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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20021668.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE REVISION TO OPERATIONS MANUAL, SECTION 6.000, COLORADO WORKS IN WELD COUNTY AND CHILD CARE 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 Board has been presented with a Revision to Section 6.000, Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures for the Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said revision, a copy of which is 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 Revision to Section 6.000, Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures for the Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual be, and hereby is, approved. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 26th day of June, A.D., 2002. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: Lk, P. EXCUSED Glen ad, C air Weld County Clerk to tht o • $t$ David E. L /, Pro-Tern BY: /.e . • ���r_„ . Deputy Clerk to the B i QJ 1'\ ��►� M. J. Gei e APP D RM: i /7 AA, William H. Jerke un me EXCUSED DATE OF SIGNING (AYE) Robert D. Masden Date of signature: Vi/ /`C SS 2002-1668 c SS0029 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES PO BOX A GREELEY,CO 80632 ip WEBSITE:www.co.weld.co.us Administration and Public Assistace(970)352- 931 OChlld Suppnort(970)352-66933CO ORA � . MEMORANDUM iJV a�i/ TO: Glenn Vaad, Chair Date: June 24, 2002 Board of County Commissioners FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Social Services_ A,I,x C t, or RE: Revision to Section 6.000, Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures, Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual Enclosed for Board approval is a revision to Section 6.000, Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures, Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual. These revisions were reviewed at the Board's Work Sessions of June 5, 2002, and June 19, 2002. The revisions are to add Section 6.030, Community Resources Investment Assistance, and becomes a part of Weld County's Colorado Works Plan, and to revise Section 6.009, Participant Sanctions or other Assistance and Separate County Diversion, as follows: 1. Sections 6.030 through 6.031, Community Resources Investment Assistance, and Definition and Legal Basis. The section provides authorization to the Department to fund projects approved by the Board under Section 26-2-707.5 of State Statutes. 2. Sections 6.032 through 6.032.7, Direct Care Provider Career Path Program with Aims Community College. The section provides authorization to the Department to fund a specific health education project under Aims Community College. The Board previously authorized the project for$300,000 and approved the Agreement between the Department and Aims Community College for this purpose. 3. Sections 6.033 through 6.033.7,Information and Referral Program with United Way of Weld County. The section provides authorization to the Department to fund an information and referral program or Helpline under United Way of Weld County. The Board previously authorized the project for$36,00 to meet the County's three-year commitment to the project. 2002-1668 MEMORANDUM Page 2 June 24, 2002 4. Sections 6.034 through 6.034.7, Transportation Services with the Weld County Division of Human Services. The section provides authorization to the Department to provide an intra-County transfer of funds to the Weld County Division of Human Services. The Board previously authorized the project for $200,000 to fund transportation needs of working Head Start and Migrant Head Start Families and families under the Emergency Assistance Program (Child Welfare Program). 5. Sections 6.035 through 6.035.7, Multidisciplinary Youth Assessment Team and Program. The section provides authorization to the Department to fund a Multidisciplinary Youth Assessment Team and Program. The Board previously authorized the project for $320,000 to fund program development services with North Range Behavioral Health, Island Grove Regional Treatment Center, District Attorney, and the Weld County Division of Human Services. 6. Section 6.009.4, Clothing Assistance for Women through Leanna's Closet, a Project of The Women's Fund of Weld County. The section provides authorization to the Department to reimburse Leanna's Closet for clothing on behalf of Colorado Works women seeking or maintaining employment. If you have any questions, please telephone me at extension 6510. Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 6.030 Community Resources Investment Assistance Added 6/10/02 6.031 Definition and Legal Basis Under Section 26-2-707.5, Community Resources Investment Assistance, Colorado State Statutes,the Depai Intent may use Colorado Works funds to invest in the development of community resources that support the purposes of the federal"Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act", Public Law 104-193, and that are designed to assist eligible applicants or participants under Sections 26-2-706 or 26-2- 707. An eligible applicant or participant may receive benefits or services from such community resource without completing a Colorado Work application pursuant to Section 26-2-106, or a written agreement pursuant to Section 26-2-707 (1)(d), or an individual responsibility contact pursuant to Section 26-2-708(2). However,the Department may require such applications, written agreements, and individual responsibility contracts in its contracting procedures. 6.031.1 County's Dispute Resolution Process The Department will provide, as appropriate, information to participants regarding rights to fair hearings as required under Section 3.840 of the Colorado Department of Human Services Staff Manual Volume 3, Income Maintenance, and 6.011.12,B, and Exhibit I. 6.032 Direct Care Provider Career Path Program with Aims Community College Added 6/10/02 6.032.1 General Organization The Direct Care Provider Career Path Program involves three major entities as follows: A. The Weld County Department of Social Services (Department) B. Aims Community College (Aims): Aims is the vocational and community college system of Weld County. C. The Weld County Work Force Development Board(Work Force Development Board): The Work Force Development Board is an advisory committee to the Board of County Commissioners, as the Board of Social Services, and the Weld County Division of Human Services. The Weld County Division of Human Services is the One-Stop Employment Center for Weld County. 6.032.2 General Description A. Through a Direct Care Provider Career Path Program, Aims is developing health programs in the areas of medical office technology,nurse aide expansion, practical nursing and surgical technology programs through a three-year phase-in plan. A Direct Care Provider Career Path Program is in the interest of health care providers and entry-level workers, including Colorado Works Program applicants and recipients.Nursing and entry-level health care staffing shortages for long-term and acute care providers,hospitals, and other health care providers are reaching a critical point in Colorado including Weld County. The recruitment and retention Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures of trained and capable direct care workers among health care providers are at a crisis state in Colorado. B. The Department wishes to assist eligible Colorado Works Program applicants and recipients in obtaining educational and training access to entry-level health care positions and increasing their earning potential through a Direct Care Provider Career Path Program and through a three-year phase-in plan. C. The Work Force Development Board has determined that it is appropriate and advisable to: 1) Develop a direct care provider career path tailored to encourage individuals entering the labor market into this important and satisfying career and to better reward such individuals as their skill levels increase; and 2) Enhance education and training opportunities in the direct care field and to increase accessibility to such education and training in Weld County, as well as to improve outreach to individuals with language and other barriers to such education and training; and 3) Establish a collaborative environment among institutions of the University of Northern Colorado, Aims Community College, Weld County Division of Human Services, the Weld County Department of Social Services, Banner Health Care, and other potential health care employers to improve communication among such stakeholders, and ultimately to place more individuals in and stabilize the field of direct care through the successful development and implementation of a direct care provider career path; and D. The Department wishes to invest in Aims' development of a Direct Care Provider Career recipients under Aims' three-year phase-in plan. 6.032.3 Eligibility Criteria A. Youth who are foster care/adopt children and are IV-E eligible under TANF and are placed in the County Certified Foster Care Homes and Group Homes and are emancipating from the Child Welfare System through the ALIVE—E Program; or B. Adults who are applicants of or receiving TANF,Medicaid, and Food Stamps and have incomes below 185%of poverty level; or C. Adults who are non-custodial parents and are unemployed or underemployed and have incomes below 185%of poverty level. 6.032.4 Functions of the Department A. The Department will be responsible for identifying and referring adults and youth who are eligible to be served by Aims. Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures B. Department, through its voting participation in the Work Force Development Board, will assist in the development of outcomes for the program. 6.032.5 Functions of Aims A. Aims will develop a health education program, through a multi-phased approach that encompasses the designing and planning for medical office,nurse aide expansion,practical nurse and surgical technology programs. The multi-phases include: 1. Phase I—Year 1 (June 2, 2002 through September 3, 2003): Aims will expand the size and scope of the Nurse Aide Program, Develop,through initial efforts, other technologies of medical office,practical nurse, and surgical programs. 2. Phase H—Year 2 and 3 (September 4, 2003 through September 3, 2005): Aims will continue its development of medical office,practical nurse, and surgical programs and evaluation component. 3. Phase III—Year 4 (September 4, 2005 through September 3, 2006): Aims will finalize the development of medical office,practical nurse, and surgical programs and evaluation component. Aims' analysis of the health programs will be initiated. B. Aims will enroll a minimum of 18%of participants quarterly, or as designed, in health programs instruction, when instruction begins on September 3, 2003, and for each succeeding years as identified under Phase II. C. Aims will assist in the retention and success of participants by offering, at no charge, to: 1. Single parents, through a Perkins and Foundation partnership program, support services, single parent programming, and some free study group babysitting: 2. Youth an exploratory experience to introduce them to the promise of health careers through intensive, exploratory experiences and to emphasize the need of adequate math and science preparation: 3. All participants a learning environment through multipurpose instructional lab that provides a wide variety of learning styles that will enhance the learning capacity of various types of learners: 4. All participants access to employment a the completion of each certificate of the career path stages and allow these participants to advance to higher- level health careers as they may wish or are prepared for. D. Aims will assist those students who qualify with student financial aid, which Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures would be scholarships or grants, excluding institutional grants. The target of providing student financial aid is 18-20%. E. Aims will accept the final responsibility,both fiscally and administratively, in developing and implementing the Direct Care Provider Career Path Program. F. Aims will work with the Department to enhance the academic and occupational skills of Colorado Works applicants and recipients as identified and referred by Social Services and the placement and earning capacity of Colorado Works applicants and recipients in direct care provider fields. 6.032.6 Functions of Work Force Development Board A. The Work Force Development Board will guide, oversee, and evaluate the implementation of the health education program. B. At a minimum,the Work Force Development Board will: 1. Establish by September 3, 2002, and review quarterly outcome measures for each target group identified in Section 6.032.3 of the Operations Manual. 2. Establish by September 3, 2002, adult and youth standards equivalent to those standards established by the Weld County Work Force Development Board for the Workforce Investment Act including, but not limited to, outcome measures for the number employed after training, wage gave at six months,rotation in employment at six months. 6.032.7 Investment Authority for the Direct Care Provider Career Path Program with Aims Community College A. The Department will pay Aims an amount not to exceed $300,000 for a period ending June 30, 2002, to pay for a portion of the start-up development under the three-year phase-in plan. The start-up fee for the project constitutes 18%of the total funding for Phase I and II of three-year phase-in plan. B. If Aims is not able to initiate the Direct Care Provider Career Path Program by September 3, 2003 and/or meet the planned enrollment schedule under Phase II, Aims will return to the Department a proportional cash amount of the investment as follows: 1. If Aims is unable to initiate the program by September 3, 2003, Aims will return $200,000 to the Department. 2. If Aims is unable to meet the enrollment target identified in 6.032.5, B, by September 3, 2004,Aims will return$50,000 to the Department. 3. If Aims is unable to meet the enrollment target identified in 6.032.5, B, by September 3, 2005, Aims will return$50,000 to the Department. C. Aims will bill the Depar tuent for the start up development before June 30, 2002. Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 6.033 Information and Referral Program with United Way of Weld County Added 6/10/02 6.033.1 General Organization The Information and Referral Program involves three major entities as follows: A. The Weld County Department of Social Services(Department) B. United Way of Weld County(United Way): United Way is the Weld County affiliate of the national United Way Network. C. United Way of Weld County Board of Directors(United Way Board): The United Way Board is 501(c) (3)Board of Directors that oversees Untied Way. 6.033.2 General Description A. United Way has developed a funding and collaborative environment regarding Information and referral services among institutions of Aims Community College, the Weld County Department of Social Services, Centennial Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES),North Colorado Medical Center Foundation,North Colorado Medical Center, Inc., The Community Foundation, and Weld County School District 6; and B. United Way and the Department consider information and referral services as critical to the well being of Weld County's low-income families to connect to appropriate health, social, educational, employment and other related services throughout Weld County. C. United Way has a three-year plan to enhance, improve and develop information and referral services through a call center, website and electronic directories for the benefit of employers, agencies, and the Weld County citizenry. D. The Department wishes to assist eligible Colorado Works Program applicants and recipients through a comprehensive information and referral system to access appropriate social, health, educational, employment, and related services. 6.033.3 Eligibility Criteria A. Families who are applicants of or receiving TANF, Medicaid, and Food Stamps, have incomes below 185% of poverty level, and are residents of Weld County. B. Families who are unemployed or underemployed,have incomes below 185%of poverty level, and are residents of Weld County. Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 6.033.4 Functions of the Department A. The Department will be responsible for identifying families who are eligible to be served by United Way. 6.033.5 Functions of United Way A. United Way, through its leadership,will continue in its development of a collaborative environment among stakeholders as described in 6.033.2, A., in developing an information and referral system. This environment will encompass the design and planning effort among participating agencies, employers, and citizens. B. United Way is utilizing a multi-phased approach to build programs while addressing the information and referral needs of the community. The phases are described as follows and includes: 1. Phase I—Start-up or Year 1 (June 1, 2002 through September 30,2002): United Way will present by September 30, 2002, to the Department a finalized plan including outcomes for the information and referral system as required under 6.033.5 of the Operations Manual. 2. Phase II—Year 2 (July 1,2002 through June 30, 2003): United Way will expand the size and scope of the information and referrals system, develop an effective marketing effort to Colorado Works applicants and recipients, and increase the use participation of stakeholders and Colorado Works applicants and recipients in the use of the system. 3. Phase III—Year 3 (June 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004): United Way will finalize its development of the information and referral program. C. United Way will document that a minimum of 15%of those customers served yearly through United Way's information and referral system are Colorado Works applicants and recipients as follows: a) 240 or 15%of 1600 call center inquiries for a period ending June 30, 2003 with an increase of 20% for a period ending June 30, 2004. b) 5%increase in web site inquiries for a period ending June 30, 2003, with an additional increase of 5% in web inquiries for a period ending June 30, 2004. D. United Way will market the information and referral system to Colorado Works applicants and recipients through Social Services including a yearly survey to obtain market information and identify usage satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the system. E. United Way will incorporate changes including bicultural/bilingual services, if Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures necessary and appropriate, as requested by Colorado Works applicants and recipients as a result of the yearly survey. Information of 240 (15%)of 1600 call center calls (HelpLine calls)of Colorado Works participants yearly. F. United Way will provide training to the Department and Colorado Works applicants and recipients as deemed necessary by United Way and the Department. G. United Way will accept the final responsibility,both fiscally and administratively, in developing and implementing the information and referral program to meet the needs of Weld County's low-income families, agencies, and employers. H. United Way will work with the Department to enhance information and referral access of Colorado Works applicants and recipients as identified by Social Services and to increase the number of Colorado Works applicants and recipients in using the information and referral system. 6.033.6 Functions of United Way Board A. United Way Board will guide, oversee, and evaluate the implementation of the information and referral program by ensuring that United Way performs its duties set forth in Section 6.033.5 above. B. At a minimum,the United Way Board will: 1. Establish by September 3, 2002, and review quarterly outcome measures for each target group. 2. Establish by September 3, 2002, information and referral standards equivalent to national or statewide norms including, but not limited to, increase participation of the numbers of low-income families utilizing the system. 3. Determine the methodology by which the Contractor will document, at a minimum,participation usage of the call center or HelpLine and the web site by Colorado Works applicants and recipients. 6.033.7 Investment Authority for the Information and Referral Program with United Way A. The Department will pay United Way an amount not to exceed $36,000 for a period ending June 30, 2002, to pay for a portion of the start-up development under the three-year phase-in plan. The start-up fee for the project constitutes 15% of the total funding for Phase II through III of three-year phase-in plan. The total funding for the project is $252,000 for the three-year phase-in plan with the Department contributing 15%or$36,000 for the project. B. If United Way is not able to complete the Start-up Phase by September 30, 2002, and/or meet the planned participation schedule under Phase II and Phase III, United Way agrees to return to the Department a proportional cash amount of the investment as follows: Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 1. If United Way is not able to complete the Start-up Phase by September 30, 2002,Untied Way will return$12,000 to the Department. 2. If United Way is not able to meet the planned use of the program as described in 6.032.5, C,by June 30, 2003, United Way will return $12,000 to the Department. 3. If United Way is not able to meet the planned use of the program as described in 6.032.5, C. By June 30, 2004, United Way will return $12,000 to the Department. C. United Way will bill the Department for the start up development before June 30, 2002. Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 6.034 Transportation Assistance for Working Migrant Head Start and Head Start Families and Other Colorado Works Families 6.034.1 General Organization Transportation assistance for working Migrant Head Start and Head Start families and other Colorado Works families involved two county departments and a county advisory committee as follows: A. The Weld County Department of Social Services (Depai huent). B. The Weld County Division of Human Services (Human Services)on behalf of Mini-Bus Transportation (Mini-Bus)and the Family Educational Network of Weld County(FENWC). The Weld County Division of Human Services is the One-Stop Employment Center for Weld County. C. The Weld County Human Services Committee(Human Services Committee), which is an advisory committee to Human Services and the Board of County Commissioners. 6.034.2 General Description A. Rural transportation access in Weld County, which encompasses a 4,002 square mile area, is crucial to working parents and their families. B. Human Services administers two major programs as follows: 1. Mini-Bus that provides rural transportation for seniors and rural/urban transportation for Migrant Head Start and Head Start families. 2. FENWC that determines eligibility for participation in the Migrant Head Start and Head Start Programs and provides teaching and family support to eligible children and families of Weld County. C. Human Services and the Department wish to enhance the transportation access for working parents who primarily reside in the rural areas of Weld County for purposes of: 1. Obtaining and retaining employment and child care services. 2. Ensuring access to a quality and safe transportation system, especially for children. 4. Increasing the access of working adults who require transportation to work sites. D. Human Services and the Department wish to build transportation access for families eligible for Emergency Assistance Program under Sections 6.009.3 and 6.027.4 for purpose of: Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 1. Obtaining and retaining placement, adoption, and other family preservation services. 2. Ensuring access to a quality and safe transportation system, especially for children and youth. E. Actual child care services nor reimbursement of such will be allowed under 6.034 of the Department's Operations Manual. 6.034.3 Eligibility Criteria A. Working adults with children who are eligible in accordance with Section 3.904,A, 4 of the Colorado Department of Human Services Staff Manual Volume 3, that allows counties to accept the Head Start application in lieu of the Low- Income Child Care application for those children enrolled in the Head Start Program. B. Working adults with children who are applicants and recipients of Colorado Works and referred by the Department. C. Families who meet the eligibility criteria as defined in Secions 6.009.3 and 6.027.4 and referred by the Department. 6.034.4 Functions of the Department A. The Department will assist, at the request of the Human Services Advisory Board and Human Services, in the development of outcomes for the program. B. The Department will be responsible for identifying and referring eligible 1. Working adults with children who need transportation assistance to the work site and to child care providers; and 2. Families who need placement, adoption, and other family preservation services. 6.034.5 Functions of Human Services A. Human Services, through FENWC, shall conduct eligibility determination for transportation assistance under the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program according to 6.034.3,A, of the Department's Operations Manual and accept referrals from the Department according to 6.034.3,B, of the Department's Operations Manual. This eligibility determination will be reported quarterly to the Department as part of Human Services' responsibility to provide a sample/survey to identify the proportion of families served who are eligible according to Section 6.034.3. B. Human Services, through Mini-Bus, shall transport at a minimum of: 1. 49.5%of those children or working adults, according to 6.034 of the Department's Operations Manual, who are in need of transportation Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 2. assistance to child care or to a work site for a period ending June 30, 2003, and 54%by the end of June 30, 2004. C. Human Services will enhance its transportation assistance system to meet the transportation access needs for working parents who primarily reside in the rural areas of Weld County by increasing their ridership by 5%by the end of June 30, 2004. 1. Assisting working parents obtain and retain employment and child care services. 2. Ensuring access to a quality and safe transportation system, especially for children. 3. Increasing the access of working adults who require transportation to work sites. D. Human Services will build transportation assistance for families who need transportation access by including their ridership of up to 100,000 total miles provided by Human Services by the end of June 30, 2004, and for the purposes of transport to: 1. Place youth and/or children in out of home placements outside of the Greeley area. 2. Place youth and/or children in adoption placements outside of the Greeley area. 3. Other family preservation services located outside of the Greeley area. E. Human Services will accept the final responsibility,both fiscally and administratively, in developing and implementing transportation assistance to Colorado Works clients. F. Human Services will maintain records, associated with this project, for four years for audit purposes and in accordance with instructions of the Department. 6.034.6 Functions of the Human Services Committee A. The Human Services Committee will guide, oversee, and evaluate the implementation of the health education program. B. At a minimum,the Human Services Committee will: 1. Establish by September 30, 2002, and review quarterly outcome measures for each target group identified in Section 6.034.3 of the Department's Operations Manual. 2. Establish by September 30,2002 transportation standards equivalent to those standards established by the Human Services Committee for Head Start Transportation including,but not limited to, outcome measures for Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 3. the number employed and maintaining employment, and increased transportation access. 4. Establish by September 30, 2002, a transportation plan regarding the development of transportation services to families. 6.034.7 Investment Authority through Transfer for Transportation Assistance for Working Migrant Head Start,Head Start Families,and Other Colorado Works Families with Human Services A. The Department will pay Human Services an amount not to exceed $200,000 for a period ending June 30, 2002, to pay for a portion of the start-up development under a one-year plan ending June 30, 2003. The start-up fee for the project constitutes 94% of the total funding for a one-year plan. The total funding for the project is $212,678. B. If Human Services is not able to meet the enrollment targets identified in Section 6.034,Human Services agrees to return $200,000 to the Department by July 30,3003. C. Human Services will bill the Department for the start up development before June 30,2002. 6.035 Multidisciplinary Youth Assessment Team and Program Added 6/10/02 6.035.1 General Organization The Multidisciplinary Youth Assessment Team and Program involves six major entities as follows: A. The Weld County Department of Social Services (Department). B. The Weld County Division of Human Services (Human Services) through its Employment Services of Weld County(One-Stop Training Center). C. North Range Behavioral Health, Inc. (North Range): North Range is the Mental Health Assessment and Services Agency(MHASA) that serves, in part, Weld County. D. Island Grove Regional Treatment Center, Inc. (Island Grove): Island Grove provides regional alcohol and drug services that serves, in part, Weld County. E. The District Attorney for the 19th Judicial District (District Attorney): District Attorney provides services through its Juvenile Diversion Program. F. The Weld County Families, Youth, and Children (FYC) Commission: The FYC is an advisory committee to the Board of County Commissioners, as the Board of Social Services, and the Department. 6.035.2 General Description A. The Department is developing and directing a pro-active approach to assist the Department and the community in meeting the needs of at-risk youth and their families in Weld County by connecting or developing positive alternatives for youth and families, strengthening families, and preventing these youth from entering the Child Welfare or Youth Corrections systems. B. The Department is establishing a collaborative environment among the District Attorney through its Juvenile Diversion Program, North Range, Human Services through its Employment Services in Weld County Program, and Island Grove in order to assist clients in developing coping skills and strategies, which include developing appropriate relationships with community resources C. The Department is establishing a multi-phase approach to planning and development through a Multidisciplinary Youth Assessment Team (MYAT) concept and system-wide development that will include: 1. The planning and development of a community-wide system to meet the needs of youth and families in conflict or in need of positive youth development. 2. The development of specific treatment plans that incorporates access to existing community services and the development of new service alternatives to address the following four major areas: a) Drug and alcohol issues including utilization of Detox, youth services, education groups, support groups, Alcoholics Anonymous, assessment and testing. b) Mental Health issues including assessment, individual treatment, medication evaluations, psychological evaluations. c) Mediation/mentoring issues including family group conferencing, mediation, parenting teen classes. d) Educational and employment issues including interfacing with schools and facilitating extracurricular recreational activities. e) The development of case management services including accepting the assignment of specific cases for purposes of connecting services outlined in the treatment plan for families and youth, reporting the outcomes of such treatment plans, and identifying gaps, duplication, or system modification needs. D. The Department is establishing the Multidisciplinary Youth Assessment Team (MYAT) to be housed at Weld County Department of Social Services in partnership with Island Grove, District Attorney, North Range, and Human Services including participation on the team, interviewing clients and making home visits, as appropriate. E. Through Agreement, Island Grove, District Attorney, North Range, and Human Services, are committed in participating in planning phases, as MYAT Contractors, to develop and implement over a two-year period a multi-level and multi-system approach over a two-year period. The approach would identify current services, better alternatives to strengthen families, ways to develop youth including multi-cultural and language alternatives, and system modifications or changes, if appropriate. F. The Department wishes to invest in the development of the MYAT and Program to benefit eligible Colorado Works applicants and recipients under a two-year phase-in plan. 6.035.3 Eligibility Criteria A. Youth and families referred by Social Services; B. Youth who are not involved with child welfare or juvenile justice system and are aged ten through seventeen years of age; and C. Youth and families experiencing conflicts regarding alcohol and drugs, suicidal ideation, runaway behaviors, depression, truancy, and/or disobedience; and D. Youth from families who are applicants of or receiving TANF, Medicaid, and Food Stamps and have incomes below 185% of poverty level; or E. Youth from families who are non-custodial parents and are unemployed or underemployed and have incomes below 185% of poverty level; or F. Youth from families who meet the eligibility standards under Sections 6.002.1, D; Section 6.009.3; and Section 6.027.4, Weld County Department of Social Services' Operations Manual. 6.035.4 Functions of the Department A. The Department will be responsible for identifying and referring adults and youth who are eligible to be served by MYAT Contractors and the Program. B. The Department will administer, organize the planning and implementation, provide written policies as approved by the Board of county Commissioners, and document the outcomes of the project. C. The Department will utilize a multi-phased approach to build a program that will address the needs of at-risk youth and their families. The phases include: 1. Phase I—Year 1 (June 1, 2002 through October 1, 2002): The Department will develop and implement, along with the MYAT Contractors, detailed work flows and plans to identify roles and responsibilities of each MYAT Contractor in regards to ongoing planning and program development, the method(s)by which to document full participation of MYAT Contractors, policies and procedures regarding MYAT treatment and assessment sessions and processes, and policies and procedures regarding the assignment of cases for case management including post-participation services. The evolving program will inventory current resources administered by Social Services and MYAT Contractors and from other community resources. 2. Phase II—Year 1 (October 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003): The Department will continue its development of the multi- systemic program including, as treatment plans dictate, designing and developing additional services to best meet the needs of youth and families in the program. 3. Phase III—Year 2 (July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004): Social Services will finalize the development of the MYAT program, report on the outcomes of the program, and to finalize an ongoing evaluation component. D. The Department will assign the Youth in Conflict Ongoing Manager 2 to assist in the development and implementation of the assessment team and assignment of cases for MYAT Contractors. E. The Department will manage biweekly meetings to be held between contracted employees and the Youth in Conflict Ongoing Manager 2. F. The Department will provide office space appropriate for one (1) FTE, at no cost of the MYAT Contractor, at the Annex building of Social Services, through an appropriate Lease Agreement with the MYAT Contractor. G. The Department will administer and provide funding of$60,000, which is authorized under its SFY02-03 Colorado Works funding during Phase I and II of the project, and funding of$60,000, which is authorized under its SFY03-04 Colorado Works funding during Phase III of the project to authorize payment of services, which are not duplicative of existing community resources, identified as a result of the MYAT recommended treatment plan options. H. The Department will manage the quarterly meetings, or as required, among the policy makers of each MYAT Contractor to assess outcomes and future development of the system. 6.035.5 Functions of MYAT Contractor A. The MYAT Contractor will assign the appropriate staff member(s) who will meet the various planning and implementation needs of the project including: program development and planning for the project; the development and implementation of the MYAT Assessment process including providing recommendations to treatment plans; and the development and implementation of case management services for families and youth assigned including accepting assignment of up to a maximum of 16 youth per month with an expected involvement of a three-month period, excluding post-participation case management, as designed in Phase I. B. The MYAT Contractor will document that one FTE is provided to this project beginning July 1, 2002, through each of the phases as identified in the two-year project. Documentation is only to reflect case management, planning & development, and consultation costs and not direct treatment costs. Funding for this program is not to be used to supplant existing agreements for services with the Department by the MYAT Contractor. C. MYAT Contractor will participate in the four functions of the project as follows: 1. As a policy and program developer and planning partner for the project; and 2. As a member of MYAT to develop appropriate treatment plans for youth and families; and 3. As a case manager to provide intervention, connection skills for program services, and post-participation services, as appropriate and recommended by MYAT; and 4. As a community resource for appropriate services, including Medicaid services, to meet the requirements of treatment. D. The MYAT Contractor will directly supervise and manage its employee(s) assigned by the MYAT Contractor in order to meet the one (1) FTE participation requirement. E. The MYAT Contractor will assign staff to be housed at the Department according to lease provisions provided by the Department. 6.035.6 Functions of FYC Commission A. The FYC Commission will guide, oversee, and evaluate the implementation of the MYAT and Program. B. At a minimum, the FYC Commission will document and review, at least at the end of each phase: 1. If the project successfully reduced the number of open cases in the child welfare system or adjudicated youth in the juvenile justice system. 2. If the project successfully reduced high cost services, such as out-of-home placement, detention, or DYC Commitment. 3. If the project successfully re-focused resources within Social Services and the MYAT Contractor to continue the MYAT project. 4. If the project successfully developed a better system design to meet the needs of the youth and families in regards and, at a minimum, to: a) Keep families together through a better utilization of existing community resources to avoid the opening of a case in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. b) Graduate youth from school or GED, if appropriate. c) Affect positively wage gains for youth. d) Improve the ability of families to access and maintain services as documented by outcomes of treatment plans. 5. If the project successfully reduced the number of minority youth entering the child welfare and adjudicated as a youth offender. 6.035.7 Investment Authority for the Direct Care Provider Career Path Program with Aims Community College A. The Department will pay each MYAT Contractor an amount not to exceed an $80,000 fee for a period ending June 30, 2002, to pay for a portion of the start-up development under the two-year phase- in plan. B. If the MYAT Contractor is not able to meet the full participation needs of the project, the MYAT Contractor agrees to return to Department a proportional cash amount of the award as follows: 1. If the MYAT Contractor is not able document full participation in Phase I and II of the project by June 30, 2003, the MYAT Contractor will return $40,000 to Social Services. 2. If the MYAT Contractor is not able to document full participation in Phase III of the project,by June 30, 2004, the MYAT Contractor will return $40,000 to Social Services. C. The MYAT Contractor will bill the Department for the start up development before June 30, 2002. i Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 6.009 Participant Sanctions or other Assistance and Separate County Diversion Effective 9/10/97 6.009.1 Emergency Food Assistance Through the Weld Food Bank Revised 3/01 A. County Diversion Colorado Works funds will be expended to reimburse the Weld Food Bank for the cost of"emergency food boxes." B. Reimbursement will be made at the rate of$14.80 per food box. C. Reimbursement will be made if the food box recipient meets the following criteria: 1. Is referred by the Weld County Department of Social Services. 2. Gross family income is below 185%of poverty. 3. Has an emergency food assistance need as determined by the Weld County Department of Social Services. 4. Has not received four or more Emergency Food Boxes in a six (6)month time period. 6.009.2 Child Care Assistance for Working Families of the Low-Income Program Under Added 3/01 the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program A. County Diversion Colorado Works funds will be expended for eligible working families of the Low Income Program under the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program Recipients. B. Eligibility for the Low Income Program under the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program is defined in Section 6.0014 of the Colorado Works in Weld County Policies Operations Manual. 6.009.3 Emergency Assistance Program will serve families with dependent children within Added 1/02 the 5th degree of kinship with incomes of$75,000 or less per year. 6.009.4 Clothing Assistance for Women through Leanna's Closet,a Effective 6/10/02 Project of The Women's Fund of Weld County A. County Diversion Colorado Works funds will be expended to reimburse The Women's Fund of Weld County for the cost of clothing assistance for women under its project, "Leanna's Closet". B. Clothing assistance includes an outfit, suitable to the type of job that includes: pants, skirt, top,blazer, plus shoes,purse, and jewelry. C. Reimbursement will be made at the rates as follows: 1. $5.00 for one outfit for a job interview. 2. $10.00 for two outfits, suitable for the job, to begin employment. Colorado Works in Weld County and Child Care Policies and Procedures 3. $5.00 for one outfit at the successful retention of continuous employment on the job for three months. D. Reimbursement will made if the recipient meets the following criteria: 1. Is referred by the Weld County Department of Social Services. 2. A woman seeking employment or maintaining employment. 3. Gross family income is below 185%of poverty. 4. Has a clothing allowance need as determined by the Weld county Department of Social Services. 5. Has not received four or more outfits in a six (6)month period. Hello