Author: Webdog

ACIN I-46-08: Revisions To Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) Forms (6/12/08)

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Two years ago, CDSS and the Social Security Administration entered an agreement to modify the IGAR forms. And, viola (2 years late) is the new form. The ACIN also provides clarification regarding the IAR reimbursement process. The new forms are effective immediately.

A federal law change in 2006 requires that any past due monthly SSI/SSP benefits that exceed three times (formerly twelve) the maximum monthly SSI/SSP payment must be paid in installments. The revised SSP 14 form now includes language that speaks to the alternate IAR procedure for these cases. The new form also: clarifies that an IA agency cannot use the same signed IAR authorization form for both an initial and a post-eligibility payment of SSI/SSP benefits; provides definitions; clarifies that the IA agency can reimburse itself for the months up to and including the month the individual’s SSI/SSP benefits begin; clarifies how the form serves as a protective filing; specifies that the authorization will be void if it is not received by SSA from the IA agency within a specific time period and that it must be signed and dated; and clarifies applicants’ appeal rights. [Download]

ACL 08-24: Minor Dependent Parents In Foster Care (6/9/08)

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This letter describes the changes resulting from SB 720, to encourage the joint placement of infants and their teen parents when both are in foster care. The main changes are the expanded definition of a “whole foster family home” (WFFH). The new definition includes the home of 1) a nonrelated legal guardian when the guardianship is established by the dependency court, not the probate court; 2) ward of a nonrelated legal guardian whose guardianship is established by the dependency court, not the probate court; 3) related guardian’s home under the KinGAP Program for relatives who were previously designated as WFFHs while the child was in foster care. It also clarifies the rate paid to previously designated WFFH KinGAP relatives and the board and care rates. Includes a reminder to counties that when court ordered reunification services are terminated and the minor dependent’s child is no longer under the placement and care of the county welfare and/or probation department, the child is no longer eligible for a Title IV-E payment. In that case, a provider would be entitled to the infant supplement amount only.

For those of you into coding, a listing of new codes is included. [Download]

ACL 08-20: Notice Of Missed Interview When A Household Has Not Submitted An Application For Recertification (June 4, 2008)

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ACIN I-05-08 had instructed counties to send a Notice of Missed Interview (NOMI) only when the household had already submitted their recertification application. This letter sets forth new policy (thanks to FNS) clarifying that the notice must go out to the household if they miss their scheduled interview regardless of whether the household mails back a completed application. This new policy must be completed by counties no later than August 1, 2008. [Download]

ACIN I-41-08: Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment Three-Year Plan Into The California Children And Family Services Review Process (6/4/08)

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Winner for “needs a new name”: the “Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention, and Promoting Safe and Stable Families Three-Year Plan will now be integrated into the California Children and Family Services Review. Phew. All in the name of administrative efficiencies. The Notice reviews what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. [Download]

ACIN I-44-08: Severe Weather Emergency Response Plan Protocols For IHSS And Adult Protective Services (APS) Recipients (6/9/08)

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Just in time for hot weather days, this ACIN discusses coordinating with local and county agencies to ensure the safety of IHSS and APS recipients/consumers, in case of a severe weather-related emergency. The letter describes the three phases of heat-related emergencies. Phase II in this series is considered a Heat Alert which can be triggered by a issuance (by listed agencies) of an Excessive Heat Warning, or predictions of power outages, electrical blackouts, or rotating blackouts during periods of high heat. A Phase III is considered a Heat Emergency, which is when a local/regional/state government declares an emergency. There are also Phases for Cold Weather…

The Adult Programs Branch (APB) will issue an electronic alert to County Welfare Directors, Public Authorities and County IHSS/APS Program Managers during a Phase II Heat alert or other prolonged severe weather emergency. CDSS staff will also be available to advise counties and coordinate with State OES as necessary. In the event of Phase III of the Heat Plan or Phase II and Phase III of the Extreme Cold-Freeze Plan , APB will contact the affected counties to determine whether emergency contingency plans have been activated and what steps have been taken to ensure client safety. When the County gets an APB alert, staff should refer to their local emergency response plans. (And those counties without a plan are “encouraged” to make one!) The local plan should include procedures that the county will follow to identify and produce a targeted list of the most vulnerable populations for immediate use. The letter goes on to describe options and resources.
[Download]

ACL 08-26: Federal And State Changes To Requirements For Interstate Placement Of Children And Caregivers Rights (5/28/08)

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Recently enacted federal and state law impacts the placement of dependent children and wards of the court across state lines. States must develop a process to ensure that foster care and adoptive home studies for children placed across state lines are completed within 60 calendar days; to establish a 14-day time frame for agencies to reject home studies done in another state for placing a California child across state lines; ensure caregivers access to court proceeding; require the court to consider both in-state and out-of-state options.

The effective date of the federal law was October 1, 2006, but California got an extension. The pertinent provisions of the state implementing legislation (SB 703) were effective January 1, 2008. This letter sets out the California provisions, including the exceptions for the 60 day time frame to do the home study (circumstances beyond agency’s control) and what must be in the home study to be complete, incentive payments for “on time” studies, and data reporting requirements. [Download]