HomeMy WebLinkAbout20021401.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE REVISIONS TO OPERATIONS MANUAL, SECTION 2.000, SOCIAL
SERVICES DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has presented revisions to the
Operations Manual, Section 2.000, Social Services Division Policies and Procedures, to the
Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, for consideration and approval, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said revisions, copies
of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, Colorado, ex-officio Board of Social Services, that the revisions to the Operations
Manual, Section 2.000, Social Services Division Policies and Procedures be, and hereby are,
approved.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 3rd day of June, A.D., 2002.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD U TY, COLORADO
ATTEST: get/S
`ti ) n Vaad,
Weld County Clerk to the oa = �.
A � iii n
,ate —7i X
� ' 7.,_
avid E. ong, Pro- em
BY: • c tt ki .it:-
Deputy Clerk to the Bo '�(I' 'W./' p,(-W
—CT M. J. Geile
APP V AS TO M: % Sl ,
j &ornC
flH. a A l L
Robert D. Masden
Date of signature: ��o
()( : SS 2002-1401
SS0029
a
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
PO BOX A
GREELEY,CO 80632
WEBSITE:www.co.weld.co.us
Administration and Public Assistance(970)352-1551
111
C. Child Support(970)352-6933 I II
COLORADO MEMORANDUM
TO: Glenn Vaad, Chair Date: May 21, 2002
Board of County Commissioners
FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Social Services -/i, ,( C1( C] U (r%
RE: Revision to Section 2.000, Social Services ivision Policies and
Procedures, Weld County Department of Social Services
Operations Manual
Enclosed for Board approval are revisions to Section 2.000, Social Services Division
Policies and Procedures, Weld County Department of Social Services Operations
Manual. These revisions were presented and discussed at a Work Session with the
Board on May 20, 2002.
The revisions are as follows:
1. Procedure Regarding Requesting Client Background Checks. The
Department has added a provision to outline its procedures regarding how
caseworkers may obtain criminal background information for the purpose of
completing a home study for an Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children
(ICPC), or to place a child with a relative. See Section 2.701.2.
2. Consent for Medical Care of Foster Children. The Department modified a
provision to update the Managers listed, as designees for the Director, when the
Director is absent. See Section 2.710.7, B.
3. Access to Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process
for Department Staff. The Department updated the procedure for staff by
eliminating the reference of a specific name of the Department's Personnel
Officer to a reference listing only the title of the position. See Section 2.905.2.
If you have any questions, please telephone me at extension 6510.
2002-1401
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.700 Child Placement
2.701 Placement Policy
Revised 3/29/99 Based on sound social work practice and knowledge of the legal basis of action,the Department will consider placement when there is evidence that leaving the
child in the home would jeopardize the safety of the child or community.
Placement actions shall be guided by:
A. Reasonable efforts to prevent placement or to reunite the family when
safely possible if removal is necessary.
B. Consideration of extended family members as placement resources.
C. Consideration of the child's age, race, ethnicity, culture, language,
religion, and other needs in the provision of services provided, including
out-of-home placement and adoptive placements.
D. Consideration of a safe environment and to not be moved indiscriminately
from one placement to another, and to have the assurance of a permanency
plan.
2.701.1 Placement Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker must assure and document that:
1. All out-of-home placement and target group criteria are met.
2. All other resources have been explored and utilized or nonexistent.
3. No relatives are appropriate or willing to take the child.
4. Placement of the child is the only remedy.
5. Placement within Weld County was attempted as a priority.
B. The caseworker must obtain prior approval of his or her supervisor for
placement.
C. The caseworker must review his/her placement decision with his or her
Adm\manss27.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
supervisor the next work day when an emergency placement at night or on
weekends is required.
2.701.2 Requesting Client Background Checks
Added 5/02
When a caseworker needs criminal background information for the purpose of
completing a home study for an Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children
(ICPC), or to place a child with a relative the following procedures must be
followed:
A. Intermountain Background, Inc. form (Exhibit A) must be completed, in
full with the client's name, last known address, date of birth, social
security number, and information to be researched, checked in the
appropriate box.
B. The Social Services Administrator, or designee, must sign authorizing
approval on all requested background information prior to faxing.
C. All forms must be faxed to Intermountain Background, Inc. via fax
machine in the Administration Office for the purposes of confidentiality.
D. A copy of the"Client Fax" form must be forwarded to the Business Office
Manager, or designee for proper billing.
E. Such requests for background information will be used for Social Service
purposes only.
F. The employee will adhere to the confidential policies of Section
3-12-10, Article XII, of the Weld County Employee Personnel Policy
Handbook, Ordinance 118-Q, as amended, and other applicable State rules
and regulations.
Adm\manss27.jag
CLIENT FAX TO. Page 1 of
Juterruountain $athgroun* Jut
At Fax #: (970) 352-3142 Phone: (970) 356-1925
(This form is to be completed and signed only by the Company representative authorized to request information.)
Weld County Department of Social Services
Phone: 352-1551 Ext# Fax #:
*This request is for the purpose of: Employment I 1 RentaULease 1 1 Other I 1
INFORMATION REQUESTED: (PLEASE PRINT)
Subject's Name:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Last Known Address:
City: State: Zip:
Date of Birth: / / 1 9 Social Security# ___- __ ____
CHECK "X" ALL OF THE INFORMATION YOU WISH RESEARCHED:
( ) Colorado Criminal/Civil Court Records. ( ) Also Check Alias/AKA if found,
or maiden name if used within last 7 years:
( ) Out-of-State Criminal Records from: City: State:
( ) Out-of-State Civil Records from: City: State:
( ) Credit Report. *(A signed release by the applicant must be included.)
( ) Driver's License Record. # State:
( ) Colo. Worker's Comp. Claims. *(A signed & notarized release must be included.)
( ) Social Security Number Verification /Trace.
( ) Colorado "Special Employment" Information Package Request.
( ) Other Information Requested:
•
Print name of person authorized to request information Signature of person authorized to request information
*IMPORTANT NOTICE: This fax is intended for use only by the person or organization to which it is addressed and
may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of
this fax is not the intended recipient,or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this fax to the intended recipient,
any distribution or copy of this communication is strictly prohibited! If you have received this communication in error,
please notify us immediately by telephone and return the original by US Mail to:Intermountain Backgrounds,Ina at
P.O.Box 336161, Greeley, Colorado 80633-6161.
Exhibit A
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.710.7 Consent for Medical Care of Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 Emergency care is defined as requiring immediate medical treatment as
recommended by licensed medical authority to protect the life and health of a
child. The treatment cannot be delayed without placing the child at risk.
Revised 5/00 A. Voluntary Placements and Court Ordered Placements
1. Caseworkers must have a voluntary placement contract (CWS-3)
on file for each child or youth in placement, if not court ordered..
2. Foster parents and other child placement facility representatives
cannot give consent for medical care unless:
a. The medical treatment needs for the child meets the
definition of emergency care outlined in Section 2.710.7,
and
b. The foster parent and other child placement facility
representative must make reasonable efforts to contact the
Weld County Department of Social Services before
consent for medical care is provided. The CWS-25 Form
(Attachment A) outlines the emergency contact procedures
for foster parents and other child placement facility
representatives.
Given this definition, it would be very rare that foster parents or
other child placement facility representatives will directly authorize
emergency care.
3. Excluding routine medical and dental care, only the Director or
designee may consent for medical care. This authorization is
beyond the advance consent and signature on a CWC-25 form
(Attachment A). This medical care will not be authorized until the
caseworker has tried to obtain consensus from the birth parents and
Guardian at Litem for any surgical or related medical care. If the
caseworker cannot obtain consensus for medical treatment because
the birth parents or Guardian at Litem is not available, the
caseworker must immediately notify his or her supervisor and
initiate the legal process to obtain a court order.
Adm\manss26.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
4. Foster parents do not have consent to hospitalize a foster child or
youth for psychiatric treatment. Foster parents will notify the
caseworker who will assess the child or youth according to the
procedures in Section 2.702.
Revised 5/02 B. Director's Designee for Medical Consent
In the absence of the Director, the Social Services Administrator will serve
as the Director. In the absence of the Social Services Administrator, the
Managers will serve as the Director as follows by rank:
1. Chris Karl, Child Protection Ongoing Manager
2. Kyle Ragland, Youth In Conflict Intake Manager
3. Lynn Small, Child Protection Intake Manager
2.710.71 Medical Coverage Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 Many foster care children in the custody of the Department are covered by
Medicaid. Medicaid coverage may not be available to those children who exceed
income standards and foster care maintenance standards set by State and Federal
regulations. For non-Medicaid eligible foster care children, the Department or
parents will provide alternative medical coverage through either purchasing
medical insurance or paying for direct medical coverage paid though parental fees,
social security benefits, child support, or other available funds.
2.710.72 Medical Care In Which Religious Considerations are Involved
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will consider the biological parents' religious beliefs in
seeking medical care.
B. If the biological parents disclose any religious beliefs that may result in
objections to medical treatment, the caseworker will notify his or her
supervisor and consult with the Assistant Weld County Attorneys. The
Department will request, at the first hearing, that the Court specify the
Department's actions in obtaining routine physical and dental care, and
any emergency care needed to prevent death or permanent disability.
C. For an emergency or ongoing care of the child and if the biological parents
object to medical care because of their religious beliefs, the caseworker
will immediately notify his or her supervisor and consult with the
Assistant Weld County Attorney to obtain a court order.
Adm\manss26.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
4. Foster parents do not have consent to hospitalize a foster child or
youth for psychiatric treatment. Foster parents will notify the
caseworker who will assess the child or youth according to the
procedures in Section 2.702.
Revised 5/02 B. Director's Designee for Medical Consent
In the absence of the Director, the Social Services Administrator will serve
as the Director. In the absence of the Social Services Administrator, the
Managers will serve as the Director as follows by rank:
1. Chris Karl, Child Protection Ongoing Manager
2. Kyle Ragland, Youth In Conflict Intake Manager
3. Lynn Small, Child Protection Intake Manager
2.710.71 Medical Coverage Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 Many foster care children in the custody of the Department are covered by
Medicaid. Medicaid coverage may not be available to those children who exceed
income standards and foster care maintenance standards set by State and Federal
regulations. For non-Medicaid eligible foster care children, the Department or
parents will provide alternative medical coverage through either purchasing
medical insurance or paying for direct medical coverage paid though parental fees,
social security benefits, child support, or other available funds.
2310.72 Medical Care In Which Religious Considerations are Involved
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will consider the biological parents' religious beliefs in
seeking medical care.
B. If the biological parents disclose any religious beliefs that may result in
objections to medical treatment, the caseworker will notify his or her
supervisor and consult with the Assistant Weld County Attorneys. The
Department will request, at the first hearing, that the Court specify the
Department's actions in obtaining routine physical and dental care, and
any emergency care needed to prevent death or permanent disability.
C. For an emergency or ongoing care of the child and if the biological parents
object to medical care because of their religious beliefs, the caseworker
will immediately notify his or her supervisor and consult with the
Assistant Weld County Attorney to obtain a court order.
Adm\manss26.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.710.73 Routine Physical Examinations for Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 A. Children and youth placed in foster care are required to have a physical
examination before fourteen days of placement.
B. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who have a regular
physician to that physician for the medical examination.
C. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who do not have a
regular physician and cannot access one, to Medicaid providers for
scheduling of an appointment.
D. The caseworker must document medical appointments in the case file.
2.710.74 Routine Dental Examinations for Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 A. Children and youth placed in foster care are required to have a dental
examination before sixty days of placement.
B. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who have a regular
dentist to that dentist for the dental examination.
C. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who do not have a
regular dentist and cannot access one, to Medicaid providers for
scheduling of an appointment.
D. The caseworker must document dental appointments in the case file.
Adm\manss26.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
19-3-211.
F. Director: means the Director of the Weld County Department of Social
Services.
G. Department: means the Weld County Department of Social Services.
H. Grievance: means a complaint filed concerning the conduct of
Department employees in performing their duties under Article 3 of the
Colorado Children's Code. The term does not include complaints
regarding actions by the courts, attorneys, law enforcement officials,
employees of the State of Colorado, foster parents or other providers of
services to children, or other family members.
I. Recommendation: means a proposed course of action that may be
implemented by the Director to resolve a grievance. These proposed
actions may include recommendations for case reassignment,personnel
training, and disciplinary action against the Subject Employee. If any
disciplinary action is initiated against the Subject Employees as a result of
the Panel's recommendations, he or she is entitled to all applicable
safeguards, including procedural rights of appeal, afforded under the Weld
County Personnel Policies Handbook.
J. Subject Employee: means an employee of the Department whose conduct
is subject of a grievance.
2.905.2 Access to Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process
Revised 3/01 A. The Board has appointed the Office Manager of the Weld County Board of
Commissioners as the Administrative Liaison. The Administrative
Liaison will have on file the copy of the Board of County Commissioner's
adopted policy and process.
B. Department employees may request a copy of such adopted policy and
process through the Personnel Officer. The Administrative Liaison will
notify the Personnel Officer of any changes in the Procedures and Conflict
Resolution Process.
Adm\manss 16.jag
Hello