The CAFCA Brief UpdateCAFCA Happenings

 

CAFCA Happenings

Don’t forget to check the CAFCA website for the most recent Summary of the 2006 Legislative Session bills that CAFCA is tracking. Click on “Legislative Session” to find out where CAFCA stands on these bills. This list will be updated weekly throughout the Session.

CDHS BUDGET HEARING

On December 22, 2005, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Divisions of Child Welfare & Youth Corrections presented their responses to the questions posed during the December 14, 2005 Budget Briefing. The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) joined in answering several of the questions.  The following summary was prepared by Fofi Mendez of Mendez /Steadman.

Performance: 

The committee asked CDHS to respond to how they were meeting the basic needs of children in the child welfare system.  The department reported if the Child and Family Services Review were conducted today the state would be out of compliance.  CDHS staff noted Colorado is currently under a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) and that there are several areas of needed improvement.  Performance indicators that need to be met are as follows:  Substantiated abuse and neglect incidents reported over a 12 month period for children in out of home placement must meet the federal standard of .57% or less, Colorado is at .81%.  The state must reduce or maintain the number of children reentering the child welfare system at 8.6% or fewer children reentering the system, Colorado is at 16.4% reentry.  The state must meet or exceed standards for the stability of foster care placements by achieving 86.7% or more of children having no less than two placements in a 12 month period, Colorado is currently at 84.4%.  Close but not quite good enough. The department noted that the investment that needs to be made to meet the needs of children in the system is to focus on evidence-based services with a goal of decreasing long term costs.  JBC was made aware that if the state does not come into compliance with the above performance indicators it stands to lose federal funds. 

Costs for the RTC Redesign:

The response to this question was detailed and answered by both CDHS and HCPF.  CDHS started off by providing the committee with background on the depth and breadth of stakeholders currently comprising the RTC Redesign group.  Staff noted that the group has met every two weeks since June and has three breakout committees; the PRTF design group, a fee-for-service design charged with developing the Treatment RCCFs (TRCCFs), and the continuum of care group.

Staff presented an overview of the work completed to date.  The Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Committee has developed amendments to the state plan, admission criteria, program definitions, volume 7 draft rules, and educational and training requirements.  The Fee-for-Service Committee has developed the new Treatment Residential Child Care Facility TRCCF) name and program definition, rules for TRCCFs and rules to support the model.   The Continuum of Care Committee has drafted a list of services that includes alternatives to prevent children from requiring residential treatment.

The JBC wanted to know how the work of the committees would proceed and what type of legislation would be necessary.  Staff noted the largest issue the legislature will have to tackle is the percent of county share for TRCCF.  If not addressed by new legislation, the county share will default to 20%.  Counties currently pay an average of 6.8% towards the cost of RTC care.  The department's recommendation is that counties be held harmless for the first half of the State 2006/07 fiscal year.  In addition to legislation on county share, statutory authority for PRTFs will be needed.  

Much discussion occurred about the PRTFs.  Questions asked included; Was this a 'better" level or care, what "safeguards" will be applied to assure increase in this higher cost treatment will not occur, and how did the department arrive at a $300 cost per day for this 'better" level of service.  To determine cost staff took the average of other states' PRTF programs and arrived at $300 a day.  The cost for the PRTF is a significant increase above the current RTC rate with PRTFs able to bill a per diem rate that is inclusive of treatment and room and board.  The total cost for PRTFs is matched by federal Medicaid dollars. Staff believes the number of children requiring this level of care would remain at about 100 per day with sufficient safeguards achieved through admission and review criteria.  Staff believes the continuum of care model being proposed will offer the county and DYC a greater range of treatment options.   Staff believes under the TRCCFs, counties and DYC will be able to negotiate rates and purchase services the child needs.  The ability of counties and DYC to negotiate the rate and treatment options has the potential to allow for further reductions in the general fund support.   The overall estimated cost of the PRTF and TRCCF model would be $115.7 million with $23 million from the feds, $78 million from the state and $7.6 million in local share.  The ability of the state to draw down more Title IV-E dollars exists under this new model. Additionally, staff believes that the cost for fully developing a continuum of care model could be offset with technical funds from federal grants. 

BHO involvement in the RTC Redesign:

 HCPF responded to the JBC inquiry of folding RTC treatment under the BHOs.  HCPF made it clear that this is an option that should be explored.  CDHS stated they would be "remiss" if they did not let the JBC know that they may want to hear from counties before pursuing this option.  Issues of jurisdiction were raised with one member stating they would like to see the recommendations of the redesign group prior to moving forward on this option.

CAFCA Committee Notes

Adoption, Kurt Olsson, LDS Family Services, Chair
The Department of Human Services has not yet obtained a bill sponsor to draft the licensing bill that could incorporate the two issues raised by committee members: 1) establishing cradle care as separate from traditional foster care, with separate rules that will require training tailored to infant care as well as less onerous license renewal requirements; and 2) the ability of a family with a day care license to also hold a foster care license. CAFCA continues to await a draft to review. The group also discussed a significant time lag between submitting requests for background checks on adoptive families and a response.  Next meeting: 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 9th, 2006 at LDS Family Services located at 3263 Fraser St., Ste. 3 Aurora, CO 80011.

Foster Care Committee, Keith Hughes, Lost & Found, Inc., Chair
The committee’s salaried foster parent bill will be carried by Representative Fran Coleman and will be introduced in the House in the second group of bills. This bill will allow, but not require, CPAs to pay foster parents a salary and benefits.  Current statute prohibits CPA employees from being foster parents. CAFCA is seeking an exception to the statute for those situations where the foster parent’s sole employment relationship is that of salaried foster parent. The salary and benefits may act as incentives for attracting and retaining more experienced foster parents. The committee is seeking a new chair to replace Keith who has had to resign effective February 2006. Please come to the next committee meeting and share your thoughts and recommendations for the new chair. Please note that all committee chairs also serve on the CAFCA board of directors.   Next meeting: Thursday, January 26th, 2006 at 11:00 a.m., Check the January CAFCA calendar for location.

Children’s Treatment Services (CTS), Patty Erjavec, El Pueblo, Chair
Committee members met following the January General Membership meeting and discussed the RTC Redesign process, the fee for service process, PRTF requirements, the purpose and activities of the Coalition of Accredited agencies, licensed therapists costs, SFY 2006-07 rates & cost reports, expedited COA accreditation and related issues. The Joint Budget Committee is scheduled to hear from CDHS regarding the RTC Redesign on Tuesday, January 24th.  Due to the RTC Redesign Work group and numerous related committee meetings, the CTS Committee may meet less frequently during the first half of 2006 to respect people’s schedules and to avoid duplication.

Public Policy, Cyndi Dodds, Namaqua Center, Chair
Weekly bill reviews for the 2006 session began Friday, January 13th.  These will be held for at least the first 6 weeks of the session. The location is 1370 Pennsylvania at the office of Mendez Steadman. The 2006 CAFCA Legislative Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at the Colorado History Museum. A hot buffet will be served. Every CAFCA member will be contacted and asked to telephone one or more legislators to extend a personal invitation to the luncheon. SAVE THE DATE cards have been sent to members and legislators. Take advantage of this annual opportunity to talk with legislators that represent constituents where your programs operate. Help us make this another well-attended luncheon.  Members are asked to arrive between 11:00-11:30 a.m. Barring party caucuses or committee hearings that run over, legislators should arrive around noon.

Analysts now project that an additional $300 million in TABOR hold-back funds may be available over the 5-year time span. Other budget highlights include a 3% child welfare provider increase (which counties may pass on to providers at their discretion) and an increase in child welfare caseload. In responding to JBC questions posed at the earlier budget briefing, DYC noted in its written response to questions that it plans to use more evidence-based programs and alternatives to incarceration.

More than 40 pages of the 110-page CW/DYC budget responses focused on the RTC program. If the JBC/legislature believes that PRTFs are necessary, a bill creating PRTFs will need to pass. The biggest issue regarding the proposed new Treatment Residential Child Care Facilities (TRCCFs), which can bill Medicaid as Fee-for-Service providers, will be the county share. Currently, counties pay about 6.8% of the costs of residential treatment. The JBC has been advised by its own budget analysts that this share should be increased incrementally. If the legislature does not statutorily address county share for the TRCCF program, the share will default to the 20% share now in statute. The JBC is still gathering information about the RTC redesign process and related data. Peg and Fofi have been meeting with the JBC members to answer questions and provide a fact sheet regarding the issues related to the redesign proposals, including exploring the feasibility of placing the residential mental health services under the state’s Behavioral Health Organizations (BHOs). Next meeting: Tuesday, February 7th, 2006, noon-2:00 p.m. at 1120 Lincoln St., law library conference room.

Training Committee, Renee Johnson, Third Way Center, Chair
The committee members announced that CAFCA’s 2006 annual conference will be on Friday, June 23rd so SAVE THE DATE!  The keynote presenter will be Marguerite McCormick and the theme will be burnout and rejuvenation.  Watch for a call for proposals soon. Workshop ideas for 2006 include cultural competency training, a Charlie Applestein workshop (Charlie was keynote at the 2005 conference), and a workshop targeted to executive directors.  Persons interested in working on a Conference committee or assisting with developing ideas and implementing workshops are invited to join this fun, hardworking group.  Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 7th, 2006, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., at 1295 York St., Denver.

The Bulletin Board: Information, Trainings and Other Opportunities

Denver County SECTION 8 Housing Lottery January 26 & 27, 2006

Interested individuals may obtain a random choice lottery ticket to be considered for possible placement on Denver Housing Authority's (“DHA’s”) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program  at any of the following sites by showing a picture I.D. and proof that you are at least 18 years of age. Tickets will be available from 8: a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on January 26th and 27th. Only one ticket per family will be accepted into the lottery. The sites are as follows: 1. D.H.A. Central Office/Occupancy Department – 777 Grant Street , 2. Dispersed Northeast - Manager's Office – 5040 Paris, 3. Dispersed Southeast - Manager's Office – 3058 Champa Street, 4. Dispersed Southwest - Manager's Office - 2945 W. Florida Street, 5. Quigg Newton Community Center – 4440 Navajo Street, 6. North Lincoln Community Center – 1401 Mariposa Street.

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On February 10, 2006, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health – Colorado Chapter will host “Strength-based, Culturally Competent Supervision in a System of Care World,” John VanDenBerg, Ph.D., presenter. This workshop is directed towards human services supervisors who wish to develop or hone strength-based, culturally competent supervision skills. Topics will include assessing the unique culture of staff, tailoring tasks to strengths and partnering with other supervisors. Written materials are included in the $100 cost (all proceeds will go to FFCMH-CC). Time: 9-4. Location: Tennyson Center for Children & Families, 2950 Tennyson, Denver 80212. For information/registration contact: Maggie VanDenBerg, 720 855-3325 or mvandenberf@coloradofederation.org.

Documentaries on Mental Illness

NAMI Minnesota (MN), in collaboration with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT), recently produced two documentaries on mental illnesses.  Each 30-minute documentary increases public understanding of mental illness by providing basic information about the major illnesses and by showing the spirit and courage of consumers and families.

The first documentary is titled Understanding Mental Illness in Children and the second is titled Hope for Recovery:  Understanding Mental Illness.  Both documentaries feature prominent clinicians discussing the treatment of mental illnesses in children and adults. To learn more about the documentaries, please visit the NAMI MN web site at www.nami.org/namimn.

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TRAINING FOR TRANSITION

A Weekend Seminar Especially Designed for Students

(Ages 14-21), Parents, Family Members and Professionals

Who are using the IEP Process

Focusing on Accessing Services for Those with Mental Health Challenges

Sponsored by the Colorado Department of Education

And supported by Easter Seals Colorado and Family United

Training for Transition is a unique weekend program providing informational tools for youth and families.  The focus is on addressing questions and challenges many youth and families face when attempting to access adult services and supports, which focus on mental health needs.  Workshop sessions are structured to emphasize future educational, employment, and independent living options.  Youth and siblings will also take part in leadership and self-advocacy training in combination with recreational and social activities.

Who: Parents, youth, family members, and professionals using the transitional IEP process.

Times: Friday, 5pm – Sunday, 1pm (for all sessions)

Where & When: Rocky Mountain Village*:   February 10-12, 2006

                                                                      March 31- April 2, 2006

                                                                      April 28 – 30, 2006 

                           Marriott Ft. Collins:           February 24-26, 2006   

* Rocky Mountain Village--Empire, Colorado, approximately 45 minutes west of Denver on I-70 at an elevation of 8,350’. For more information about Rocky Mountain Village or special needs assistance, please call (303) 569-2333.  Cost: A $15 fee per person is required to hold your reservation.  Scholarships are available. Costs include training/seminars, lodging, meals, snacks, resource handbooks, materials and recreational activities.  15 CEU hours of credit are available for educators and other professionals. For questions regarding activities or sleeping arrangements, please contact Roman Krafczyk (303) 569-2333 ext. 302.  For questions about the workshop content or scheduling call Lynn Robinson (303) 233-1666 ext. 222.

Confidentiality Law Workshop

Join other professionals for an applied learning and problem-solving experience focused on the legal and professional challenges presented by confidentiality in the child welfare field. This workshop is sponsored by the 4th Judicial District Model Court Project of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and is funded by the Colorado Supreme Court Improvement Committee. Date/Time: March 3, 2006, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: Sheraton Colorado Springs Hotel. For information/registration, contact: Bill DeLisio, Court Improvement Coordinator, State Court Administrators Office, 303 837-3623.

TEEN SURVIVAL WORKSHOPS

Catholic Charities of Denver is hosting workshops for teens (13-18) who have been adopted, are in long-term foster care placement or are in an emancipation program. Workshop I, offered February-April 2006, focuses on Relationships (self-esteem, personality styles, family relationships, depression/anger, body image and anger management). Workshop II, offered September-November 2006, focuses on Life Skills (nutrition, drugs/alcohol/tobacco, overcoming peer pressure and finances).  All workshops are 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, at 2525 W. Alameda Avenue, Denver. Dinner is included. There is no cost, however registration is required.  For more information, call 303 742-0823. ext. 640.

 

PERMANENT CONNECTIONS FOR TEENS:

Finding Adoptive Families and Lifetime Connections for Waiting Teens

Learn how adolescent development affects a youth’s understanding of “permanency;” how child-specific issues such as loyalty conflicts, grief and loss may impact a youth’s consent to adoption; how to work with a youth who says NO to adoption, and other issues. Date: February 24, 2006, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (lunch on your own). Where: The Adoption Exchange, 14232 E. Evans Avenue, Aurora 80014. Cost: FREE, but registration is required as seats are limited. To register, go to: www.adoptex.org or call Caroline Hale, 303 755-4756, ext. 264.

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The Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago, in partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures is offering a series of monthly web conferences on child and family policy. The conferences will take place the fist Wednesday of the month, beginning March 1, when the topic will be “Keeping Kids in the Child Welfare System After 18.” Other topics include child welfare finance reform, stability and educational status of children in foster care, and new parent support programs. The series is moderated by Martha Shirk, author of On Their Own: What Happens to Kids When They Age Out of the Foster Care System.  For more information, visit: www.about.chapinhall.org/ncsl.

 

The Foster Family-based Treatment Association (FFTA) is hosting a one-day conference on Thursday, March 2, 2006, immediately following the Child Welfare Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Topics will include: “Medicaid: Way to Go, or Going Away?” and “The Impact of Market Forces and Public Policy Changes on Treatment Foster Care.”  Cost: $110 for FFTA members, $135 for nonmembers. For hotel, travel & registration information go to: http://www.ffta.org/publicpolicy_/instituteindex.html  or call Melissa Cole at 800 414-3382, ext. 113.

CAFCA, Inc. is pleased to be a sponsor of the 2006 Rural Behavioral Health Clinical Management Institute: Successful Clinical Leadership of Effective Rural Practice Models to be held March 30 and 31 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This annual institute is hosted by Open Minds and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Mental Health Program. Topics will include collaboration, localization of services, metrics-based performance models, promising practices, telecounseling, managing high-risk consumers, etc. Many of these issues are addressed by a panel of experts. The program offers 11 contact hours for professionals.  CAFCA members should soon receive more information about the institute directly from Open Minds and will receive a 40% discount on the registration fee. As a sponsor, CAFCA is also entitled to a limited number of complimentary registrations. If you are interested in attending this conference under a complimentary registration, please contact Peg Long, peg@cafca.net or 720 570-8402 as soon as possible.

2nd Annual Spring Forum for the Educational Success of Children and Youth 

In Child Welfare and the Division of Youth Corrections

IMPROVING OUTCOMES THROUGH CONNECTIONS

Date:                  April 24 and 25, 2006

Location:       Four Points Sheraton (I-25/Hampden) Denver

Children and youth in out-of-home care or in youth corrections often have gaps in learning as a result of family crisis, trauma, and placement instability.  These students frequently do not function at grade level. Issues such as credit transfers, timely enrollment, and confidentiality are barriers for them and have been topics in several workgroups and initiatives. 

The Spring Forum provides a mechanism to funnel these discussions into a common venue with local school districts/ Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), county departments of human services, the Division of Youth Corrections and other vital participants.  Participants have the opportunity to plan in local or regional groups to identify steps that can be taken to improve services for the children and youth in multiple systems. 

Other vital participants include foster parents, providers, Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), judicial, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Guardians ad Litem (GALs), and the Office of the Child’s Representative (OCR).

Planned topics include: