Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 1.1. Client Eligibility Criteria a. Definition of Eligibility normally by funding source or program standards 1) For Child and Family Safety Stability and Permanency (CFSSP) Funding: Families with an active Children’s Protective Services (CPS) investigation or open case. Families with an open Prevention services case. Families with minor children investigated by MDHHS CPS within the previous 18 months. Families that do not have a preponderance of evidence of child abuse or neglect after a CPS investigation, but there is a risk of future harm to the child. Families with one or more children in a MDHHS supervised out-of-home placement (inclusive of MDHHS supervised Foster Care, Juvenile Justice and relative placement). MDHHS adoptive families for whom a need for post adoptive services has been identified by MDHHS to prevent disruption or dissolution. 2) For Strong Families Safe Children (SFSC) Funding: a) Family Support Services must be provided to parents or primary caregiver(s) responsible for the care and supervision of minor child(ren) and have one or more of the of the following: (1) An open MDHHS Child Protective Services (Category I, II, and III), foster care or delinquency case (2) An open case which has been closed within the past 18-months (3) A Child Protective Services investigation within the past 18-months (4) Three or more rejected Child Protective Services complaints 3) For Foster Care Supportive Visitation Funding: a) Support parenting time visitation for child(ren) with an open foster care case in out of home placement with a goal of reunification. b. Determination of Eligibility 1) MDHHS determines eligibility. 1.2. Referral Process Use the referral process below or enter an appropriate referral process. a. MDHHS must identify in writing: Date of referral Name of each client to be provided service Address and contact information of the referred client(s) Reasons for referral, goals, and objectives identified by the MDHHS referring worker MDHHS referring worker’s emergency on call phone number b. The Contractor must: Accept or reject written referrals from MDHHS within one business day. Contact with the MDHHS referring worker within five calendar days of accepting the written referral to: a) Service 1 of 2: Direct Family Assistance: Confirm the referral Discuss case dynamics Identify family needs Develop service goals and objectives Establish time frames and a schedule of contact b) Service 2 of 2: Parenting Time Support: Confirm the referral Discuss case dynamics Parenting time restrictions including who can and cannot attend parenting time, court ordered restrictions, etc. Parenting time needs The goals and objectives identified in the Parent Agency Treatment Plan which includes the Parenting Time Plan and schedule Contact the client within seven calendar days of accepting a referral by telephone or face-to-face to: Explain the service Determine the client’s willingness to participate Establish a mutually agreeable date to conduct a home visit 4) Document each attempt to reach the client(s). Notify the MDHHS referring worker and withdraw the referral if unable to contact the client within seven calendar days of the referral. 2. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1. Geographic Area The Contractor must provide services described herein in the following geographic area: Genesee County. 2.2. Credentials The Contractor must assure that appropriately credentialed or trained staff under its control, including Contractor employees and/or subcontractors, must perform functions under this Contract. The Family Assistance Worker must have: A high school diploma Two years of experience working with families with issues such as parenting, child care, household management, nutrition, and budgeting Knowledge and adhere to MDHHS laws and rules which apply to client confidentiality Ability to handle crises and knowledge of community resources A valid driver’s license without restrictions Identify minimum, specific qualifications, such as degrees, training, etc. of staff providing direct services, and, if applicable, any positions overseeing those staff in the credentials section of the contract. 2.3. Services to be Provided Service #1 of 2: Direct Family Assistance a. Activities the Contractor must perform: Service descriptions must be clear and specific so the contract is enforceable and can be appropriately monitored and audited. The service description should clearly define: The service title. Service to be provided. When service will begin. Duration of service. The referral process (if applicable). How the provision of service is to be documented. How the termination of service to a client is determined and documented. How and when the contractor will communicate with MDHHS. The expected time frames for performing tasks. The Contractor must: 1) Provide a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of referred clients during non-traditional hours. 2) Meet face-to-face in the client’s home within seven calendar days of the referral for a minimum of one hour. Provide an explanation of confidentiality and the complaint process. Note the physical condition of the home Secure the release form indicating the client’s voluntary participation and place a copy of the form in the client’s file 3) Develop a written service plan within 30 calendar days of the initial home visit. The service plan must include: A narrative description of the family home situation and problem definition Recommended frequency of contact with the client and all family members to be seen A statement of case goals, objectives, and projected outcomes related to the referral A list of activities to be performed by the Contractor and schedule of contacts Any other information related to the successful outcome of the case 4) Provide the services specified in the service plan. These services must include instruction and information in a form suitable for the education and abilities of the client. Services may involve modeling, demonstrations, and supervision in any of the following areas: Child Nurturing: Assist clients in identifying and remedying impediments to home safety and health of the child including, but not limited to, proper storage of household chemicals, household security, and dressing children for the weather Teach appropriate child care techniques to the client including: Personal hygiene Protection from injury in the environment When to seek medical advice Appropriate diet Non-physical discipline techniques and parenting roles Developing a daily family schedule Safe sleep practices (3) Monitor clients to ensure their children are attending school. Assist the clients in overcoming obstacles with school staff regarding behavioral problems and/or special education services or needs. (4) Assist the clients in arranging tutoring for the client’s children as needed. Home Management: (1) Assist the client in improving housekeeping skills by teaching or modeling house cleaning, laundry, maintaining kitchen cleanliness. (2) Assist the client in improving money management skills by demonstrating cost effective shopping techniques and developing a plan to pay monthly household bills on time. (3) Assist the clients in finding and maintaining adequate housing. Advocate for maintenance and home improvements for home safety, sanitation, and security directly with the landlord.
