HomeMy WebLinkAbout20011020.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, 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 revisions to the Operations
Manual, Section 2.000, Social Services Division Policies and Procedures for the Department of
Social Services be, and hereby is, approved.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 4th day of April, A.D., 2001.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD CONTY, COLORADO
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David . ong
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Robert D. Ma den
2001-1020
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DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
PC BOX A
GREELEV,CO 80632
I WEBSITE:www.co.weld.co.us
Administration and Public Assistance(970)352-1551111
CChild Support(970)352-6933
COLORADO MEMORANDUM
• TO: M. J. Geile, Chair Date: April 2, 2001
Board of County Commissioners l
FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Social Services)+ 6 ci Om
RE: Revision to Section 2.000, Social Services Division 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.
1. Supervised Visitation Services: This revision is necessary to respond the
increased demand of supervised visitation services, mandated by the Court, in
South Weld County. These supervised visits are being conducted by caseworkers.
Background: Currently, the Department has two contractors—Child Advocacy,
Resource, and Education (CARE) and Dream Team—that provide supervised
visitation services under our CORE Services Program. Both contractors are not
able to provide services to South Weld County or add to their current caseload.
Dream Team has provided notice that they will cease to be a contractor of the
Department beginning June 1, 2001, and has begun to phase-out its program.
CARE is paid an hourly rate of$32.23 and Dream Team is paid an hourly rate of
$38.69. These hourly rates include all costs including direct and indirect costs
and are paid on an hourly basis for direct, face-to-face services only.
The Department requests approval of a revision to Section 2.000 to:
A. Add, under its CORE Services Program, the Weld County Department of
Human Services as a provider of supervised visitation services for children
in the custody of the Department and their biological parents. These visits
may take place within the South Weld County Head Start Centers or other
locations appropriate for the child. The Weld County Department of
Human Services will refer Human Services staff members who meet the
Department's qualifications for the Case Aide Position, including the
2001-1020
MEMORANDUM Page 2
M.J. Geile, Chair, Board of County Commissioners
April 2, 2001
ability to transport children and other screening criteria. The Department
will provide the necessary and required Case Aide training of Human
Services staff. Reference: Section 2.802.5 through Section 2.802.52.
B. Add a provision for reimbursement transfer authority from the Department
to the Weld County Department of Human Services. The maximum
reimbursement level under this transfer authority will be $10,000 with a
limit of 60 hours of visitation services per week. The period of
reimbursement would end May 31, 2001, to coincide with the term of the
Core Services budget, which is the source of funding. Renewal of this
project will be required yearly to coincide with the Core Services Program
Plan Year of June 1 through May 31. Social Services will agree to
reimburse an hourly wage of$12.87 including fringe and County-
approved mileage for part-time staff. The source of funds will be Core
Services funding. Reference: Section 2.802.53.
2. Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process: This
revision is necessary to conform to changes adopted by the Board in March 2001.
This change provides for an appointment of an Administrative Liaison.
The Department requests approval of a revision to Section 2.000 to:
A. The definition of an Administrative Liaison was changed to conform to
Board policy. Reference: Section 2.905.
B. The name of the new Administrative Liaison appointment to the Board
was included in the form entitled, Notice of Rights and Remedies for
Families. This form is given to families whose child has been or is being
removed from the home according to Title 19, C.R.S., the Colorado
Children's Code. Reference 2.102.
If you have any questions, please telephone me at extension 6510.
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.802.5 Supervised Visitation Services
Added 3/01
Supervised visitation services is provided by three methods:
A. Department's Case Aides: Case Aides supervise court-ordered
visits between foster parents and biological/adoptive parents. Case
aides provide for the transportation of foster children to and from
visits, if necessary. Case Aides must meet the qualifications and
training for a Case Aide
B. Core Services Program Vendors: Supervised visitation services
are provided by vendors who meet the qualifications set by
Department, as described in Section 2.802.1 and Section 2.802.3.
Supervised visitation services are considered a Life Skills
Program.
C. Weld County Department of Human Services (Human
Services) Supervised Visitation Program: The Weld County
Department of Human Services (Human Services) will provide
supervised visitation services in South Weld County for a period
ending May 31, 2001. Human Services will assign to the
Department its staff members who meet the Case Aide
qualifications and training as set forth for Department Case Aides.
2.802.51 Functions of the Department Regarding Human Services' Supervised
Visitation Program
A. The Department will provide Case Aide training for Human
Services staff members assigned as Case Aides.
B. The Department will assign a Child Protection Manager 2 to
provide functional supervision of Human Services staff members
who are assigned as Case Aides and are conducting Case Aide
duties.
C. The assigned Child Protection Manager 2 will develop a schedule
and supervised visits to Human Services staff members, assigned
as Case Aides. Under no circumstances will the Child Protection
Manger 2schedule supervised visits the will require the Human
Services staff member to work in excess of 20 hours per week.
D. The assigned Child Protection Manager 2 will provide functional
supervision of the Part-time Human Services staff member's work
as a Case Aide. The Human Services supervisor remains the Part-
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
time Human Services staff member's supervisor as defined in
Weld County Personnel Policies.
E. The assigned Child Protection Manager 2 will meet with the
Human Services supervisor monthly or as needed to discuss
scheduling or related issues regarding the Part-time Human
Services staff member.
2.802.52 Functions of Human Services' Regarding Supervised Visitation
Program
A. Human Services agrees to assign Part-time Human Services staff
members as Case Aides to supervise visits between foster parents
and biological/adoptive parents in South Weld County.
B. Human Services agrees to provide background screening and
transportation clearance of all potential Human Services staff
members prior to assigning them to Social Services for Case Aide
work.
C. Human Services agrees to assign a Human Services Supervisor
who will be the liaison to, provide joint planning of, and will assist
in the coordination and monitoring of the Supervised Visitation
Program with the Department.
D. Human Services agrees to submit the necessary billing to and as
prescribed by the Department.
2.802.53 Reimbursement Transfer Authority from the Department to Human
Services
The Department will remit to Human Services an amount not to exceed
$10,000 for services provided for a period ending May 31, 2001, under its
Core Services Program Plan. Human Services will bill the Department for
Case Aide hours worked by Human Services staff and mileage related to
Case Aide work. The hourly rate for part-time staff will be $12.87 an hour
including fringe.
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.102 Notice of Rights and Remedies for Families
Revised 3/29/99 The Department shall provide a Colorado Department of Human Services form
entitled Notice of Rights and Remedies for Families to the parent(s) of a child
who has been or is being removed from the home according to Title 19, C.R.S.,
the Colorado Children's Code.
2.102.1 Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will provide a copy of the form referenced in Section
2.102 to the parent(s) and family from whom the child is removed at the
time of the removal. Copies shall also be supplied to all law enforcement
agencies in the county.
B. The caseworker will assure that the section entitled County Specific and
Important Telephone Numbers is complete and document as follows:
1. The caseworker's name and telephone number including the
extension.
2. The law enforcement officer's name and telephone number
including extension, if available.
3. Director's name.
4. Social Services Grievance Coordinator name, who is Judy Crosby,
including telephone number and extension.
5. Other local resources statement that the Citizen Review Panel
Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process is available through
the Administrative Liaison(Office Manager, Board of County
Commissioners).
Adm/manss36.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.905 Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process
Revised 3/29/99 On January 5, 1998, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Citizen Review
Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process concerning the conduct of
Department personnel in performing their duties pursuant to Article 3 of the
Colorado Children's Code.
Enabling authority for the Citizen Review Panel and Conflict Resolution Process
is found in Article 3, Part 2, Section 19 of Title 19 of the Colorado Revised
Statutes, C.R.S. § 19-3-211 ("Colorado Children's Code"). Further authority is
found at 12 C.C.R. 2509-5, §7.400.7.
2.905.1 Definitions
Revised 3/01 Definitions are provided in the Board of County Commissioners adopted
procedures and process. A limited number of these definitions are included in this
section for purposes of clarity as follows:
A. Administrative Liaison: means a person who has been appointed by the
Board for the purpose of assisting the Citizen Review Panel in
coordinating and completing its duties pursuant to these Procedures and
Conflict Resolution Process.
B. Board: means the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County.
C. Citizen Review Panel: means an advisory body appointed by the Board to
hear and make recommendations concerning grievances filed concerning
the conduct of Department employees in performing their duties under
Article 3 of the Colorado Children's Code.
D. Conduct of an Employee of the Department: means behaviors or actions
that are contrary to state or federal law or regulation, or are dangerous,
malicious, or negligent to/toward the well-being of the Complainant or
child(ren)who are involved in a dependency or neglect case. The term
does not include conduct a prudent, reasonable professional would utilize
in similar circumstances of an investigation or case management.
E. Complainant: means any person who was the subject of an investigation
of a report of child abuse or neglect or any parent, guardian, or legal
custodian of a child who is the subject of a report of child abuse or neglect
Adm\manssl6.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
and brings a grievance against the Department in accordance with C.R.S. §
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 Judy Crosby. The Administrative Liaison will notify
Judy Crosby of any changes in the Procedures and Conflict Resolution
Process.
Adm\manss 16.jag
NOTICE OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES FOR FAMILIES
Yot}r child(ren)have been, OR are being removed from your home pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute, Title 19, C.R.S., the
Colorado Children's Code. This notice provides you with important information. This is an important document, please read it
carefully, If English is not your primary language, or you are hearing impaired you may request an interpreter for all proceedings,
If you know or have reason to know your family is of American Indian heritage, the Indian Child Welfare Act (P.L. 95-608)
applies.
The United State Constitution and State of Colorado Constitution guarantee your right to due process which includes a fair hearing.
PARENTAL RIGHTS
1. You have a right to receive this NOTICE OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES and a juvenile court order.
2. You have a right to an attorney. If the court decides you cannot afford to pay an attorney one will be provided for you at no
cost. You are entitled to petition the court to appoint an attorney of your choosing that may or may not be granted by the Court.
3. You have the right to participate with the County Department of Social Services (referred to hereinafter a D.S.S.) Caseworker
in developing a case plan. All parties will be requested to sign the case plan. Caseworker in developing a case plan. All parties
will be requested to sign the case plan.
4. You have the right to a Detention Hearing within 48 to 72 hours to determine if your child(ren) should return home. This
hearing MUST be held either within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. If the court decides that your child(ren)
should not return home, your children may be placed with their grandparents or other appropriate relatives, or remain in foster care
with the County D.S.S. You have the right to testify and present witnesses in the court as to why the children should be allowed to
return home, or whether they should be placed with their grandparents or other relatives. You have the right to compel witnesses
by subpoena, to attend all court proceedings, and to ask questions of any witnesses. If the petition is granted, the child(ren) are
adjudicated dependent and neglected; legal custody of your child(ren) may be given to the County D.S.S. Families may make later
formal requests, at anytime, for a hearing to regain legal custody of their child(ren).
5. You have the right to a Juvenile Judge instead of a magistrate at all proceedings of the court except the initial Detention hearing.
6. You have the right to have the Dependency and Neglect Petition filed with the court no later than 10 working days after
child(ren) are removed (Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4.A.)
7. You have the right to a jury trial.
8. You have the right to have the People prove that the allegations of the petition are true by a preponderance of the evidence. In
the case of an Indian child the standard is clear and convincing evidence. If the petition is not granted, the court can order the state
to pay all your costs.
9. You have a right to appeal any fmal decision of the court, unless you agree to a fmding that your children are "Dependent and
Neglected: (this would include an admission of"no fault of your own"). In that case, you lose your rights to a jury trial, to
subpoena witnesses and to appeal the court's finding of"Dependent and Neglected".
10. You have a right to complain, through a grievance process adopted by the Weld County Board of Social Services, regarding
the conduct of a Department employee in performing his or her duties pursuant to Article 3 of the Colorado Children's Code, You
written complaint will be treated as a grievance in the process if the conduct was contrary to state or federal law or regulation, or
was dangerous, malicious, or negligent to/toward you well-being or the well-being of child(ren) who are involved in the
dependency or neglect case.
NON-EMERGENCY REMOVAL:
If you child(ren) are being removed in a non-emergency situation, you are to receive a copy of the juvenile court order authorizing
the removal and stating the reasons why your child(ren) are being removed along with a copy of this notice, (If your child is
removed from some place other than the home, you are to receive the order the same day.)
Specific reason for non-emergency removal:
If you child(ren) have been or are being removed under Colorado Statute19-3-401, you will receive a copy of the court order
forthwith. The reason for emergency removal is (reason cited from Colorado Statute 19-3-401:
Taking children into custody. (1) A child may be taken into temporary custody by a law enforcement officer without order of the
court:
(a) When the child's abandoned, lost or seriously endangered in such child's surroundings or seriously endangers others and
immediate removal appears to be necessary for such child's protection of others.
_(b) When there are reasonable grounds to believe that such child has run away or escaped from such child's parents, guardian,
or legal custodian; or
_ (c) When an arrest warrant has been issued for such child's parent or guardian on the basis of an alleged violation of section 18-
3-304, C.R.S. No child taken into temporary custody pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall be placed in detention or jail.
(1.5) An emergency exists and a child is seriously endangered as described in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section
whenever the safety or well-being of a child is immediately at issue and there is no other reasonable way to protect the child
without removing protective custody regardless of whether reasonable efforts to preserve the family have been made.
(2) The taking of a child into temporary custody under this section shall not be deemed an arrest, nor shall it constitute a police
record.
Specific reason for removal
REASONABLE EFFORTS:
The law requires that reasonable efforts be made before, during, and after removal of child(ren) with parents, as described in 19-0-
103, C.R.S.
(89) "Reasonable efforts.." means the exercise of diligence and care throughout the state of Colorado for children who are in out-
of-home placement, or are at imminent risk of out-of-home placement, to provide, purchase, or develop the supportive and
rehabilitative services to the family that are required both to prevent unnecessary placement of children outside of such children's
homes and to foster, whenever appropriate, the reunification of children with the families of such children. Services provided by a
county or city and county in accordance with section 19-3-208 are deemed to meet the reasonable effort standard described in this
subsection (89). Noting in this subsection (89) shall be construed to reflect with federal law.
State what reasonable efforts have been made to prevent the removal of the child(ren) from the home or explain why these efforts
were not made:
TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS:
If you do not comply with the treatment plan ordered by the court, your parental rights may be terminated at a separate hearing.
The standard of evidence for termination of parental rights is clear and convincing in all cases, except in cases of Indian child(ren)
where the standard is beyond a reasonable doubt. If the petition is not granted, the court can order the state to pay all your costs.
While your child(ren) is placed out of the home you have the right to visit your child(en) as permitted by the court and be advised
of their well-being, There will be regular court-ordered reviews. Periodic reviews take place at the county department of social
services. Reviews in court can be requested by your or required by the court.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION:
The Weld County Board of Social Services has established a Conflict Resolution Process to provide a forum for grievances
concerning the conduct of Weld County Department of Social Services employees in performing their duties in dependency and
neglect investigations and cases. You are eligible to utilize the Conflict Resolution Process if you are the subject of a report of
child abuse or neglect, or the parent(s), guardian(s), or legal custodian(s) of a child who is the subject of such a report. If you wish
to submit a grievance under the Conflict Resolution Process, you will need to contact Ms. Vicky Sprague at (970) 356-4000, ext.
4200. Her office if located at the Weld County Board of County Commissioners, 915 10'h Street-, Greeley, CO 80631. Any such
grievance must be submitted to Ms. Sprague in writing no later than thirty (30) calendar days of the alleged incident of the
employee conduct which is the subject of your grievance.
COUNTY SPECIFIC AND IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Caseworker (name and number)
Law Enforcement(name and number
County Department of Social Services Director Judy A. Griego. (970) 352-1551 ext. 6501
Social Services Grievance Coordinator Judy Crosby. (970) 352-1551 ext. 6501
Other local resources The Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process is available through Judy Crosby,
(970) 352_1551. ext. 6501
Conflict Resolution Coordinator Vicky Sprague 356-4000. ext. 4200
State Form Adopted 1/1/98
Revised by Weld County Department of Social Services 04/01
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