Monday Morning - California Alliance of Child and Family Services
Transcription
Monday Morning - California Alliance of Child and Family Services
Someday Morning The California Alliance of Child and Family Services California Alliance Member Agencies Arrow Child & Family Ministries Aspiranet Aviva Family and Children’s Services Bayfront Youth and Family Services Bienvenidos Children’s Center Bill Wilson Center Boys Republic Boys Town California Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families Casey Family Programs Chamberlain’s Children Center Charis Youth Center ChildNet Youth & Family Services Children’s Bureau Children’s Receiving Home Corbett Group Homes, Inc. Crittenton Services for Children & Families East Bay Agency for Children Edgewood Center for Children EMQ FamiliesFirst Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services Family Care Network Family Life Center Five Acres Fred Finch Youth Center Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services Haynes Family of Programs Hillsides Inland Empire Residential Center Someday Morning California Alliance Member Agencies I N T HIS I SSUE Advanced Education Services Aldea, Inc. Alliance Human Services Alternative Family Services … functioning intelligently … Thursday, April 21, 2016 Volume 13, #11 Junior Blind of POLICY California Alliance Submits Recommendations for Realignment Growth Funding for Children’s Mental Health p. 1 New Foster Care Rates Still in the Works p. 3 More Stringent Psychotropic Medication Regulations Taking Effect Even as New Bills are Introduced p. 4 THE ALLIANCE Conferences, Training and Events Mark Your Calendars for the Alliance Fall Executive’s Conference Young Minds Hosting Advocacy Event Registration Open for Forum on CalYOUTH Study Finding For Your Information Hillsides and Bienvenidos Announce Affiliation Sunny Hills and River Stones Complete Accreditation New Summer Camp for Foster Kids Available in Sacramento Area And Just Remember… p. 6 p. 6 p. 7 p. 7 p. 7 p. 7 p. 8 p. 8 p. 9 CALENDAR Homes Lilliput Children’s Services Lincoln Child Center Maryvale McKinley Children’s Center Nuevo Amanecer P OLICY California Alliance Submits Recommendations for Realignment Growth Funding for Children’s Mental Health The California Alliance recently submitted its recommendations to the Department of Finance (DoF) for allocating 2011 Realignment Behavioral Health Growth funds estimated to comprise over $400 million: America Kern Bridges Youth $60.1 million (actual) from FY 2013-14 $117 million (estimated) from FY 2014-15 $119 million (estimated) from FY 2015-16 $128 million (estimated) from FY 2016-17 The Alliance’s recommendations focus on “front loading” funds for county mental health plans (MHP) to incentivize investment in the expansion of Medi-Cal mental health services to children and youth. Each interested county would submit a plan to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) articulating how it would spend the money. The Alliance recommends that each county plan submitted include how the MHP will demonstrate the effectiveness of its approach in order for the April 21, 2016 Latino Children Services Oak Grove Center Olive Crest Homes & Services for Abused Children Optimist Youth and Family Services Pacific Lodge Youth Services Penny Lane Phoenix House of California Promesa Behavioral Health Rancho San Antonio Rebekah Children's Services Redwood Children's Services Remi Vista River Oak Center for Children River Stones Residential Services Rosemary Children’s Services Sacramento Children's Home San Diego Center for Children Seneca Family of Agencies Sierra Forever Families Sierra Vista Child & Family Services St. Anne’s Stanford Youth Solutions Stars Behavioral Health Group Summitview Child & Family Services Tahoe Turning Point Page 1 of 10 Thunder Road Adolescent Treatment Centers Transitions Children’s Services Trinity Youth Services Unity Care Group Valley Teen Ranch Victor Treatment Centers The Village Family Services Provisional Member Agencies (pending accreditation) Aaron’s Boys Home A Better Way Advent Group Ministries Agape Villages, Inc. Berhe Group Home California Anchor Residents Childhelp, Inc. Children First Foster Agency Children’s Home of Stockton Children’s Institute, Inc. Community Solutions Concept 7 Courage to Change Crossroads Treatment Centers Dangerfield Institute for Urban Problems David & Margaret Youth and Family Services D’Veal Family and Youth Services Elite Family Systems Families for Children Family Builders by Adoption Fields Comprehensive Youth Services First Place for Youth Foster Hope Sacramento Golden State Family Services Greater Hope Foundation Greater New Beginnings funding to continue, and how the MHP proposes to measure the effectiveness of its expanded service. Such a stratagem is not unprecedented: front-loaded funding for mental health services was used as part of 1991 Realignment implementation. Developed after discussions with California Alliance members and extensive conversations with Department of Finance staff, the Alliance plan took into consideration the following factors: 1. Unmet mental health needs for children and youth 2. Inequities in access to specialty mental health services for children across the state 3. Gaps in the children’s mental health continuum of care 4. Stalled children’s mental health initiatives (such as Katie A implementation) 5. Recommendations from the Legislative Analyst’s Office 6. Recommendations from other advocacy organizations focusing on children’s mental health Services Vista Del Mar Walden Family Services Westcoast Children’s Clinic Youth For Change Youth Homes, Inc. Provisional Member Agencies (pending accreditation) Heritage Group Homes Human Services Project, Inc. Inner Circle FFA JT Residential Care Facilities, Inc.. MAC’s Children & Family Services Background Martin’s Achievement SB 1020 (Statutes of 2012) created the permanent structure for 2011 Realignment, including the Behavioral Health Subaccount, out of which is funded: TLC Child & Family Specialty Mental Health Drug Medi-Cal Residential perinatal drug services and treatment Drug court operations Other non-Drug Medi-Cal programs Realignment funds are allocated by DoF based on an October 1-September 30 fiscal year and are paid monthly to counties by the State Controller’s Office. DoF, in consultation with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), develops schedules for funding allocations to the county MHPs from the Behavioral Health Subaccount (for the base funding) and the Behavioral Health Services Growth Special Account (from growth in Realignment revenue above the base). Growth revenue may only be used for the programs funded through the Behavioral Health Subaccount and DoF repeatedly has confirmed that the first priority for growth is the federal entitlement programs: Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health and Drug Medi-Cal. Indeed, DoF has given first call on Growth funds to counties that have approved claims that exceed the total allocated for all the entitled services. Place Mary’s Shelter Milhous Children’s Services MSK Solutions North Star Family Center Northern Valley Information The recommendations developed by the California Alliance may be accessed at this LINK. Catholic Social Services Oakendell Parents by Choice Plan-It Life Plumfield Academy Progress Ranch The Resource Environment for Underprivileged Groups Enterprise (The REFUGE) Triad Famly Services Sierra Child & Family Services St. Andrews Residential Programs for Youth, Inc. Sunny Hills Services Valley Oak Residential Treatment Program Westside Children’s Center Woodland Youth Services, Inc. Youth Services Network For more information, contact Lynn Thull at [email protected]. Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 2 of 11 New Foster Care Rates Still in the Works The California Alliance is in conversation several times weekly with Department of Social Services (CDSS) staff on aspects of the new Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) rate structures for foster family agencies (FFA) and Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP, formerly STRTC), but to date CDSS has made available no concrete information on future rates. CDSS staff says the foster care rate models are still in development and hopes to have them completed this month for the Governor’s May Budget Revision. About the only thing CDSS will confirm at the moment is that there likely will be four *WIC 11462.04 “regular” FFA rates, a single rate for Intensive (d) A group home may request an exception to Treatment Foster Care (ITFC) Rate that will also be extend its rate as follows: (1) The department may grant an extension for up used to fund the foster care activities in Therapeutic to two years, through December 31, 2018, except Foster Care (TFC), and one, maybe two STRTP rates. as provided in paragraph (2), on a case-by-case New rates are scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2017, with a potential 24-month transition period for FFAs and group homes serving children in the child welfare system, and beyond 24 months for group homes serving youth in the juvenile justice system. Alliance Input The Alliance has provided CDSS with a FFA rates model supported by extensive background information and detailed cost assumptions, has engaged CDSS in extensive conversations regarding the funding of FFAs and Adoption Agencies and on the costs of the Residentially-Based Services (RBS) Reform projects on which STRTPs are based. The Alliance also has provided the department with updates on emerging cost drivers such as the recently enacted state minimum wage increase to $15/hour by 2022 and changes in federal regulations regarding employees who may be exempt from overtime requirements. Extensions Programs seeking to continue operating under the old models and rates will be required to obtain case-bycase extensions from CDSS (see sidebar*), and extensions may be granted only under specified conditions. basis, when a written request and supporting documentation are provided by a county placing agency, including a county welfare or probation director, that absent the granting of that exception, there is a material risk to the welfare of children due to an inadequate supply of appropriate alternative placement options to meet the needs of children. The exception may include time to meet the program accreditation requirement or the mental health certification requirement. (2) Pursuant to Section 11462.041, the department may grant an extension to a group home beyond December 31, 2018, upon a provider submitting a written request and the county probation department providing documentation stating that absent the grant of that extension, there is a significant risk to the safety of the youth or the public, due to an inadequate supply of short-term residential treatment centers or resource families necessary to meet the needs of probation youth. *WIC 11463.1 (d) A foster family agency may request an exception to extend its rate as follows: (1) The department may grant an extension for up to two years, through December 31, 2018, on a case-bycase basis, when a written request and supporting documentation are provided by a county placing agency, including a county welfare or probation director, that absent the granting of that exception, there is a material risk to the welfare of children or youth due to an inadequate supply of appropriate alternative placement options to meet the needs of children. The exception may include time to meet the accreditation requirement or the mental health certification requirement. Information For more information, contact Doug Johnson at [email protected]. Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 3 of 10 More Stringent Psychotropic Medication Regulations Taking Effect Even as New Bills are Introduced Even as the Judicial Council, Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Department of Social Services (CDSS) continue to plan how they will implement last year’s spate of bills aimed at strengthening oversight procedures and authorization requirements for prescription of psychotropic medications for foster children, the Legislature is weighing additional bills related to this issue. Last Year’s Bills SB 238 requires important revisions and additions to the judicial processes for authorization of psychotropic medications. The Judicial Council was tasked with revising the JV 220 regulations and forms, increasing youth voice in the process, and requiring prescribers to conduct comprehensive examinations and consider the full medical history of the child before the court will authorize administration of the medication. The latter requirement, however, ignores the problem that children’s Health and Education Passports may not be complete or available to prescribers. Additionally, SB 238 requires augmented training curricula for the field in the areas of psychotropic medications and accessing behavioral health services, and compels CDSS and DHCS to increase data matching efforts to inform county child welfare departments of potentially inappropriate prescriptions. SB 484 increases group home reporting requirements regarding their resident’s use of psychotropic medications, and creates a new Community Care Licensing (CCL) requirement to conduct site visits to facilities that have been determined to have high utilization rates of psychotropic medications. A summary of activities related to implementation of these bills in included below. This Year’s Bills SB 1174 (McGuire) would identify specific physicians that have high rates of prescribing psychotropic medication for youth under the jurisdiction of the juvenile courts. Stakeholders are working with the author and sponsors to craft legislative language that first moves to improve prescriber practice and adherence to existing medical parameters rather than moving directly to disciplinary actions. SB 1220 (McGuire), a “placeholder” bill, is positioned to respond to the state audits of county child welfare and mental health departments requested by Senator Mike McGuire last year and due to be released in May of 2016. The audit was particularly focused on the use – or lack of use – of other types of mental health services when psychotropic medications are prescribed. The audit was requested in response to testimony in committee that foster children are frequently prescribed medication when other types of treatment may have been more useful or may have increased the efficacy of the medication, but were not provided or were not accessible. SB 1291 (Beall) is sponsored by the National Center for Youth Law, and contains recommendations and requirements that would consolidate county level data in the areas of mental health service provision for children and youth under the jurisdiction of the juvenile courts in the form of annual reports. This legislation reflects the ongoing concerns of advocates and community providers that some counties have not fully invested in providing behavioral health access and services required by the EPSDT entitlements. The bill would create transparency in the service delivery record of each county, and require DHCS to perform additional tasks to increase compliance with federal requirements. Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 4 of 10 What’s Happening on Last Year’s Bills The Spring 2016 Children’s Residential Program Quarterly Update distributed to licensees by CCL includes information regarding the progress being made on the implementation of SB 238 and SB 484. The following information fills in some of the missing pieces: SB 238 CCLD will hold its third stakeholder session on the development of curricula that would satisfy the legislative requirements, and be appropriate for the target audiences. Determining the content of the curricula is just the first step, to be followed by the selection/authorization of vendors approved to provide the training. SB 238 also included data matching between CDSS and DHCS, for the purpose of identifying potentially dangerous drug interactions and other issues to related psychotropic medication use within foster care populations. DHCS has submitted a budget change proposal (BCP) that would add staffing necessary to assist in this interdepartmental activity. Because of Proposition 30 AB 484 Requirements of Group Homes (2011 Realignment) implications counties would not re: Psychometric Medication be required to participate; interested counties would 1. Psychotropic medications shall be have to opt-in to this program component. used only in accordance with the The bill also requires significant revisions of the JV220 authorization form for psychotropic medication. The California Alliance partnered with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA), the California Medical Association (CMA), California Psychiatric Association and the CAL-Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, to submit a letter of concern on April 13 to the full Judicial Council on the proposed changes and potential unintended consequences of some of the revisions. SB 484 CCL, with support from DHCS, has combined the implementation discussions regarding SB 484 with the SB 238 stakeholder sessions. As stated in the CCL Update, the core objectives of SB 484 are increased specificity in the record keeping protocols within each facility and augmented CCL oversight of facilities that have been determined to have higher levels of psychotropic medication use among their residents. CCL and DHCS have outlined their first year approach to identifying potential facilities for follow up site visits, a methodology that will allow them to initially focus on residential programs that have higher percentages of youth with psychotropic medications, and within that larger pool, increased focused on polypharmacy, adherence to needed laboratory monitoring follow-ups, and multiple medication changes. Someday Morning April 21, 2016 written directions of the physician prescribing the medication and as authorized by the juvenile court pursuant to Section 369.5 or 739.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. 2. The facility shall maintain in a child’s records all of the following information: a. A copy of any court order authorizing the psychotropic medication for the child. b. A separate log for each psychotropic medication prescribed for the child, showing all of the following: i. The name of the medication. ii. The date of the prescription. iii. The quantity of medication and number of refills initially prescribed. iv. When applicable, any additional refills prescribed. v. The required dosage and directions for use as specified in writing by the physician prescribing the medication, including any changes directed by the physician. vi. The date and time of each dose taken by the child. Page 5 of 10 Alliance staff have continued to frame these initial CCL efforts as “looking and learning first”, rather than assuming and reacting to a data set that is disconnected from program details and resident populations’ treatment needs. In addition to the reviewing the basic “medical” issues (e.g., assessment/examination, diagnosis, treatment plan, interventions) related to each facility’s management and oversight of psychotropic medication usage, it is likely that CCL program analysts will be reviewing program staff adherence to all state requirements regarding, such as accurately charting of children’s behaviors, following all authorized uses of psychotropic medications, assuring that each child’s basic rights were respected, and that any refusals of medications were well documented. Youth testimony that supported the passage of these bills suggested that some group homes do not follow directions on usage of authorized medication, use denial of rights to control or influence children’s willingness to accept medications, and do not adequately assist residents in fully understanding the purpose of psychotropic medications or the specific benefits/risks. Finally, one more stakeholder group was added focusing on reducing the use of psychotropic medications. With extremely short timeframes, and priority areas that must be addressed first, this new stakeholder group likely will be convened until sometime in the fall, perhaps as part of existing CCL mandates to convene stakeholders to address identified areas of concern. Information For more information, contact dave neilsen at [email protected]. You may access the statutory language in which is contained the requirements of SB 484 on both providers and the state: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNu m=1507.6 http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNu m=1538.9. T HE A LLIANCE Conferences, Training and Events Mark Your Calendars for the Alliance Executive’s Fall Conference Plans are underway for the Executive’s Fall Conference on Sept. 7-9, 2016 at the Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa in Dana Point. Mark your calendars for these dates and watch your mailbox and Someday Morning for details about registration, hotel reservations and sponsorships. Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 6 of 10 Young Minds Advocacy Hosting Advocacy Event Young Minds Advocacy will host Honoring Youth and Adult Mental Health Leaders as part of the organization’s kick-off to May is Mental Health Awareness Month Saturday, April 30, 6:00-9:00 pm at the SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan St. in San Francisco. Founded by Executive Director Patrick Gardner, Young Minds Advocacy is a strong ally of the California Alliance in advocating for a comprehensive, adequately funded array of behavioral health services for children and youth. Most recently, Young Minds was successful in advocating with the Department of Health Care Services to expand access to Katie A intensive home and community based services to all eligible youth receiving Medi-Cal funded healthcare services. Young Minds estimates that this policy shift will expand services to more than 23,000 youth with serious mental health needs in California. California Alliance member agency executives are encouraged to join the Alliance in attending or sponsoring the event by accessing https://www.youngmindsadvocacy.org/creative-advocacyevent/. Registration Open for Forum on CalYOUTH Study Findings Registration is filling up for “Fostering Futures,” a forum that will examine the second wave of results from the California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study (CalYOUTH). Scheduled for May 10, 2016 at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, the forum features presentations and panels with Professor Mark Courtney from University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall and his team of researchers who will facilitate a dialogue with stakeholders from Southern California on the policy and practice changes needed to improve the trajectories of youth in care. These survey results include perceptions of foster youth and caseworkers on the adequacy and quality of services for young adults in extended foster care. The study provides invaluable data on education, employment, housing, financial stability, personal well-being and relationships. A copy of the announcement with more information is attached to this issue of Someday Morning. To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fostering-futures-aforum-on-the-calyouth-studyfindings-registration-22123546122. The last day to register is COB May 6, 2016. For Your Information Hillsides and Beinvenidos Announce Affiliation On April 14, the boards of directors of Hillsides and Bienvenidos signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Term Sheet stating their intent to merge. Both Hillsides and Bienvenidos will retain their individual names with Bienvenidos becoming an affiliate of Hillsides. A recent joint letter from the two California Alliance member agencies pointed to multiple developments that impacted their decision: the need to find new ways to achieve cost-effective collaboration, passage of the Continuum of Care Reform legislation (AB 403), Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 7 of 10 the Affordable Care Act, the integration of Los Angeles County’s health and behavioral health services, and the creation of the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative. With a combined workforce of over 600, the two agencies anticipate the merger will increase their impact on the more than 13,000 children, youth and families they serve annually in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. Sunny Hills and River Stones Complete Accreditation Congratulations to two Alliance-member agencies for their recent accreditations. Sunny Hills Services recently achieved accreditation through Joint Commission and River Stones Residential Treatment Services, Inc. achieved accreditation through CARF. Sunny Hills Services provides services to children and youth, ages 5 to 25, who have been impacted by trauma and have serious emotional and behavioral problems, offering early intervention as well as intensive services including case management and treatment, special education, supportive housing and youth development. Headquartered in Marin County, since its founding in 1895 and operating primarily in Alameda, Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties, Sunny Hills programming is geared to helping clients achieve emotional, social and functional well-being. Founded in Redlands in 2000 by Executive Director Russell Rice, River Stones Residential Treatment Services comprises a RCL 11 residential treatment program for boys ages 7-21 with behavioral and emotional challenges. Evidenced-based and family focused, River Stones uses best practices and innovative techniques that form a unique relational model of transformation with a new narrative as the overarching goal. Congratulations! New Summer Camp for Foster Kids Available in Sacramento area The Royal Family Kids camp has been around for 25 years with camps throughout the United States, and several camps throughout California. Now, a new camp is available in the Sacramento area and organizers are looking for foster children aged 6 to 11 years old to attend. Royal Family Kids is an international network of over 200 camps specifically for abused and neglected foster children (ages 6‐11) with the mission of creating life‐changing moments for children of abuse. Though the camp has a very serious mission, this mission is accomplished through creating a fun and carefree environment and giving these kids a week of childhood, which they often do not have at “home.” Because of the specific population of campers at RFK, there are different safety concerns, which are addressed with specific camp rules. There is also a “Child Protection Plan” in place at every camp, which includes a camper orientation video shown to the campers on the first day of camp. Although there have been no reported instances of abuse at any RFK camp in the 25 years of operation, these safety rules are in place because we take the safety and protection of our campers very seriously. For more information on the organization and videos of camp stories, visit the www.royalfamilykids.org. This specific camp website is www.sacramento.royalfamilykids.org and Facebook page is facebook.com/RFKCSacramento. Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 8 of 10 To find out more, contact Justine Hamric Matteucci, RFK Sacramento director, at [email protected], or call 916/595-7755. And Just Remember… The Editor has a cold and can barely function intelligently, forget coming up with anything funny. Ask anyone who has been in a meeting with him this week. So, here’s more of Mitch Hedberg: I’m against picketing, but I don't know how to show it. I was walking down the street with my friend and he said, “I hear music,” as if there is any other way you can take it in. You’re not special, that’s how I receive it too. I tried to taste it but it did not work. I haven’t slept for ten days,…because that would be too long. One time, this guy handed me a picture of him, he said, “Here's a picture of me when I was younger.” Every picture is of you when you were younger. C ALENDAR 2016 April 30 Creative Advocacy (Mental Health Awareness Month KickOff) SOMArts Culture Center, San Francisco Registration: https://www.youngmindsadvocacy.org/creativ e-advocacy-event/ 13th Annual FFTA Policy Institute and Advocacy Day Washington, D.C. Registration (login required): LINK CCR Reform Convening Sacramento TBD Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1t7yktmzc cfcobbdj3ccmtbdz8ywbbp9six0ph7c-So/viewform?Usp=send_form Webinar Registration: www.jointcommission.org/BHCS 36th Annual CMHACY Conference Asilomar Conference Grounds Workshops proposals due Dec. 15, 2015: www.cmhacy.org. Registration begins Jan. 15, 2016 CARF BH/CYS 202 Chandler, AZ Information: www.carf.org/events Middle Management Santa Clarita, CA Registration: May 2-3 5 10 Joint Commission – Orientation to the Accreditation Requirements 11-13 12 23-26 Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 9 of 10 Academy http://www.cccmha.org/Meeting_LandingPag e.aspx?M=14 24 CARF BH/CYS 100 San Diego, CA Information: www.carf.org/events 25-26 CARF BH/CYS 101 San Diego, CA Information: www.carf.org/events 17 Project Fatherhood Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel Registration: http://www.projectfatherhood.org/events/det ails/22 28 Joint Commission Faceto-Face Meeting Hilton Orange County Registration: http://pages.jointcommission.org/0628Works hopCA.html 10-13 FFTA 30th Annual Meeting Hyatt Regency, New Orleans, La. Registration coming in March. Check www.ffta.org/conference 17-19 COA Conference New York City Information: www.coanet.org/2016Conference/ Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa Information coming soon June July September 7-9 Alliance Fall Executive’s Conference GET 25% OFF! Enter code P4B3P4AN Current listings: Campus Director, Residential Treatment, Trinity Youth Services, El Monte President and CEO, Edgewood Center for Children & Families, San Francisco Someday Morning April 21, 2016 Page 10 of 10