HomeMy WebLinkAbout20191499.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE STANDARD FORM FOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
REGARDING FOSTER PARENT MENTORING PROGRAM BETWEEN WELD COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND VARIOUS FOSTER PARENTS AND
AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING CONSISTENT
WITH SAID FORM
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 the form of a Memorandum of
Understanding the Regarding Foster Parent Mentoring Program between the Weld County
Department of Human Services and various foster parents, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve the form of said
memorandum of understanding, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference and to delegate standing authority to the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners
to execute individual memorandums of understanding between the Department of Human
Services and various foster parents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the form of the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Foster
Parent Mentoring Program between the Weld County Department of Human Services, and
various foster parents, be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign any memorandum of understanding consistent with said form of memorandum of
understanding.
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2019-1499
HR0090
RE: FORM OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING FOSTER PARENT
MENTORING PROGRAM
PAGE 2
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 17th day of April, A.D., 2019.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: dathis) ...d4;41
Weld County Clerk to the Board
Deputy Clerk
County Attorney
Date of signature: y-25-19
EXCUSED
Barbara Kirkmeyer, Chair
Mike Freeman, Pro-Tem
2019-1499
HR0090
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 2, 2019
TO: Board of County Commissioners — Pass -Around
FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Human Services
RE: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Template for
the Foster Parent Mentorship Program
Please review and indicate if you would like a work session prior to placing this item on the Board's
agenda.
Request Board Approval of the Departments' Foster Parent Mentorship (MOU) Template. The
Department has developed a Foster Parent Mentorship Program. The associated policy was previously
reviewed by the Board and approved. This program will support and train newly certified foster parents
by pairing them with an experienced, established foster parent who is willing to share their expertise and
knowledge. This MOU has been developed to be an understanding between the Department and the
identified foster parent mentor, and ensures the mentor understands their role and responsibilities.
Additionally, the MOU outlines the mentor incentives, which include:
Minimum of four (4) training hours upon completion of mentor training.
Potential for additional training hours, based on the needs of the foster parent, to obtain
knowledge necessary to fulfill their role as a mentor.
Reimbursement for training up to $75.00 per certification year.
Potential for additional 16 hours of respite a single time during the term of the Agreement for
active participation in the Foster Parent Mentoring Program.
This M0U template has been reviewed and approved by Karin McDougal.
I do not recommend a Work Session. I recommend approval of this MOU template.
Approve
Schedule
Recommendation Work Session
Sean P. Conway
Mike Freeman, Pro-Tem
Scott James
Barbara Kirkmeyer, Chair
Steve Moreno
Other/Comments:
2019-1499
Pass -Around Memorandum; April 2, 2019 - Not in CMS
%iR PC9oa►0
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE WELD COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND (FOSTER PARENT)
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is entered into this day of -
by and between the Board of County Commissioners, on behalf of the Weld County Department
of Human Services, hereinafter referred to as "Department," and (foster parent name), a Weld County
certified foster parent, hereinafter referred to as "Mentor".
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Weld County Department of Human Services has developed a Foster Parent
Mentorship Program and associated policy; and
WHEREAS, the Weld County Department of Human Services has determined that a need exists
to effectively support and train newly certified foster parents; and
WHEREAS, the Weld County Department of Human Services has experienced foster parents with
knowledge and expertise that can benefit newly certified foster parents; and
WHEREAS, identified experienced foster parents are willing grid able'to share their expertise and
knowledge with newly certified foster parents, hereinafter referred to as Mentee .
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and 'mutual promises and covenants herein
contained, the Parties agree as follows:
Term of this Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU" or "Agreement") shall be effective beginning
and shall end �--�
Mentor will, at the time of entering into thisAgreement, ensure he/she has completed all the necessary
paperwork, has met allrth e required qualifications and has received approval from the Department, as
required to serve to as a Mentor, and -outlined in this Agreement. Mentor will:
1. Be identified by a Foster -G re Coordinator or caseworker as a candidate for the Foster Parent
Mentor[nProgram, or directly request consideration to serve as a Mentor. Foster parents will
be considered per the selection requirements set forth in Weld County Department of Human
Services policy, identified as Sec. 2.3.100., Foster Parent Mentorship Program, and incorporated
herein as Exhibit A.
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2 Meet with their identified Foster Care Coordinator to review the Foster Parent Mentoring
Program, roles and responsibilities of a Mentor and other expectations/requirements.
3. Complete a Foster Parent Mentor Application and submit the application to their identified
Foster Care Coordinator for consideration.
4. Complete an interview with their identified Foster Care Coordinator, to review the submitted
application and assess compatibility for the Foster Parent Mentoring Program and confirm
qualifications and understanding of program requirements.
S. Receive final approval from the Department's Resource Manager and Director of Child Welfare.
RI quirem tints of Mentor
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Role of Mentor
1. Provide guidance and support to Mentee, including contact upon placement of new children,
and assist in advocating for specific needs;
2. Assist Mentee in working with the biological parents consistent with the case plan and
permanency goal;
3. Offer support to Mentee during transition of children out of the home (grief and loss);
4. Teach Mentee to advocate for themselves and to provide support with the advocacy process;
and
5. Model and coach supportive communication and positive working relationships between -foster
parents, case management and others within the Department's Foster Care team.
6.
Responsibilities of Mentor
1. Establish a personal, working relationship with Mentee; (same as number 6 above— robably
don't need it twice. I would keep it here and remove above)
2. Attend training, facilitated by the Department's Foster Care staff,_I rior.to being assigned a
mentee;
3. Physically meet with Mentee in an agreed upon location at least monthly;
4. Contact Mentee to begin coaching and mentoring upon certification;
5. Contact Mentee following initial placement of children, _as follows:
a. Within the first three days of initial placement a i +
.b. Weekly, with a minimum of three face-to-face contacts, within the first thirty (30) days.
6. Assist Mentee in positively navigating the Child Welfare system;
7. Report any safety concerns to Mento Is Foster Care Coordinator;
8. Maintain a written record of meetings with Mentee; utilizing the Department's Foster Parent
Mentors Contact Notes form, incorporated -herein - as Exhibit C; and
9. During sessions with Mentee; Mentor may do one and/or any of the following:
a. Provide immediate -support to Mentee;
b. Provide coping -strategies for Mentee as needed;
c. Provide infoi
errriation on serlvir eand other resources for the family;
d. Serve as respite option -for Mentee (Mentor must have an active Respite Care Provider
•
Agreeme'ntwith thejDepartment);
e. Attend supportgroups and Roundtable meetings, when able, with Mentee;
f. Provide support -for Mentee with regards to working with the members of the
Department's Foster Care team; and/or
g ; Celebrate with Mentee as they achieve goals and overcome obstacles.
Responsibilities of Department
--1—The-Department will follow the selection requirements set forth in policy, identified as Sec.
2.3.100., Foster Parent Mentorship Program, and incorporated herein as Exhibit A.
2. Meet with the foster parent applicant to review the Foster Parent Mentoring Program, roles and
responsibilities of a Mentor and other expectations/requirements.
3. Communicate final approval, or disapproval, from the Department's Resource Manager and
Director of Child Welfare.
4. Ensure bimonthly supervision by the assigned Foster Care Coordinator to determine progress
and to review Mentor's written notes;
5. Ensure Foster Care Coordinator reports progress and/or concerns to the Foster Care Team;
6. Schedule and conduct a meeting with Mentor and Mentee at the conclusion of mentoring to
review successes and outcomes. Foster Care Supervisor shall produce a written report
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summarizing the information collected during this meeting for review with the Department's
Resource Manager and Child Welfare Director.
Mentor Incentives
1. Mentor will receive a minimum of four (4) training hours for completing Mentor training.
2. Mentor may receive additional training hours per month based on the need for Mentor to
obtain additional knowledge in a specific area in order to educate and/or train Mentee.
3. Mentor may receive reimbursement for training up to $75.00 per certification year.
4. Mentor may receive an additional sixteen (16) hours of respite one (1) time during the term of
this Agreement for active participation in the Foster Parent Mentoring Program. The chosen
Respite Care Provider must have an active Respite Care Provider Agreement in place at thetime
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respite is provided.
Modifications
All modifications of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by both parties.
Independent Contractor
Mentor shall perform his/her duties hereunder as an independent contractor and not as an employee of
County. Under no circumstances shall Mentor be deemed to be an agent or employee of Weld
County. Mentor is not entitled to unemployment insurance or workers' compensation benefits through
Weld County and Weld County shall not pay for or otherwise provide ch-coverage for Mentor.
Confidentiality
Mentor shall protect the confidentiality of all records -and -other materials to which he/she has access
relating to the foster family and child(ren) to whom the'.inentorship1is provided, which are maintained in
accordance with this Agreement except for pu I oses directly connected with the administration of Child
Protection.
Termination
This Agreement may be terminated by any of the signers upon thirty (30) days written notice.
No Third -Party Beneficiary.
It is expressly understood -and agreed that thle enforcement of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, and all rights of action relating to such enforcement, shall be strictly reserved to the
undersigned parties and nothing in this Agreement shall give or allow any claim or right of action
whatsoever by any other person , not included in this Agreement. It is the expressed intention of the
undersigned partiesthat,any entity other than the undersigned parties receiving services or benefits
under this -Agreement shall -be an incidental beneficiary only.
NoWaiver of Immunity.
No portion of this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any immunities the parties or
their officers or employees may possess, nor shall any portion of this Agreement be deemed to have
created a duty of care that did not previously exist with respect to any person not a party to this
Agreement.
Severability. If any term or condition of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, this Agreement shall be construed and enforced
without such provision, to the extent that this Agreement is then capable of execution within the original
intent of the parties.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed the Agreement as of the day,
month, and year first above written.
WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVCIES
Judy A. Griego, Director Date
MENTOR
(Mentor) Date
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