The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance to counties participating in the Active Supportive Intervention Services for Transition (ASIST) program. The ASIST program is a short-term resource to aid the transition of children, youth and Non-Minor Dependants currently residing residential placements, with priority for children who are not transitioning to a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). ASIST will provide additional funding to counties to support extensive family finding, engagement, specialized permanency services, youth and caregiver coaching, and in-home support services. ASIST program funding does not change existing county case planning and services obligations.
ASIST program funding is limited to the 2019/2020 fiscal year. ASIST program funding will augment existing Wraparound services or other intensive support transition programs. Counties must ensure that their contracted providers deliver services which meet the California Wraparound Standards. Counties must also ensure that specialized permanency services are provided for youth whose case plan indicates permanent planning or supportive transition.
For ASIST program funding, counties must prioritize youth residing in residential placements with priority for youth not transitioning to a STRTP, youth who have been identified in the Child Specific Transition Plan, and youth who are in need of permanency.
All youth being served through the ASIST program must receive Wraparound services or other intensive support transition services, even if they do not meet the local criteria for eligibility. This includes development of a short-term intensive transition plan. In-home, individualized youth and caregiver services must available 24/7 as needed.
Participating counties must ensure that 21 requirements are met in partnership with contract providers or community partners. (ACL 19-53, June 28, 2019.)