The “go to” list for who to contact about ICT problems. [Download]

DSS goes high tech. Government Code 12168.7 requires the state to develop standards for the electronic recording and storage of documents. Which has not been done. Nonetheless, CDSS advises counties to figure out IT appropriate standards, and go for it. Also info on what makes an electronic signature acceptable. [Download]

A redux of the 2006 letter, given the on-going problems… Unrestricted access, regardless of how the file information is kept, and “in spite of the challenges … of automated information.” It even mentions that there “may be” a due process violation for failure to comply.  Automation in your way? do a manual workaround… And just to make extra clear, there’s a special section addressed to CalWIN and C-IV counties, with such great options as having a staff person help the recipient navigate all the read-only pages, or printing everything out at no cost. Finishes up with a little reminder that benefits must be issued timely, and if that pesky automation is in the way, to issue them manually. [Download]

Busted.  The IRS did an audit in California on the “Federal Tax Information” (FTI) program to match recipients with earnings, and found CA deficient.  In addition to sending a Corrective Action Plan to the feds, this letter reminds counties that they (and individual employees) can be subject to fines and prosecution, the obligation to do an annual internal inspection, annual training, and how to deal with subcontractors who may have access to areas in which FTI information is located. More ACL’s to come on this…. [Download]

This letter transmits the provisions implementing a new state program to assist victims of Trafficking, DV and other serious crimes. The program is effective January 1, 207, and is implemented via this ACL, pending emergency regulations. The new program covers those seeing “T” visas and “U” visas, who are not yet eligible for federal benefits. Affected persons (adults and minors) can receive social services equivalent to those available to refugees, including (but not limited to): Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), California Food Assistance Program (CFAP), CalWORKs, CAPI, IHSS, and Employment Social Services. Self-certification plus one other document demonstrating the trafficking, DV or other serious crime suffices. If the person has no other document, self-certification alone is sufficient if the agency finds the statement credible. The individual must also be pursuing the appropriate via with USCIS. [Download]