HomeMy WebLinkAbout20163935.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR FAMILY UNIFICATION
PROGRAM WITH VARIOUS AGENCIES AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN
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 Memorandum of Understanding between
the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, and various agencies,
commencing upon the full execution of signatures and ending June 30, 2021, with further terms
and conditions being as stated in said memorandum of understanding, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said memorandum of
understanding, 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, that the Memorandum of Understanding for Family Unification Program
between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County
Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, and various
agencies, be and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said memorandum of understanding.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 18th day of July, A.D., 2016.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST:
Mike Freeman, Chair
Weld County Clerk the Board
Sean P. Conway, Pro -Tern
BY:
De
County Attorney
cc: kSCCrn /7G)
Steve Moreno
Date of signature:
2016-3935
HR0087
Cuy ac_ D 4t5-',62
S • 0,6144
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 13, 2016
TO: Board of County Commissioners — Pass -Around
FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Human Services
RE: Department of Human Services' Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) for Family Unification Program
Please review this 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' Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for
Family Unification Program. The Family Unification Program (FUP) is administered by
North Range Behavioral Health (NRBH), acting as the Public Housing Authority's Contractor
and Colorado Department of Local Affairs/Division of Housing (DOH). NRBH will secure and
administer Section 8 vouchers through FUP and United Way of Weld County (UWWC) will
manage them.
FUP is supported by an expanding network of collaborating partner agencies and provides
support to foster care youth when they leave the child welfare system. FUP vouchers are used
to assist youth in meeting their basic housing needs as they transition from foster care to into
adulthood and self-sufficiency. Previously, vouchers were administered by Mile High United
Way with DHS as a signatory since it manages the foster care program in Weld County. The
new MOU has NRBH in the place of Mile High United Way.
The MOU will be effective from the date signed and shall expire June 30, 2021.
I do not recommend a Work Session. I recommend approval of this MOU.
Approve Request
BOCC A enda Work Session
Sean Conway
Steve Moreno
Barbara Kirkmeyer
Mike Freeman
Julie Cozad
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Vtitbak
4-Dmac-Clviatici
O2O14-39.3
Pass -Around Memorandum; July 13, 2016 - Contract ID #556 Page 1
Memorandum of Understanding- Family Unification Program
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
has been created and entered into by and between the, following parties.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing (DOH)
Acting as Public Housing Authority (PHA)
1313 Sherman St. Room 320 Denver, CO 80203
Weld County Human Services
Acting as Public Child Welfare Agency (PCWA)
315 N 11th Ave Greeley, CO 80631
North Range Behavioral Health
Acting as PHA's Contractor (Contractor)
1306 11th Ave Greeley, CO 80631
And if applicable:
United Way of Weld County
Acting as Community Partner
814 9th St Greeley, CO 80631
Greeley/Weld Housing Authority
Acting as Community Partner
903 6th St Greeley, CO 80632
Greeley Transitional House (United Way Champions Program)
Acting as Community Partner
1206 10th St Greeley, CO 80631
Family Unification Program Overview and Goals
The Family Unification Program (FUP) is administered by North Range Behavioral Health, acting
as the Public Housing Authority's Contractor (Contractor), and Colorado Department of Local
Affairs/Division of Housing (DOH), and supported by an expanding network of collaborating
020/4 9 5-
partner agencies, both private and public. The objective is to offer support to former child welfare
youth in meeting their basic housing needs as they begin the challenging transition process out of
the child welfare system and into adulthood and self-sufficiency.
DOH partners with thousands of private landlords and approximately 80 Housing Authorities and
Community Based Service Providers across the State to combine housing assistance with supportive
services. Housing assistance is administered as a part of the federally funded Housing Choice
Vouchers (HCV) program.
The Family Unification Program (FUP) currently provides an 18 -month Housing Choice Voucher to
eligible youth who meet the following criteria at entry:
a) Youth must be between the ages of 18 through 21 (not yet 22).
b) Youth must have been in a foster care/child welfare placement for at least one night on or
after their 16th birthday.
c) Youth must have ended placement or provide a letter from the referring child welfare
county stating that their placement will end within 60 days of the referral.
d) Youth must have an active Case Management or Service Plan developed with the referring
partner agency.
e) Youth must pass a criminal background check.
0 Youth must currently lack adequate housing.
i. Lack of adequate housing includes living in substandard or dilapidated housing,
being homeless, living in transitional housing, displaced by domestic violence,
living in an overcrowded unit, in imminent danger of losing housing, or living in
housing not accessible due to the nature of a disability.
Should the HUD regulations change with regard to FUP criteria and/or duration the PHA,
Contractor and PCWA shall comply with new guidelines.
Organizations and agencies interested in referring eligible youth should read through the following
services and responsibilities. Outlined services and responsibilities are required (by HUD) to be
provided to youth utilizing a FUP voucher. If PCWA, Contractor, and/or Community Partner
can commit to the services and responsibilities outlined, please complete the information requested
in Section VI, sign the MOU and return to Division of Housing.
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I. Services to be provided to FUP participants
These supportive services may be provided by the Contractor, PCWA or Community
Partner, through a cooperative agreement.
a) Housing search assistance: Youth will receive assistance to locate suitable housing
(appropriate, affordable and safe) that accepts the HCV (Section 8), meets the payment
standards established by DOH and will receive support and guidance as they meet with
landlords/leasing offices to rent appropriate and eligible units. Assistance will be provided
to youth through their lease up process. including non -legal review of lease provisions
(when a lease is provided) prior to the signature process at leasing appointment.
b) Case management: A co -created case management or service plan will be developed by the
Case Manager at Contractor, PCWA or Community Partner and the youth which may
include all (but is not limited to) the following services:
i Basic life skills: information/counseling on money management, budgeting, use of
credit, housekeeping, proper nutrition/meal preparation, utilizing public
transportation. being a good neighbor, establishing healthy relationships, parenting,
substance use/abuse and accessing health care (e.g., doctors. Medicaid eligibility,
medication, and mental and behavioral health services) and public/human services.
ii. Educational advancement: information/counseling regarding attainment of high
school or general equivalency diploma (GED), applying for and enrolling in post-
secondary learning opportunities (technical/vocational, two & four year college)
and educational financing.
iii. Job preparation and attainment: information/counseling on exploring potential
careers, development of workforce skills, resume writing, applying for jobs,
dressing for success, establishing good working relationships and presenting a
positive work ethic.
iv. Community connections: facilitate introductions to various supportive community
based services, support connections to informal resources, help identify and
support permanent family and/or community relationships and resources.
FUP participants must demonstrate their commitment to the co -created service plan by
signing their name and agreeing to attend counseling/training sessions and to take other
3
actions as deemed appropriate to the youth's successful transition from the child welfare
system.
These supportive services may be provided by a variety of entities i.e. Chafee Program of
PCWA, Contractor, Community Partner, workforce centers, mental health agencies,
social services and/or other youth -serving organizations.
II. Term of services to be provided to FUP participants
Organizations/agencies referring youth for the FUP HCV are asked to provide supportive
services for a period not to exceed the duration of the voucher.
a) If the initial case management provided by PCWA/referring agency cannot continue for
the duration of the voucher program or services end. a written notification of the situation
at hand will be submitted to the Contractor with notification of the termination of case
management services. The PCWA, Contractor, and Community Partner and youth will
coordinate efforts to locate another available Case Manager to take over FUP case
management services for the duration of the voucher.
b) Youth non-compliance with PCWA, Contractor, or Community Partner case
management or service delivery plan does not constitute a reason for discontinuance or
termination of lease/housing. Please refer to the "Statement of Understanding' document
for a listing of possible reasons for program termination.
IIh Additional services to be provided to FUP participants (when available)
These supportive services may be provided by PCWA, Contractor, or Community Partner
through a cooperative agreement.
a) Advising: Provide advising (based on information provided to the youth and Case Manager
during the initial tenant briefing) on compliance with rental lease requirements and with
FUP HCV program participant requirements.
b) Financial assistance: Provide referrals to community resources for financial assistance for
security deposits, utility hook-up fees and utility deposits. Financial assistance for these
costs can be provided by or obtained through various community resources.
c) Support at housing appointments: Attend the youth's initial lease -up with the Contractor
to ensure the youth is fully informed of the lease requirements prior to lease signing.
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i. In an effort to accommodate all schedules, the Contractor will arrange initial
lease -up appointment with the Landlord first and then with the youth and Case
Manager from the PCWA and Community Partner so that the Case Manager can
attend when available.
ii. Attendance at annual recertification and special inspections are encouraged.
d) Tenant briefing: Attend one (1) initial tenant briefing (either a training designed for
referring partners/Case Managers or their youth's initial tenant briefing) to become
familiar with the material presented to the youth regarding the FUP HCV program
participant requirements.
e) Support at participant conferences: Attend (in person or by phone) any participant
conferences (typically scheduled when significant issues arise) that could result in eviction
or termination from the voucher) for FUP youth participants. The Contractor will make
every effort to schedule participant conferences around the Case Manager's availability.
IV. PHA Responsibilities
In accordance with its contracted responsibilities as the PHA's Contractor, North Range
Behavioral Health will fulfill each of the following responsibilities:
a) Accept youth referred by the organization/agency for certification as eligible for the FUP.
i. Upon receipt of the application(s) for youth referred to the HCV program.
Contractor will compare the names with those youth already on the PHA's HCV
waiting list.
ii. Any youth on the PHA's HCV waiting list must be assisted in order of their
position on the waiting list in accordance with DOH's admission policies.
iii. Any youth referred as eligible and appropriate and not on the HCV waiting list
must be placed on the waiting list. If the PHA has a closed HCV waiting list, it
must reopen the waiting list to accept a FUP eligible youth who is not currently on
the PHA's waiting list.
b) Determine if youth ages 18 through 21 are eligible for HCV assistance and place eligible
youth on the HCV waiting list.
c) Determine if youth ages 18 through 21 on the HCV waiting list are living in inadequate
housing and qualify for the FUP; refer such applicants to partner organizations/agencies
5
for potential service delivery.
d) The Contractor will update the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS)
forms and database with information provided by the youth and the referring
organizationJagency.
The PHA is committing to perform the following categories:
a) Removing jurisdictional barriers to mobility.
b) Owner participation in low -poverty areas.
i. Mobility assistance
ii. Pre -move and post -move counseling
iii. Housing search assistance in low -poverty areas
c) Amend the administrative plan in accordance with applicable program regulations and
requirements, if needed.
d) Administer the vouchers in accordance with applicable program regulations and
requirements.
e) Provide training to referring organization/agency staff on the PHA's HCV procedures; and
f) Conduct meetings with partner organizations/agencies as needed.
V, Referring Organization/Agency Responsibilities
The PCWA, Contractor, and Community Partner will fulfill each of the following
responsibilities:
a) Establish and implement a process to identify FUP-eligible youth.
b) Through the FUP application documents, provide written certification to the Contractor
that a youth qualifies as FUP-eligible.
c) Commit sufficient staff resources to ensure that eligible youth are identified and determined
appropriate for referral
i. Provide referrals (only when caseload contains appropriate and FUP eligible youth)
to the Contractor.
d) Commit sufficient staff resources to provide follow-up supportive services/case
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management to the youth once they've leased a unit and through the duration of the
voucher program.
This commitment must include a process to ensure that PCWA/Community
Partner reviews their active FUP caseload regularly: documenting date of all
services provided as well as attempts to provide services for youth (include all
attempts with non -compliant youth).
ii. A signed copy of the youth's case management/service plan, independent living
plan or Trails contact notes (Trails is a client/server-based statewide system that
supports the workloads of caseworkers and administrators and includes information
regarding intake, eligibility, resource management, court processing, case
management, facilities management, financial management, etc.).
i. Any significant or important changes that occur (as determined by the Case
Manager, i.e.: accomplishments, crises, etc.) regarding the status of the
youth should be reported to the Contractor in a timely manner, in writing
via e-mail.
Refer youth to community resources to obtain financial assistance for security deposits,
first and last months' rent, rental insurance, utility hook-up fees and utility deposits, etc.
VI. Referring Organization/Agency Description of Services
Please attach a statement describing the services that will be provided by the PCWA/
Contractor/Community Partner:
a) The overall services offered by PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner (please include
service delivery county)
A brief description of the similarity of PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner's
program(s) to FUP (if applicable)
i, Please include experience administering a similar program(s) including the
number of years the PCWA/ Contractor/Community Partner has administered
a similar program.
A description of the related case management services offered by PCWA/
Contractor/Community Partner
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d) The PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner's contact/liaisons
i. Please identify the PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner's staff person who
will serve as the primary or lead FUP contact/liaison
ii. Please identify the PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner staff person/people
who will provide the FUP case management services to the FUP eligible youth
e) How PCWA/ Contractor/Community Partner will deliver or arrange for each of the
services to be provided to FUP participants for the duration of their FUP HCV (please
address all items in Sections I, II & III).
f) PCWA/Community Partner's commitment to attend meetings (quarterly) with the
Contractor, when available.
VII. Provisions
a) PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner's FUP contact/liaison and Case Managers
confirm that none of the owners, agency staff, board members, board committee members,
or any member of his/her family might benefit or appear to benefit personally or
financially from any referrals made to the FUP HVC program, services provided or
property leased. PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner's contact/liaison and Case
Managers should not accept any gift, entertainment, service, loan, or promise of future
benefits from any FUP eligible youth, youth's family/friend, landlord, etc. unless the facts
of such benefit, gift, service, or loan are disclosed to the Contractor and DOH in good
faith.
b) Contractor and DOH, in their sole discretion, will determine the existence of a conflict of
interest and may terminate the MOU in the event a conflict exists, after it has given the
PCWA/Community Partner written notice describing the conflict.
c) PCWA/Contractor/Community Partner's contact/liaison and/or Case Managers will not
provide case management services to youth in apartments or homes privately owned,
leased or co -leased by Case Manager or any member of the PCWA/
Contractor/Community Partner's staff. family, board member or committee member.
d) If either party determines they can no longer provide the required services as outlined in
this agreement, then either party shall give written notice of such intent at least 60 days
prior to termination of the MOU.
8
Print Name/Title
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Print Name/Title
Larry Pottorft;
VIII. Statement of Cooperation
a) The Contractor and PCWA/Community Partner agree to cooperate with HUD and
provide requested and available data to HUD or HUD -approved contractor delegated the
responsibility of program evaluation.
b) The Contractor and PCWA/Community Partner agree to comply with the services, term
of service delivery and provisions outlined in this MOU.
IX. Term ofAereemcnt
a) This MOU shall be effective from the date signed below and shall expire June 30th, 2021.
b) The Parties may renew this MOU July P', 2021 subject to mutual agreement. Each Party
reserves the right to elect not to renew the MOU after expiration of the current term. If any
Party does not intend to renew the MOU, it shall give notice of such intent at least thirty
(30) days prior to expiration of the Agreement.
PCWA/Cnntractor/Community Partner Attachments:
MOU Signed By:
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