Info on CDSS strategies for “Father engagement,” specifically within the child welfare system. Targeted  inclusion of fathers, from prevention and early intervention, through assessment and planning, to the provision of services, to help strengthen families. DSS did a study is called “Supporting Father Involvement” (SFI), and is now disseminating the SFI results, and supporting the design and implementation of plans to assist public child welfare agencies with enhancing their efforts to involve fathers.  [Download]

The latest in THPP and THP-Plus allocations, includes the funding reductions to both these programs due to the reduction in Child Welfare Services Program. [Download]

Notice to “all interested parties” as well as counties that starting October 19, 2010, there is a 12-month moratorium on applications for Foster Care group home rate applications for any of the following: a new program; a new provider; a program change, such as a rate classification level increase; a program capacity increase; and a program reinstatement.  CDSS may grant an exception to the moratorium on a case-by-case basis.  [Download]

A reminder to counties to update and submit their Disaster Plans.  The plans must include how a to continue to provide services to current dependents/wards; how to serve new cases; how to deal with disrupted worker communications, preserving records, and coordinating services and sharing information with other states. [Download]