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Home My WebLink About20143848.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE TREATMENT FOSTER CARE PILOT PROGRAM WITH SIX (6) CHILD WELFARE PROVIDERS AND (8) COLORADO COUNTIES 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 a Memorandum of Understanding for the Treatment Foster Care Pilot Program among the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Weld County Department of Human Services, and six (6) Child Welfare Providers, (8) Colorado Counties, and the Colorado Department of Human Services, commencing upon execution of signature, and ending after a period of six months, 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 the Treatment Foster Care Pilot Program among the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Weld County Department of Human Services, and six (6) Child Welfare Providers, (8) Colorado Counties, and the Colorado Department of Human Services, 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 15th day of December, A.D., 2014. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO n ATTEST: doh/0 xido• aC' (cyz, \ �d wpz 34)--1\ glaVRademacher, hair Weld County Clerk to the Board �r�■•. ' .rbara Kirkmeyer, ro-Tem D •u Clerk to the =• ,r 419 can P. Conway APPROVED AS TO FORM: ` A 'TtliPte�rteO Mike Freeman County Attorney EXCUSED 12121 William F. Garcia Date of signature: CC : HSOCCM'SEV JG) ©a i1 I^7 2014-3848 HR0085 MEMORANDUM v uy DATE: December 4, 2014 1861 —� TO: Douglas Rademacher, Chair, Board of Commissio rs 1 FROM: Judy A. Griego, Director, Departure t o • e �LGOUNTY� RE: Memorandum of Understanding (M ) among the Colorado Department of Human Services, Six (6) Child Welfare Providers and Eight (8) Counties Enclosed for Board approval is a Memorandum of Understanding among the Colorado Department of Human Services, six (6) Child Welfare providers, and eight (8) counties (including Weld) for the purpose of implementing a Treatment Foster Care Pilot program for the State of Colorado. This MOU was reviewed under the Board's Pass-Around Memorandum dated November 19, 2014, for placement on the Board's Agenda. This is a non-financial agreement that allows for participation in the pilot and access to services. Funding for placements will come from the same source as other existing Foster Care placements and there will be no additional costs to us. Boulder, El Paso, Weld, Arapahoe/Douglas and Garfield counties and providers (tx foster care agency), Griffith, Kids Crossing, Maplestar, Shiloh, Lutheran, Savio will both refer children/youth and provide services for children/youth. With this MOU, the State along with the above participants will pilot the TFC program for six months. During that period, data and outcomes will be collected and measured as outlined in the MOU. Based on the findings at the end of the six (6) month pilot, recommendations may be made by the CDHS to implement the TFC service State-wide. Weld County DHS is seeking to utilize a Treatment Foster Care home if the need were to arise. This could be a resource to a potential step down of a youth currently placed in congregant care level placement. If you have any questions, give me a call at extension 6510. 2014-3848 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) among the Colorado Department of Human Services and Chins Up IGriffth Centers for Children, Kids Crossing, Lutheran Family Services, Maple Star Colorado, Savio House, and Shiloh House, Inc. and Adams County Department of Human Services, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, Boulder County Housing and Human Services, Denver County Department of Human Services, El Paso County Department of Human Services, Garfield County Department of Human Services, Larimer County Department of Human Services and Weld County Department of Human Services For Implementation of a Treatment Foster Care Pilot This MOU by and between the Colorado Department of Human Services (hereinafter, "CDHS"), Chins Up (Griffith Centers for Children, Kids Crossing, Lutheran Family Services, Maple Star Colorado, Savio House, and Shiloh House, Inc. (hereinafter "Treatment Foster Care Agencies"), and Adams County Department of Human Services, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, Boulder County Housing and Human Services, Denver County Department of Human Services, El Paso County Department of Human Services, Garfield County Department of Human Services, Larimer County Department of Human Services, and Weld County Department of Human Services (hereinafter "County Departments") and individually "Party" and collectively "the Parties", is for the purpose of clearly identifying the roles and responsibilities of each Party as they relate to implementation of a Treatment Foster Care Pilot. I. BACKGROUND The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, conducted a review of the service continuum available to children, youth, and families. Treatment foster care was a missing service strategy to prevent a child/youth from entering a higher level of care, to step down or transition from a higher level of care into a highly trained treatment foster home, and to promote permanency. Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page 2 A Treatment Foster Care Task Group was appointed by the Child Welfare SubPAC to develop a replicable treatment foster care program. Between July 2012 — October 2013, representatives from county departments, child placement agencies, residential child care facilities, provider organizations, the Colorado State Foster Parent Association, and state agencies representing child welfare, behavioral health, and Medicaid, participated in meetings to develop a model for treatment foster care. II. SCOPE Treatment Foster Care is a clinically effective alternative to the residential treatment level of care that combines a trauma focused, individualized, and intensive treatment approach with traditional therapeutic interventions within a nurturing and family environment with a focus on permanency. Treatment Foster Care is part of the service continuum for children, youth, and families. This MOU is intended to establish a consistent model of Treatment Foster Care. The expectation is that the treatment foster parent, foster care agencies, and referring agencies will promote stability with due diligence. Information that is gained from the pilot will be incorporated into policy and procedures to implement a statewide model with fidelity with components that are trauma informed, family focused, permanency driven with emphasis on reunification (as appropriate), and outcome based. The foundation of the treatment foster care pilot is implementation of the Foster Family-Based Treatment Association (FFTA) standards by November 1, 2014. The pilot program will ensure consistency by: 1) Using the Colorado Treatment Foster Care Child Adolescent and Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment or other tool as identified. 2) Using a common referral process 3) Delivering a range of treatment services and supports to the child/youth, treatment foster family, and family 2 Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page 3 a) Clinical services are provided by staff credentialed by the Behavior Health Organization (BHO) who is responsible for treatment services 4) Providing services with ratios defined in FFTA standards or a mixed ratio until full implementation of treatment foster care 5) Training treatment foster parents in 40 hours of prescribed training content including: impact of trauma, grief, and loss; trauma informed care; permanency; specialized care; trauma informed de- escalation/crisis management; and Youth Mental Health First Aid or intensive mental and behavioral health training, with additional training in confidentiality and cultural responsiveness. 6) Providing pre and post assessment data, sorted for evaluation by provider agencies using the CANS or other tool as identified, to the state agency 7) Providing an equitable treatment rate to Treatment Foster Care Agencies and treatment foster parents III. CDHS RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS MOU 1) Develop a protocol with the Treatment Foster Care Agencies and County Departments referring children/youth to a treatment foster home 2) Support the Treatment Foster Care Agencies and County Departments in the pilot with regular meetings to inform about the progress, lessons learned, and recommendations for rules 3) Provide quarterly updates u to Treatment Foster Care Agencies about the number of children/youth 9 served, length of stay, changes in ratings in the CANS or other tool as identified, and permanency outcomes 4) Monitor that counties are following current practices related to, obtaining an agreement for the referral of children/youth for treatment foster care about the referral process, assessment and use of the Colorado Treatment Foster Care CANS or other tool as identified, to drive services, and evaluation of outcomes 5) Maintain outcomes for each child/youth served, length of stay, level of progress 6) Evaluate outcomes with the data unit with the Division of Child Welfare Services 7) Establish a minimum daily treatment foster care rate 8) Recommend a minimum foster parent maintenance rate 3 Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page 4 9) Conduct the Data and Evaluation activities listed in Section VI of this MOU. IV. TREATMENT FOSTER CARE AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH THIS MOU 1) Develop written foster care procedures and policies consistent with FFTA Standards 2) Demonstrate membership in FFTA (authorization to use standards) 3) Follow referral protocol for the BHO 4) Deliver treatment services consistent with the model that is family focused, trauma informed, permanency driven with emphasis on reunification (as appropriate), and outcomes based: a) Implement FFTA standards with FFTA approval and foster care rules in (12 CCR 2509-8) b) Train and certify staff to use the Colorado Treatment Foster Care CANS or other tool as identified, as the standardized assessment with fidelity, to drive service needs, and to evaluate progress. Consistent with current practice, any fees associated with training and certification are the responsibility of the agency. c) Screen to promote compatibility of needs of child/youth and skills of treatment foster parent d) 24/7 crisis response and support e) Provide regular coaching to treatment foster parents f) Provide regular respite and substitute care to treatment foster parents using individuals trained in the Treatment Foster Care model g) Maintain a maximum capacity of no more than two children/youth receiving treatment foster care per treatment foster home h) Train foster parents initially and ongoing with required and relevant areas of content 5) Promote and make diligent efforts to maintain placement stability: a) If a child/youth enters a Residential Child Care Facility (RCCF) or is hospitalized for short- term treatment (less than 30 days), the treatment foster parents are active participants in the child/youth's treatment program (residential/hospital) and the treatment foster home remains open for the child/youth's return b) If necessary to prevent disruption the agency shall request a family engagement meeting before notice can be given 6) Consistent with current practice, bill County Departments for foster care maintenance 4 Memorandum of Understanding g Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page s 7) Consistent with current practice, bill the Behavioral Health Organization (BHO) with financial responsibility for treatment services provided using the agreed upon format and process. 8) Comply with FFTA standards, except physical management, which is prohibited 9) Train staff and foster parents in trauma informed care, including grief and loss (using National Children's Trauma and Stress Network (NCTSN) or a comparable training) 10) Provide transition services for children/youth exiting treatment foster care 11) Maintain records for all children/youth served in the pilot 12) Conduct the Data and Evaluation activities listed in Section VI of this MOU. V. REFERRING COUNTY DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH THIS MOU 1) Promote and work diligently to maintain placement stability: a) If a child/youth enters an RCCF and/or is hospitalized for short-term (less than 30 days) treatment, the County Department prioritizes continued support with the Child Placement Agency (CPA) and treatment foster parents to promote the treatment foster home remaining open for the child's/youth's return b) If necessary to prevent disruption/notice of discharge, the County Department shall conduct a family engagement meeting i) A family engagement meeting is conducted to establish the appropriateness of the Treatment Foster Care services 2) Use agreed upon referral process 3) Follow referral procedure for the BHO with financial responsibility 4) Participate in a collaborative decision making process as the Treatment Team, which includes the referring agency, CPA, treatment foster parents, family, BHO, and others as appropriate to oversee progress 5) Conduct a family engagement meeting or other strategies that may include a Permanency Round Table when children/youth are identified that do not have permanent options 6) If the county assesses the child/youth using the CANS or other tool as identified: a) Train and Certify staff to use the Colorado Treatment Foster Care CANS or other tool as identified, as the standardized assessment with fidelity, to drive service needs, and to s Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page 6 evaluate progress. Consistent with current practice, any fees associated with training and certification are the responsibility of the county. 7) Conduct the Data and Evaluation activities listed in Section VI of this MOU. VI. DATA AND EVALUATION OF OUTCOMES UNDER THIS MOU 1) Evaluate outcomes achieved for all children/youth served 2) Collect and provide quarterly data outcomes in a prescribed format to CDHS to include placement stability, length of stay, achievement of permanency, repeat maltreatment, and ratings from the CANS or other tool as identified 3) Review outcomes and provide CDHS with outcome ratings for all children/youth served using the Colorado Treatment Foster Care CANS or other tool as identified, initial, ongoing, and discharge ratings 4) Share findings with pilot peers 5) Review the following measures a) Absence of abuse/neglect 12 months from discharge b) Timeliness of reunification c) Median length of stay for reunification d) Absence of reentry into out-of-home care in 12 months e) Exits to permanency f) Children in < 12 months and no more than 2 placement settings VII.IT IS MUTUALLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY AND AMONG THE PARTIES THAT: 1) This MOU constitutes an agreement between the parties hereto. This MOU may be modified, altered, revised, extended, or renewed by mutual written consent of all parties, by the issuance of written amendment, signed and dated by all the parties. 2) Modifications to this MOU will be minimal during the 6 month pilot and shall be considered based upon undue hardship. 6 Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page 7 3) Any party may terminate its participation in this MOU at any time. Termination of participation by any Treatment Foster Care Agency or County Department shall not alter the agreement of the non-terminating Parties. Termination by CDHS shall terminate the MOU. All parties intend to work cooperatively to resolve any conflict that may be the cause of a party's intent to terminate its participation 4) The signing of this MOU is not a formal undertaking. It implies that the signatories will strive to reach, to the best of their ability, the objectives stated in the MOU. This MOU is non-binding. 5) This MOU does not constitute a waiver of, or exception to, any existing law, rule, regulation, or policy. VIII. FUNDING 1) County Departments are responsible for treatment foster care reimbursement to the pilot Treatment Foster Care Agencies consistent with existing agreements between the parties and not subject to this MOU. IX. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SIGNATURE The effective date of this MOU shall be upon the signature of CDHS and the Treatment Foster Care Agencies. The term of this MOU shall be from the "effective date" or October 1, 2014, whichever is later, to April 1, 2015: All Parties indicate agreement with this MOU by their signatures. Signatures and dates Julie Krow, Director, OCYF, Colorado Department of Human Services 9s,ct.e_z.z„) J`1. / c • i /1-1 Date 7 Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page 8 Barbara Ritchie, President/Chief Executive Officer, Chins Upi Griffith Centers for Children Date Mary Baydarian, Director Garfield County Department of Human Services Date Amy Harder, Executive Director, Kids Crossing Child Placement Agency Date Jim Barclay, President/Chief Executive Officer, Lutheran Family Services Date Debbie Grebenik, Executive Director, Maple Star Colorado Date William Hildenbrand, Executive Director, Savio House Date 8 Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page 9 Steven Ramirez, Executive Director, Shiloh House, Inc. Date Chris Kline, Director Adams County Department of Human Services Date Cheryl Ternes, Director, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services Date Frank Alexander, Director, Boulder County Housing and Human Services Date Penny May, Director, Denver Department of Human Services Date Richard Bengtsson, Director, El Paso County Department of Human Services Date 9 Memorandum of Understanding Treatment Foster Care Pilot Page io Ginny Riley, Director, Larimer County Department of Human Services Date Judy Griego, Director, Weld County Department of Human Services Date 10 SICATTEST: d ;'^"• BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Weld ty Clerk to the Ilao d WELD COUNTY, COLORADO BY eputy CI to the d • oug(aa Rademacher, Chair DEC 1 5 2014 APPROVED AS TO FUNDING: APPROVED AS TO SUBSTANCE: Al 4,t pop Controller Ele d Offic�a or ep rtmen Head II APPROFORM. N IA Director of General Services County Attorney 11 Chloe Rempel From: Cecilia Moreno Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 3:03 PM To: Esther Gesick; Chloe Rempel; Susan Bjorland; Judy Griego Cc: Heather Walker;Veronica Cavazos Subject: RE: FINAL RESO - MOU for the Treatment of Foster Care Pilot Program Thank you Esther! Veronica, Heather had emailed about this yesterday. If you have the copy awesome otherwise please disregard the previous emails regarding this item. Cecilia Moreno Employment Services Support Specialist Employment Services of Weld County 315 N 11 Ave B Greeley, CO 80631 970-400-6756 oracr 46, % . Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: Esther Gesick Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 2:59 PM To: Chloe Rempel<crempel@co.weld.co.us>; Cecilia Moreno<cgarcia-moreno@co.weld.co.us>; Susan Bjorland <sbjorland@co.weld.co.us>;Judy Griego <griegoja@co.weld.co.us> Cc: Heather Walker<WALKERHD@co.weld.co.us> Subject: RE: FINAL RESO - MOU for the Treatment of Foster Care Pilot Program Here's my logic. If we were going to chase down signatures it probably should have been right off the bat because this was only for a 6-month pilot project that expired 4/1/2015. At this point I think we just chalk it up to: Judy and the Chair signed, Weld County did our part and let's not concern ourselves with the other parties. If someone locates a fully executed copy,we'll always be happy to swap it in later. Thanks! 1 Esther E. Gesick Clerk to the Board 1150 O Street/P.O. Box 758/Greeley, CO 80632 tel. (970)400-4226 *110"1 Confidentiality Notice:This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged,confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure.If you have received this communication in error,please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication.Any disclosure,copying,distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: Chloe Rempel Sent:Tuesday, February 28, 2017 1:47 PM To: Cecilia Moreno<cgarcia-moreno@co.weld.co.us>; Susan Bjorland<sbiorland@co.weld.co.us>;Judy Griego <griegola@co.weld.co.us> Cc: Esther Gesick<egesick@co.weld.co.us> Subject: RE: FINAL RESO -MOU for the Treatment of Foster Care Pilot Program I will have to check with Esther and let you know. Thank you! Chloe A. Rempel Deputy Clerk to the Board Weld County 1150 O Street Greeley, CO 80631 tel: 970-400-4225 4G - � f r • ! Lori Confidentiality Notice:This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From:Cecilia Moreno Sent:Tuesday, February 28, 2017 1:23 PM To: Chloe Rempel <crempel@co.weld.co.us>; Susan Bjorland <sbiorland@co.weld.co.us>;Judy Griego <griegoia@co.weld.co.us> Cc: Esther Gesick<egesick@co.weld.co.us> Subject: RE: FINAL RESO - MOU for the Treatment of Foster Care Pilot Program 2 I do not however Heather asked me about this yesterday and if I would be coordinating it. I explained that it is the Divisions responsibility to obtain all signatures. If this is not something we need then I will email Heather to not worry about it. Cecilia Moreno Employment Services Support Specialist Employment Services of Weld County 315 N 11 Ave B Greeley, CO 80631 970-400-6756 I Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: Chloe Rempel Sent:Tuesday, February 28, 2017 1:21 PM To: Cecilia Moreno <cgarcia-moreno@co.weld.co.us>; Susan Bjorland <sbiorland@co.weld.co.us>;Judy Griego <griegoia@co.weld.co.us> Cc: Esther Gesick<egesick@co.weld.co.us> Subject: RE: FINAL RESO -MOU for the Treatment of Foster Care Pilot Program Susan submitted this to me this morning in my effort to request finalized documents. Do you have a version with all signatures? Chloe A. Rempel Deputy Clerk to the Board Weld County 1150 O Street Greeley, CO 80631 tel: 970-400-4225 Olt .� Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. 3 From: Cecilia Moreno Sent:Tuesday, February 28, 2017 12:39 PM To: Chloe Rempel<crempel@co.weld.co.us>; Susan Bjorland <sbiorland@co.weld.co.us>;Judy Griego <griegoia@co.weld.co.us> Cc: Esther Gesick<egesick@co.weld.co.us> Subject: FW: FINAL RESO - MOU for the Treatment of Foster Care Pilot Program Esther, In the past we have needed all signatures. Are you okay with how this is or do we need pages 10-12? Cecilia Moreno Employment Services Support Specialist Employment Services of Weld County 315 N 11 Ave B Greeley, CO 80631 970-400-6756 tN 3%- 1 t C--A) iktCO 1 Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication.Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From:Chloe Rempel Sent:Tuesday, February 28, 2017 11:39 AM To: Cecilia Moreno <cgarcia-moreno@co.weld.co.us>; Susan Bjorland<sbiorland@co.weld.co.us>;Judy Griego <griegoia@co.weld.co.us> Subject: FINAL RESO - MOU for the Treatment of Foster Care Pilot Program Hello, Attached is the final resolution signed by the Board of County Commissioners. Please forward as necessary. Sincere regards, Chloe A. Rempel Deputy Clerk to the Board Weld County 1150 0 Street Greeley, CO 80631 tel: 970-400-4225 4 �y M `rte Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. 5 Hello