HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.res.039.2014CONTRACT # f f°�G/ y
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A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN GARFIELD
COUNTY AND PITKIN COUNTY FOR PERMANENCY FOR CHILDREN
Resolution # 03�- �z o/ q
1. 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 I8(2)(a) and (2)(b): Colorado Revised Statutes 29-1-201; and,
2. 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 -F Waiver
Demonstration Project; and,
3. Garfield County and Pitkin County submitted a combined application to the Colorado Department of
Human Services (CDFIS) 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,
4. 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, FIRST READ, AND SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON THE _26th_ DAY OF
March 2014.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND TITLE AND SHORT SUMMARY OF THE RESOLUTION
PUBLISHED IN THE ASPEN TIMES WEEKLY ON _ :�---:PL 7__, 2014.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND THE FULL TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION POSTED ON THE
OFFICIAL PITKIN COUNTY WEBSITE (www.aspenpitkin.com) ON THE �`do-DAY OF
M_ (ty&J, 2014.
ADOPTED FINAL READING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE / "�w DAY OF
IT Vt 2014.
PUBLISHED BY TITLE AND SHORT $UMMARY, AFTER ADOPTION, IN THE ASPEN TIMES
WEEKLY ON TFIE DAY OF 2014.
3
0
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
JohnEl�ty-Aftorney
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
By
Robert A. Ittner, Jr., Chair
Date:
MANAGER APPROVAL
J'oi Pea oc�o my Manager
11
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
GARFIELD COUNTY AND PITKLN COUNTY
FOR
PERNLANENCY FOR CHILDREN
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING C"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. Const, art. XIV §§ 18(2)(a) and (2)(b); Colorado
Revised Statutes § 29-1-201.
B. in 2013, Garfield County entered into an MOU 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 TV -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
rhe 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 arrangement 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.
201344 N -E Mau
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 Basall).
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 Parries 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, fos+ter 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 IV -E Waiver application through CDHS, administered and
funded through Garfield County to expand service delivery area to include
Pitkin/Eagle (EI Jebel and Basalt).
4. Family Engagement. Family Engagement is defined for purposes of the IV -E
Waiver as facilitated fancily 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 5/31/14. 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.
2013 -141V -E Moa
• Meetings are to be scheduled at the convenience of the family but will not start any
Iater than 6:00 pm. 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.
• 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.
e 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.
U There will be no exchange of funding for the Family Engagement portion of this
MOU.
e Family meetings will be conducted at identified points in a case as follows:
o At case opening — within 7 business days after the 60'J' day (69 days by including
weekends);
o Within 7 business days of initial placement;
o Every 90 days when in out -of -home care (DHS/DSS 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.
2013-14 IV -E Mei
• Complete recertification for Pitkin and Garfield foster and kin homes following the
Garfield County Foster Case 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 cerification 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 case is within their jurisdiction.
• 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 fully 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
can 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 he used to support kin when individuals or families are providing care
for children involved in the Child'Welfare system.
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2013-14 W -E m.0
Access Funding and Approval Process
• An application will be completed and submitted to the Resource Manager (RVI) 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 be 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 Rayl will be
notified and the application will be completed within two business days.
• Pitkin County will be responsible for the purchase and delivery of the items tothe kin
home.
o Review of the expenditures and remaining balance of funds will be discussed monthly at
the Retention aid 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 fancily. 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 partes.
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 con m mication, addressed to
the following:
2013-14 IV -2 N1.
Pitkin County
Kim DuBois, M SQL'
0405 Castle Creek Road
Suite 8
Aspen, CO 81611
970-429-2041
Email: kim.dubois cr co.nitkin.co.us
Garfield County
Susan Garcia, MSW
195 West 14th Street
Rifle, CO 81650
Email: searciau.garfield-county.com
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 required.
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 (P:-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 IIIPAA and the Regulations.
12.Iudemnity/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, § i 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 ei sea.
13. Term of Agreement. This MOU shall become effective on July 1, 2013 and will
terminate on lune 30, 2014, no matter 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 counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, and all 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.
205 -Id 1V -E Uou
I5. No Joint Venture. Nothing in this Agreement 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. Autbority. Each person signing this MOU 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' WnNESS THEREOF, Garfield County and Pitkin County have executed duplicate
originals of this MOU. _,<SSSs3X%I
ATTEST: OPo 2�' OARD OF CO COMMISSIONERS OF
RFIELID CTM),COLORADO
°eSEAL 1_ 1
to the Board
2013-14 W -EM.
Date: f a l
BOARD OF COUN CO SIONERS OF
PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO
By:/ Chairman
Date: 671
7
Garfield County
Department Of Human Services
PROGRAM AREA:
EFFECTIVE DATE: Y///M,
Child and Adult Protection
REVISION DATE: y/ir iy
TITLE: Family Group Decision Making
AUTHORIZING SI NATURE:
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,
FGDMDefinition:
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
Page 1 of
EXHIBIT A TO MOU
16
Valuing 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 AssessmenUCase with Garfield County Department of
Human Services shall be given an opportunity to participate in facilitated family meetings with the
Department when agency intervention is rcciuired, including; Family Group Conferences (FGC),
]'earn Decision Making Meetings (TDM) & Family Support Meetings (PSM). These meetings can
be initiated by the family or the child welfare agency whenever a pivotal decision about a child is
required. ]'he 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 Makin_ meetings for families to
support success of families Garfield County DHS becomes involved with.
Pivotal (Mandatory) Decisions Include
Ootional Reasons for FGDd1
1.) Emergency removal of child
1.) Family Support Meeting
2.) Considered removal of child
2.) Case Planning
3.) Change in child's placement
3.) Transition Planning
4.) Reunification Decisions
4.) Follow- up Meetings
5.) Permanency Goal Decisions
5.'l Case Closure Planning
Y Family Group Conference (FGG)
-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 Networl, 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 GAI, (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.
e Team Decision Making (TD h
-TDMs are considered "Agency Driven" meetings that include the familv'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 want
to participate in Family Group Conferencing.
• Family Supoort Meeting((FSMI
-A meeting when decision making has been made or is not necessary. This meeting is held for
placating 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 a. -reed 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. `rhe 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 refecal 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 fhat 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.
Page 3 of 4
EXHIBIT A TO M^„U
® 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.)
o 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 NMU
L Garfield County
Department Of Human Services
PROGRAM AREA:
EFFECTIVE DATE: 2/20/2008
CW — FOSTER CARE
REVISION DATE:5/11/09; 2/12/14
TITLE: EMERGENCY KINSHIP
AUTH�OR17JNG SIGNATURE:
PLACEMENTS 7.304.21 8.7.500.312
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 decided 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 AIN 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
/Y
E. 7.304.21 D 2. L 7:
"A county depart or a local 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 18-6-401, C.R.S.;
b) A crime of violence, as defined In Section 181.3 405, C.R.S.;
c) A felony offense involving unlawful sexual behavior, as defined in Section
16-22-102(8), C.RS.;
d) A felony, the underlying actual basis of which has been found by the court
on the record to include an act of domestio violence, as defined in Section
18-6-800.3, C.R.S.;
e) A felony involving physical assault or a drug-related offense, comm tied
within the preceding five years;
f) Violation of a protection order, as described in Section 1M-803.5, C.R.S.;
g) A crime Involving homicide; or,
h) An offense in any other state the elements of which are substantially
similar to the elements of any one of the offenses described in a -g, above.
When GCDHS has legal custody of the children)
the placement provider must also complete the
following;
7. Family must sign the Provider Contract (EFFECTIVE DATES MUST RE
'PROVISIONAL' (date of placement to 60 days from placement date).
On the next working day following placement:
1. Placing caseworker must Inform Resource Unit of placement (maybe 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 and 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 Ume of
placement
5. Placing caseworker will schedule a Clinical Assessment Team meeting to
address the emergency placement And refer the :ase for a Team Decision
Making meeting as indicated for an emergency placement
6. in the rase that legal custody is with GCDHS, Lhe 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 workerwill attach the child to the provider and select "no pay".
Add itio n a l 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 60 days of the provisional license, children must move to a certified home.
Garfield County
Department Of Human Services
PROGRAM AREA: CW -Foster Care
EFFECTIVE DATE:
REVISION DATE: J-kxy
t
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 recer ifi"cation 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 pro' 'action and/or supervision. (7.500.31) Garfield County
does not certify homes for adoption only. If 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 faster parents within 6 weeks after initial inquiry.
(7.500.31 C & D)
2. Send out packet within 5 days of discussion:
o Introductory letter, pamphlets
• CSN.1-61 Application
• CORE Training registration information
• Fingerprint cards & letter w/instructions (over 181
• SAFE Questionnaire 1
• 1''Aid/ CPR information
• Release of Information
3. Within 5 working days of when packet paperwork is returned;
e Perform TRAILS A&N check
• Enter into TRAILS for provider number
• Perform Lexis -Nexis check
• Perform the 5 year out of state background check (if applicable)
• Enter all information
• Send fingerprints to CBI & FBI wlletter
• Type info onto SAFE template
• Send Reference letters out
• Review SAFE questionnaire 1
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5. Subsequent visits:
• Individual and joint interviews
• Child(ren) interviev.�-
Other household member interviews
Binder with policies
e EBT 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 sha'1 be issued if
approved. Based on the information received during the certification process, Garneld
County Department of Human Services may or may not approve homes for Family
Foster Care (7.500.312).
T The certification process shall be terminated for reasons stated in V 7.500.312 D.
8. 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 applicants) 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 fatuity'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 log 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)
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EXHIBIT C TO MOU