship Support and Services are funded by a joint 1V-E Waiver application through CDHS, administered and funded through Garfield County to expand service delivery area to include PitkinfEagle (El Jebel and Basalt). 4. Family Engagement. Family Engagement is defined for purposes of the W-E Waiver as facilitated family meetings_ Facilitators are trained individuals neutral from the case to be discussed. Family meetings may include but are not limited to parents, caregivers, relatives, children (discretion is to be used,) friends, community support persons, school personnel, service providers and DHS. The purpose of the meeting may vary but generally it will serve the need to create a safety net of support or service planning. The Counties will adhere to the Garfield County Family Group Decision Making Policy attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference and any revisions thereto. The Counties will also adhere to the following guidelines regarding family engagement services: • Garfield County will provide Family Meeting Facilitation for Pitkin County families. • Pitkin County agrees to adhere to the Garfield County policy on Family Group Decision Making attached hereto as Exhibit A. This policy is under review and any revisions will be completed by 581/14. Garfield County will be responsible for the delivery of the revised Family Group Decision Policy to Pitkin County after the revisions are completed. • Mileage and expenses are the responsibility of Garfield County and reimbursed through IV-E funding received from the state. 2 2013-14 IV-E Mou • Meetings are to be scheduled at the convenience of the family but will not start any later than 6:00 prn. Weekend meetings will be avoided unless no other time can be devised. • Days and times of the family meetings will be coordinated between the two counties. e Garfield County will be responsible for entering Family Meetings in Trails. Pitkin County will be responsible for adding Garfield County staff as secondary workers to allow for this to happen. • Garfield County Family Facilitators will be responsible for recording the discussion of the family meeting and distributing the notes, including next steps, within two business days of the meeting. • Pitkin County will be responsible for the delivery of the outcome of the Family Meeting. • Family Facilitators will be responsible to arrange space for the meeting and coordinate with the Pitkin County caseworker in arranging and inviting participants to the meeting. • There will be no exchange of funding for the Family Engagement portion of this MOU. • Family meetings will be conducted at identified points in a case as follows: o At case opening — within 7 business days after the 60th day (69 days by including weekends); o Within 7 business days of initial placement; o Every 90 days when in out -of -home care (DISfDSS custody); and o Every 6 months when in -home (case open). 5. Kinship Support. Kinship Support is defined as a caregiver for children that is identified through the family. This family or individual may be a blood relative or an identified family support person unrelated. The Counties will adhere to the Garfield County Emergency Kinship Placements Policy attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated herein by reference and any revisions thereto. (This policy is being reviewed and revisions will be completed by 5/31/14.) In addition to following the Garfield County Emergency Kinship Policy, the following sets forth the responsibilities of Garfield County and Pitkin County as it relates to the IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project - Kinship Support: Garfield County Responsibilities: • Deliver to Pitkin County the revised Emergency Kinship Policy as soon as possible after the revisions are completed. • Receive referrals from both Pitkin and Garfield counties regarding potential foster and kin homes. • Follow up with the potential home explaining the application process, requirements for certification and training. • Complete the home study for foster and kin homes for both Pitkin and Garfield Counties. • Home studies will be approved through the Retention and Recruitment Team. 3 2013-14 LV-E Mau • Complete recertification for Pitkin and Garfield foster and kin homes following the Garfield County Foster Care Certification/Recertification Policy; a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein. • Foster Care Coordinator will assist with the training of Pitkin County staff regarding foster care regulations and certification process as applicable. • Adhere to policies and procedures developed and agreed upon within the Retention and Recruitment Team • Participate through regular attendance in the Retention and Recruitment Team. Pitkin County Responsibilities • Pitkin County agrees to adhere to the Garfield County Emergency Kinship Placements Policy attached hereto as Exhibit B. • Monitor licensed foster homes once the initial certification has been completed. • Complete ICPC request for Pitkin County. • Participate through regular attendance in the Retention and Recruitment Team. • Adhere to policies and procedures developed and agreed upon within the Retention and Recruitment Team Counties combined responsibilities: • Training will be provided to foster and kin homes through a combined effort from both counties. • Garfield and Pitkin counties will combine efforts to organize and execute foster and kin home celebrations and recognition events. • Review, revise and update the current Garfield County policies and processes currently in place to include kinship placements and an agreed upon delivery of common practice. Discussion will happen within the Retention and Recruitment Team meetings. o In the event an agreement isn't able to be reached in a particular area both counties agree that the respective county policy will override the combined agreement when the home or ease is within their jurisdiction. a Each county will continue to develop and grow the foster care collaboration through seeking out resources and entertaining proposals that enhance the ability for the collaborative effort to fatly develop. Communication and program development will be discussed and agreed upon within the context of the Retention and Recruitment Team. • Each County shall be responsible for ensuring that its citizens who require a foster care or kinship placement are placed and provided necessary services. 6. Kinship Support Funding. Through the IV-E Waiver Demonstration Project, Garfield County in collaboration with Pitkin County was awarded $14,000.00 for kinship support. This money is to be used to support kin when individuals or families are providing care for children involved in the Child Welfare system. 4 24I3-14IV-E Mou Access Funding and Approval Process • An application will be completed and submitted to the Resource Manager (RM) to access Kinship Support Funding. • The RM will review the request within three days of receipt and consult with Pitkin County if needed. If consultation isn't needed the request will be approved within three days and the Services Administrator for Pitkin County will be notified of the approval via email. • Pitkin County will purchase the approved expense and invoice Garfield County for reimbursement. Original receipts and supporting. documentation will he provided by Pitkin County. Garfield County will prepare a voucher for reimbursement upon receipt of the invoice and supporting information. • If an emergency presents and prior approval is not able to be obtained Pitkin County can spend up to $500.00 without preapproval. In these rare occurrences the RAM will be notified and the application will be completed within two business days. B Pitkin County will be responsible for the purchase and delivery of the items to the kin home. • Review of the expenditures and remaining balance of funds will be discussed monthly at the Retention and Recruitment Team meeting. ® Dependent on continued funding past 6/30/14 amounts stated in this MOU may need to be revisited and adjusted. • The intent of the available $14,000.00 is to allow up to $1,000.00 per kin family. This amount may be overridden if special circumstances present. The same process will be utilized to approve additional funding. • Pitkin County and Garfield County Service Administrations will review practices bi- annually to ensure compliance with the MOU and IV-E Waiver guidelines. Adjustments will be made as needed with agreement from both paries. 7. Payments Subject to Annual Appropriations. The Counties' financial obligations under this MOU are subject to annual appropriation and budgeting. This MOU is not intended to, nor does it create a multi -year fiscal obligation as defined by Section 20, Article X of the Constitution of the State of Colorado. Further, this MOU is expressly conditioned upon the receipt of funds from the State of Colorado, and/or federal funding sources, as applicable to this MOU. 8. Termination. Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the non -terminating party. In the event of such termination the Counties agree to work cooperatively to ensure the on -going delivery of services to children and families within their regions. 9. Notice and Representatives. All notices required under this MOU shall be transmitted in writing and shall be deemed duly given when hand -delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or by electronic communication, addressed to the following: 5 2913-14 I V.E Mau Pitkin Cottno, Kim DuBois, IA SW 0405 Castle Creek Road Suite 8 Aspen, CO 81611 970-4 29-204 3 Email: kim.duboisg2comitkin.co.us Garfield County Susan Garcia, MSW 195 West 14th Street Rifle, CO 81650 Email: saarciaru arfield--countv.co: i Either Party may change the identity of its designated representative and the address to which future notices shall be sent by providing written notice in accordance with this paragraph. Formal amendment of this MOU to affect such a change is not rewired. 10. Compliance with Laws. The Parties shall comply with all laws, ordinances, codes and regulations of the federal, state, and local governments applicable to this MOU, in its performance under this MOU, including requirements associated with confidentiality of information and I IIPPA privacy requirements. 11. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Parties may receive or create certain Protected Health Information. (PI-11) in connection with the performance of this MOU. This PHI is subject to protection under state and federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191 (HIPAA). The Parties agree to safeguard and protect the confidentiality of PHI consistent with applicable law, including currently effective provisions of I IIPAA and the Regulations. 12. Indemnity/No Waiver of Governmental Immunity Act. Garfield County and Pitkin County acknowledge that each is subject to the constitutional prohibitions against indemnification pursuant to Colorado Constitution article Xi, § 1 and that as governmental entities neither party agrees to indemnify the other. Nothing herein shall be deemed a waiver of the Colorado Governmental immunity Act for or by either party. C.R.S. § 24-10-101 et seq. 13. Term of Agreement. This MOU shall become effective on July 1, 2013 and will terminate on June 30, 2014, no natter the date of execution by the Parties. This MOU may be extended for additional terms or amended upon written agreement of the Parties. 14. Counterparts. This MOU may be executed in cote parts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and ail of which, when taken together, shall be deemed the same instrument. Facsimile or photographic signatures of either party to this MOU or subsequent modifications thereto, shall be effective for all purposes. 6 2O13-!4 !V-E Mot 15. No Joint Venture. Nothing in this A reement shall be construed to create a joint venture, partnership, employer/employee, or other relationship between the Parties other than that of independent contracting parties. 16. No Third -Party Beneficiary. No third party may enforce or rely upon this Agreement. 17. Whole Agreement. This MOU sets forth the whole agreement of the Parties. No representations, either verbal or written, shall be considered binding on either party to the extent not set forth herein. 18. Authority. Each person signing this IN,40U represents and warrants that the individual is fully authorized to enter into and execute this MOU and to bind the Party it represents to the terms and conditions thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Garfield County and Pitkin County have executed duplicate originals of this MOU. ATTEST: Jerk to the Board ATTEST: Clerk to the Board OARD OF CO j COMMISSIONERS OF INFIELD C #, COLORADO BOARD OF COUN CO i1 SIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO By: Chairman Date: 7 2013-14 i`J-EMo. Garfield County Department Of Human Services PROGRAM AREA: Child and Adult Protection TITLE: Family Group Decision Making EFFECTIVE DATE: REVISION DATE: -A'//' AUTHORIZING SlNATURE: 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 irnpl mcnting plans that support the safety, pernaarency and well- being of their children_ FGDIVI 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. FGDII 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 O 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 o The family should be centrally involved in decision -making around permanency planning for the child • Et is essential to work in partnership with families by: - Showing respect to each participant - Ensuring accountability for each person's contribution Page 1 of 4 EXHIBIT A TO MOU Val €ini: each person's contribution 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 FGDM Policy: Each family involved in a child welfare Assessment/Case with. Garfield County Department of Human Services shall be given an opportunity to participate in facilitated fannily 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: I.) 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. Pivotal (Mandatory) Decisions Include: I.) 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 Farnily Group Conference (FGC) -FGC is considered "Fancily 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 Making (TDM) -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 Page 2 of 4 EXHIBIT A TO MOU situations and when Pivotal Decisions are to be made; and the family does not fit criteria or warit to participate in Family Group Conferencirig. Family Support Meeting ( al) -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 areed on_ Procedure: e 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 B 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 fancily 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 fatnily; 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 teary. • 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: B 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. Page 3 of 4 EXHBriA TOMOUJ 6 In the event where there is a restraining order in dace or a family member has been identified as the person responsible for serious physical abuse, injury, separate greetings will be planned .....(from the TDM protocol.) 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 EXHIBIT A TO MOU Department Of Human Services PROGRAM AREA: CW — FOSTER CARE EFFECTIVE DATE: 2/20/2008 REVISION DATE:5111109; 2112114 TITLE: EMERGENCY KINSHIP PLACEMENTS 7.304.21 & 7.500.312 AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE: POLICY: In the event that an emergency placement of a child is necessary, GCDHS will first assess the suitability of kin ("relatives or persons ascribed by the family as having a family -like relationship" 7.304.21A). There are two scenarios in which to utilize this policy and procedure. 1. Kinship Care: GCDHS has not assumed legal authority for placement or taken legal custody of the child(ren). However, the child(ren) has been placed into the legal custody of kin by the Court. 2. Kinship Foster Care: The family and/or GCDHS have deckled it is appropriate for the kinship provider to become a certified Kinship Foster Home. GCDHS has assumed legal authority for the placement or taken legal custody of the child(ren). In this scenario, GCDHS has the ability to open a provisional Kinship Foster Care certificated. PROCEDURE: In both scenarios immediately upon the emergency placement of a child in a kinship home: 1. Family must complete the Colorado Department of Human Services Original Application (CWS-61) if the kinship provider has obtained custody: indicate "kinship care" at the top of this application. (this information is necessary for the resource unit to open the provider in Trails as either Kinship Care, or Kinship Foster Care). 2. Child welfare worker must complete the Garfield County safety checklist (ensure the safety of the home). 3. Child welfare worker must complete a local law enforcement check (either with the County Sheriffs office or with local city police department depending on the residence of the family. (19-3-406 (2), 7.304.21 D.2.f.) This can be a verbal report but must be done prior to placement. 4. Complete a Trails A/N check if able. 5. Child Welfare worker must give fingerprint cards to the providers and anyone else in the home over the age of 18. Instruct to go to the Sheriffs office to be complete. These must be complete and turned into the Resource Unit within 72 hours of placement (Volume 7.304.21 D 2.f.3) EXHIBIT B TO MOU 6. 7.304.21 D 2. f. 7: "A county department or a focal law enforcement agency shall not make an emergency placement or continue the emergency placement of a child with a person who has been convicted of one or more of the Following offenses: a) Child abuse, as described in Section 18-5-401. C.R.S.; b) A orime of violence, as defined in Section 181.3 406, C.R.S.; c) A felony offense involving unlawful sexual behavior, as defined in Section 16-22-102(9), G.R.S.; d) A felony, the underlying actual basis of which has been found by the court on the record to include an act of domestic violence, as defined in Suction 118-6-500.3, C.R.S.; e) A felony involving physics€ assauii or a drug -related offense, committed within the preceding five years; f) Violation of a protection order, as described in Section 18-6-803.5, C.R.S.; g) A crime involving homicide; or, h) An offense in any other state the elements of which are subsntially similar to the elements of any one of the offenses described in a-g, above. When GCDHS has legal custody of the child('r en) the placement provider must also complete the following: 7. Family must sign the Provider Contract (EFFECTIVE DATES MUST BE "PROVISIONAL" (date of placement toe° days from placement date). On the next working day following placement 1. Placing caseworker must Inform Resource Unit of placement (may be done via email). Provide resource unit with the completed application, contract (if DHS has custody) and a copy of the safety checklist 2. The resource worker will complete the Lexis-Nexis court check end provide results to the caseworker. 3. Placing caseworker will request the NCIC background check on anyone over the age of 18 residing in the home. -(Request completed through the Child Welfare intake Unit). 4. Placing caseworker will complete the Trails A!N check if unable to do at time of placement_ 5. Placing caseworker will schedule a Clinical Assessment Team meeting to address the emergency placement. And refer the case for a Team Decision Making meeting as indicated for an emergency placement. 5. In the case that legal custody is with CCDHS, the Resource Unit will open a provisional certificate in Trails and provide the placing caseworker with the provider number_ 7. if GCDHS has not taken legal custody, the Resource Unit will open the provider as "kinship Care and provide the worker with a provider number. In this situation the worker will attach the child to the provider and select no pay'. Additional Information: 1. Refer to Garfield County Certification Policy and Volume 7.500.312 for certification of a kinship foster home. 2. A decision may be made to transfer custody of the children to relatives rather than proceeding with the process to certify as a kinship foster home. 3. If relatives do not obtain temporary or permanent custody and the home is not certified within the 6O days of the provisional license, children must mote to a certified home. Garfield County] Department Of Human Services PROGRAM AREA: Cat -Foster Care EFFECTIVE DATE: REVISION DATE: �- i/ it TITLE: Foster Care Certification/Recertification 7.708 AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE: Purpose: To determine the appropriateness, certification, and recertification of foster homes. Policy: Garfield County provides certification and recertification for foster homes providing 24 hour, temporary or long term care for children under the age of 18 years who must live outside their own homes and are in need of protection andlor supervision. (7.500.31) Garfield County does not certify homes for adoption only. tf families are interested in adoption from the Child Welfare system, Garfield County requires families to foster for one year prior to pursuing a search for a legally free child. Garfield County may certify a home for adoption in child specific cases. This is determined on a case by case basis. Procedure: Initial Certification and Assessment 1. Within 5 working days of initial inquiry, Foster Care Coordinator (FCC) will discuss general information regarding state and county requirements with the individual. FCC will meet with prospective foster parents within 6 weeks after initial inquiry. (7.506.31 C & D) 2. Send out packet w thin 5 days of discussion: o Introductory letter, pamphlets s CSVV-61 Application • CORE Training registration information • Fingerprint cards & letter wfinstructions (over 18) ® SAFE Questionnaire 1 1st Aid/ CPR information a Release of information 3. VVithin 5 working days of when packet paperwork is returned; • Perform TRAILS A&N check • • Enter into TRAILS for provider number G Perform Lexis-Nexis check 4 Perform the 5 year out of state background check (if applicable) • Enter all information • Send fingerprints to CBI & FBI whetter n Type info onto SAFE template * Send Reference fetters out • Review SAFE questionnaire 1 1 EXHIBIT C TO MU 5. Subsequent visits: G Individual and joint interviews • Child(ren) interviews e Other household member interviews • Binder with policies • EB r form 6. Following completion of the home assessment and if it is determined that the applicants meet all requirements, the Home Study will be presented to the Clinical Assessment Team (CAT) and a (1) year time -limited certificate shall be issued if approved. Based on the information received during the certification process, Garfield County Department of Human Services may or may not approve homes for Family Foster Care (7.500.312). 7. The certification process shall be terminated for reasons stated in V 7.500.312 D. B. The certification process may be terminated for reasons stated in V 7.500.312 E. or for any of the following: • Applicant(s) is currently on probation • The results of the psychological assessments indicate that the applicant(s) may not be able to function as a foster caregivers. The Department may recommend the applicant(s) be interviewed in person by the consulting psychologist and a secondary written report would be obtained with further recommendation. • Personal/professional references deem the applicant(s) to be inappropriate 9. A letter of acceptance or rejection will be sent to all applicants. 10. GCDHS foster care worker will attempt to complete the certification process within 90 days. This time frame may be extended due the family`s ability to complete necessary paperwork and tasks in a timely manner or due to emergency certifications and assessments of kinship providers that GCDHS may need to focus on. Ongoing Support: 1. A face to face contact is made by the Foster Care Coordinator with the foster parents monthly when children are in placement. (7.500.13) Documentation is made on the monthly Foster Home Assessment and in Trails on the contact fog under the resource provider. Garfield County will visit with the foster parents monthly when children are not in placement as well. 2. A training development plan that addresses the strengths and competencies of the foster parent(s) and identifies areas where additional training is needed will be developed annually. (7.708.65) 2 EXH1BiT C TO MOU 3 EXHIBIT C TO MOU