Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family ... · ASFA also recognized that innovative approaches are needed to achieve the goals of safety, permanency and well-being

Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family and Children Services

Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program

FFY 2007 Request for Proposals (RFP)

Release Date: May 1, 2006 Application Deadline: June 13, 2006, 3:30pm

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Available for download at www.pssfnet.com.

DHR Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program FFY2007

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Overview of Legislative Intent and Services Needed The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), passed by Congress in 1997, placed numerous new requirements on states to move more children in foster care to permanency in shortened time frames. ASFA holds states accountable for achieving the national goals and desired outcomes for children with respect to safety, permanency and well-being, and requires states to report annually on the progress towards meeting these goals. ASFA also recognized that innovative approaches are needed to achieve the goals of safety, permanency and well-being and provides a funding mechanism to allow states greater flexibility to develop innovative strategies and community-based strategies to achieve positive results for children and families. As such, the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program (PSSF) (Title IV-B, Subpart 2 of the Social Security Act), created in 1993 and reauthorized under ASFA in 1997 and 2001, serves as an important federal source of service funding for the child welfare system. It is one of the few sources of federal funding which supports both broad-based planning and system reform, as well as a range of community-based supports and services designed to prevent child abuse, strengthen families, help prevent crisis, and help families cope better when crisis occurs. The purpose of the PSSF Program is to enable states to develop, establish, expand and/or operate coordinated programs of community-based supports and services for children and families to accomplish the following objectives:

1) To prevent child maltreatment among families at risk through the provision of supportive family services.

2) To assure children’s safety within the home and preserve intact families in which children have been

maltreated, when the family’s problems can be effectively addressed. 3) To address the problems of families whose children have been placed in foster care so that

reunification may occur in a safe, stable and timely manner. 4) To support adoptive families by providing the necessary support services so that they can make a

lifelong commitment to their children. An important element of Georgia’s plan for child welfare improvement is the development of a coordinated prevention-driven community response to vulnerable children and families. The goal of this response is to support Child Protective Services (CPS) and Placement practice reforms by encouraging shared responsibility for protecting children and supporting families among state agencies, families and communities. The Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services, Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program is issuing this Request for Proposals to fund community-based programs and agencies that provide direct family support, family preservation and time-limited reunification services and adoption promotion and foster care transitional support services to children and families in Georgia.


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Table of Contents

SECTION A

Page

• Timeline

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• Contract Requirements

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• Application Guidelines

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• Proposal Review Process

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SECTION B

• Georgia’s Vision, Goals and Outcome Indicators

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• Service Delivery Standards and Expectations

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• Description of Services Sought

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• Family Support Services

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• Family Preservation Services

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• Time-Limited Reunification Services

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• Adoption Promotion Support and Foster Care Support Services

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SECTION C

Proposal Format and Instructions

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Application Information

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Proposal

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• Part One – Needs Assessment & Service Area

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• Part Two – Agency History & Qualifications

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• Part Three – Service Design, Implementation & Outcomes

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• Part Four - Current Contractor Report

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SECTION D

Appendices

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FORMS, TABLES & SCHEDULES

Forms • Form #1 – FFY2007 RFP Application Checklist • Form #2 – FFY2007 RFP Application Summary • Form #3 – Service Delivery/Payment Schedule • Form #4 – Proposed Budget/Schedule of Expenses • Form #5 – Match Commitment Letter

Tables • A – Service Plan - Outcomes • B – Service Plan – Implementation • C – Comprehensive Service Coordination

Schedules • A – Glossary of Service Codes and Descriptions • B - Acceptable Use of Funds and Categorization of Expenses


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SECTION A

Timeline

RFP Release Date

May 3, 2006

Bidders Conference • Atlanta Marriott Century Center • Two Sessions 9:00am-noon or 1:00-4:00pm

May 3, 2006

RFP Technical Assistance

May 8 – May 19, 2006

Proposals Due

June 13, 2006, 3:30pm

Proposal Review

June/July 2006

Award Notification

August 2006

MOU Distribution

September 2006

Contract Cycle

October 1, 2006 – September 15, 2007

MOU Extension Distribution

June 2007


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Contract Requirements

Proposing entities awarded a contract by the Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services, Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, agree to administer authorized program services in accordance with federal and state requirements and all other applicable federal laws, regulations, and provisions of the contract.

Carefully review the following requirements before submitting an application for Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program funding. Confirm with your organization's board of directors, administration, governing body and/or fiscal agent that your organization has legal standing to enter into a contractual agreement and can comply with these requirements if awarded a contract.

An entity awarded a purchase of service contract through the DHR Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, must meet the following minimum requirements:

• The contractor must certify that a cost/cash match, free from federal funds, is provided in compliance with the terms of the grant and that federal funds derived from this program will not be used to match other federal funding sources.

• An agency awarded funds will have a contract with Georgia DHR or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the local County DFCS negotiated on their behalf by DHR and must comply with all contract or MOU provisions.

• The contractor agrees to comply with federal and state laws, contracting guidelines and regulations, with regard to nondiscrimination in employment practices and client service delivery.

• Service delivery must commence within forty-five (45) days of the contract start date. Failure to meet this contract provision of the contract will result in contract termination due to default. Contracts for summer programs only are exempt.

• Contractors must prioritize and coordinate the delivery of services to families referred by local DFCS offices.

• Contractors are required to provide their local DFCS offices with program information and feedback on referrals in a timely manner.

• Contractor must conduct a local and state criminal record history investigation, including fingerprint record check, for all staff, volunteers and/or subcontractors having direct custodial or treatment responsibilities for children served with PSSF Program funds and must provide proof upon request.

• Contractors must provide proof of commercial general liability coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 for all occurrences for contractor and its employees within 30 days of commencement of a contract or MOU. However, if the contractor subcontracts with another agency, then it is up to the contracting agency to assure that its subcontractor carries acceptable liability coverage.

• The support of the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program must be acknowledged in all printed materials and verbally at conferences and workshops.

• The Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services, and the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program technical assistance team shall have the right to request and obtain statistical, financial, and program information from contractors at any time.

• The Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services, and the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program technical assistance team shall have access to the program site, activities and materials at all reasonable times.

• The contractor agrees to maintain financial and programmatic records in Georgia for at least five (5) years, and make them available to Federal, State and Divisional officers, or their representatives, upon request.


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• All expenses incurred by the organization in preparation of this application, and prior to the date of full contract execution, are the responsibility of the applicant and are not reimbursable.

• Failure to meet any of the provisions of the contract may result in revocation, suspension or contract termination.

These Contract Requirements will become part of the contract and will remain in effect for the duration of the contract.


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Application Guidelines

The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), through the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) Program is issuing this Request For Proposals (RFP) to fund programs that provide direct services to children and families in order to prevent child abuse and neglect, to protect children from further abuse, and to promote permanency for children in state custody in family settings.

The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, established under the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997, provides federal funding for the purchase of family support, family preservation, time-limited reunification services and adoption promotion and foster care transitional support services to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children.

Source of Funds: CDA 93.556 Federal Family Preservation and Family Support Grant.

A non-federal match of 25% of the total program cost is required. For every $75 of federal funding requested, the proposer must provide $25 in private, state or local funding sources, not already used to match any other federal grant.

Purpose: The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from organizations statewide to develop, establish, expand, and/or operate coordinated programs of community-based family support services, family preservation services, time-limited reunification services and adoption promotion and foster care transitional support services to children and families in Georgia.

Size of Awards: Awards will be made up to $75,000 in federal funds for community-based programs (proposed program costs not to exceed $100,000.00.)

Awards: Multiple awards are expected. DHR reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. DHR may also elect to fund proposals at less than 100% of the initial request and may require submission of a revised budget, service deliverables, and other supporting documentation.

Notice of selection to receive a contract award does not constitute approval of the application as submitted. Prior to the actual contract award, DFCS reserves the right to enter into negotiations regarding level of funding, services to be provided, and other issues of possible concern. DFCS further reserves the right to terminate the negotiations and to decline to fund the application if negotiations do not result in an acceptable contractual arrangement. Agencies on the DHR delinquent audit list at the time of selection are considered ineligible for funding.

Current Contractors: In addition to the application for federal fiscal year 2006/2007 funding, the Selection Committee will review agencies for compliance with current (2005/2006) contractual and reporting requirements, service delivery and participant outcomes, fiscal management, and audit compliance.

Proposals Due: One original and three four copies of the proposal must be received no later than 3:30pm on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at the offices of:

Georgia Department of Human Resources Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program c/o Care Solutions, Inc. 500 Sugar Mill Road Suite 170A, Atlanta, GA 30350

Faxed proposals will not be accepted. Applications will be disqualified if received after the deadline or if incomplete.


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Proposal Format: Applications must be typed using Arial 10-point font, single-spaced. All information

should be provided on white 8 1/2 x 11 paper, one side only. Proposals should be assembled in the order listed on the FFY2007 RFP Application Checklist-Form #1.

• FFY2007 RFP Application Checklist lists enclosures that should accompany your proposal. Only include one copy of this form with your proposal.

• FFY2007 RFP Application Summary should be attached directly to the original and of each copy of the proposal.

• Do not staple application. Use a binder clip for each copy. • Do not insert additional pages to separate sections. Appendices should only be

identified in the top right hand corner of each page of the appendices. • Applications not accurately and fully complete will be disqualified. • Number each page of the complete application, excluding the appendices,

consecutively in the bottom right-hand corner. The entire application may not exceed the maximum number of allowable narrative pages* stated for each section. Do not number the pages of the appendices.

* Proposals should not exceed seven (7) narrative pages plus the five(5) required forms and tables. Proposals submitted by current contractors (those applying for continuation funding) will also include a two (2) page narrative report, Appendix K - Current Contractor Report. FFY2007 RFP Application Checklist and FFY2007 RFP Application Summary are not included in page limitation.

Award Notification: August/September 2006

Contract Period: The award period is October 1, 2006 – September 15, 2007.

Who May Apply: State government agencies and other public and private non-profit entities (such as child and family service agencies and other community and faith-based organizations) are eligible to apply. Non-profit agencies must provide proof of incorporation, recognition as a tax-exempt organization, and a copy of their last audit. Applicants must include certification of non-profit status by attaching a copy of their 501(C)-3. If a copy is not included, the application will not be considered for funding. Use of government agency letterhead is sufficient to document eligibility for city/county/state entities and educational institutions, who are not required to submit incorporation, exemption and audit information.

Agencies applying for continuation funding must meet all additional requirements described in Part III – Current Contractor Report. A prior award is not a commitment for continued funding.

Objectives & Evaluation: All proposals must include a clearly defined set of deliverables to include descriptions,

number and frequency of services to be provided, proposed budget of expenses and outcome evaluation measures.

Funding: Requests for reimbursement are submitted monthly to the local county office for services provided during the period. All requests for payments under a purchase of service contract and are based on the number of actual direct services provided during the previous month. Contractors should have sufficient cash flow to cover the first forty-five (45) days of service prior to the initial payment by the local Department of Family and Children Services. Expenses incurred prior to October 1, 2005 and/or prior to the full execution of the contract are not eligible for reimbursement. No advance of funds is available.

Reporting: Monthly programmatic reports and invoices are required and must be submitted as directed by the 5th business day of each month throughout the funding period.


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Technical Assistance: Technical assistance will be available for a limited period beginning Monday, May 8, 2006

and ending Friday, May 19, 2006.

Specific questions regarding this Request for Proposal must be submitted in writing and faxed or e-mailed to:

Ann Dennard Pope, PSSF Program Director at (404) 657-3415 [email protected] or

Deb Farrell, PSSF Senior Technical Advisor at (770) 640-6073 [email protected]


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Proposal Review Process The proposal review process will consist of:

• RFP Compliance • Qualitative Evaluation of Proposal • Current Contractor Performance Evaluation

RFP Compliance – All Proposals

All applications will be reviewed for format and basic requirements. For example, but not limited to:

• Were all required components included with the application and assembled as directed? • Was the required support documentation included? Is it current? • Does the proposal include an appropriate and qualified cash match of 25% of the total program cost? • Did the proposal exceed the allowable number of pages?

Proposals not complying with the terms of the RFP will be excluded from further consideration. Qualitative Review - All Proposals The Review Committee composed of individuals from diverse public and private entities will read and evaluate each application for funding. Each proposal is read and scored independently by a minimum of two individuals. Current Contractor Summary – FFY2006 Funded Contractors Only In addition to the application for federal fiscal year 2005/2006 funding, the Review Committee will assess current programs for contract compliance and performance. Current contractors are required to submit information on services and outcomes for the first six months of the current contract year, October 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006. Current contractors who are not in full compliance with FFY 2005/2006 reporting requirements as of the application deadline will be ineligible for consideration of funding. Notification

All applicants will be notified, in writing, when the review process is complete as to whether or not the proposed services will be funded, in whole or in part. Local DFCS offices will also be notified of the successful applicants in their county. Contract Execution

Successful applicants will enter into a contract or an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Georgia Department of Human Resources for the period of October 1, 2006 through September 15, 2007 for the purchase of services as outlined in the proposal or as amended by revision. Contracts must be fully executed before service provision can begin. Services provided outside the term of the MOU are not eligible for reimbursement.


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SECTION B

Georgia Department of Human Resources Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program

Georgia's Vision, Goals and Outcome Indicators "Every child will be secure from abuse and neglect and will become a healthy, literate, productive, economically self-sustaining citizen within a nurturing, caring, permanent home environment. This will be achieved through the development and enhancement of a coordinated and integrated children and family services system which emphasizes collaborative approaches, earlier identification of issues and delivery of prevention and early intervention services which build on the strengths of families."

Georgia's Child and Family Services Vision

To achieve Georgia's Child and Family Service vision, it is crucial to build an integrated system of community-based supports and services that build on and increase the strength and stability of families and will enhance family functioning to prevent child abuse and neglect.

The Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children Services is committed to building a stronger results-based child welfare system which prevents child abuse and neglect, protects children from further abuse, and promotes permanency for children in safe and stable family settings.

The following goals reflect the desired results for Georgia's families, children, and communities. The indicators are quantitative measures of the extent to which the goals of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program are being achieved. GOAL 1. SAFETY

Outcome: Children are, first and foremost, protected from abuse and neglect, and safely maintained in their homes whenever possible. The risk of harm to children will be minimized.

Indicators: Reduction in the number and rate of substantiated child maltreatment cases

Reduction in the number and rate of repeat maltreatment incidents

Increase in the number of services for children at-risk or confirmed as maltreated

Increase in the number of resources to prevent out of home placement

An increased number of children residing in violence-free and drug-free households GOAL 2. PERMANENCY

Outcome: Children will have permanency and stability in their living situations

Indicators: Reduction in the number of children entering foster care

Reduction in the length of time spent in foster care

Increase in the number of children safely reunified with their families of origin

Reduction in the number and rate of children who have experienced multiple placements prior to family reunification or permanent placement

Reduction in the number of emancipated foster care youth re-entering foster care

Increase in the number of available adoption promotion and post support services

Increase in the number of children identified as appropriate for adoption and placed in adoptive homes


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Outcome: The continuity of family relationships and connections will be preserved for children.

Indicators: Increase the percentage of relative caregivers receiving support services from their communities

Increase in the quality and frequency of visits between children in foster care and their families

Increase the percentage of families knowledgeable about community resources needed for their child(ren) and other family members

Increase the percentage of families utilizing community resources needed by their child(ren) and other family members

Increase the percentage of children placed in adoptive and/or legal relative placements GOAL 3. CHILD AND FAMILY WELL-BEING

Outcome: Families will have enhanced capacity to provide for their children's needs.

Indicators: Increase child and family involvement in case planning

Increase the percentage of families with parenting knowledge and skills necessary to anticipate and meet the health and developmental needs of their children

Increase the percentage of children who live with and/or have frequent involvement with and receive emotional support from their fathers or a positive adult male role model

Children will receive appropriate services to meet their physical and mental health needs

Improve the strength and stability of marriages and parental relationships

Service Delivery Standards and Expectations • Agencies will serve diverse populations.

• Staff and families must work together in relationships based on equality and respect.

• Agencies will affirm and strengthen families' cultural, racial, and linguistic identities.

• Family support programs must engage parents as partners in program design, service delivery and evaluation.

• Agencies must address the family as a whole, identifying and building on strengths.

• Program services will be flexible, responsive, accessible and non-intrusive.

• Agencies will coordinate with local Departments of Children and Family Services (DFCS) Program Administrators and/or other community organization(s) to provide access to a full continuum of community supports and services.

• Program services will demonstrate improved results for families and children.

• Agencies will coordinate with DFCS and/or other community agencies to ensure that services provided are an enhancement of existing community services, are consistent with and support individual case plan goals, and do not duplicate services already being made available to the family or individual.

• Service delivery will commence within 45 days of the contract start date. Contracts for summer programs only are exempt from this requirement.

• Contractors must accept and prioritize referrals from local DFCS offices.


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Description of Services Sought

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Family Support Services as defined by the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 and reauthorization of 2001 are community-based early intervention and placement prevention services designed to afford children a safe, stable and supportive family setting by promoting the well-being of the entire family. Family Support Services are aimed primarily at preventing the risk of abuse by promoting nurturing families and to assist families at risk of having children removed from the home. All services are designed to build on existing family strengths, increase the stability of families, increase parental confidence and competence in their parenting abilities, and enhance overall family functioning to prevent initial or subsequent child abuse and neglect. The 2001 reauthorization expands the definition of family support services to include community and faith-based services to strengthen marriages and effective co-parenting relationships.

An important element of Georgia’s Safe Futures Plan for Program Improvement for child welfare program improvement is the development of a strengths-based, prevention-driven community response to vulnerable children and families. Families at greatest risk of entering Georgia’s child protection system often have complex and interrelated problems such as poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, substance abuse and teen pregnancy which impair family functioning and put children at risk of child abuse and neglect. Child Protective Services (CPS) working alone cannot fully protect children. As such, providers of PSSF Family Support Services are required to coordinate service provision with other agencies and service providers including mental health, substance abuse, education, child care and employment services to provide families a comprehensive continuum of community-based supports, information and referral services responsive to their individual needs.

Georgia continues to make significant progress in the development of a coordinated network of community-based safeguards and supports for families and children. With the support of Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program funds, Georgia is working in partnership with communities to assure that families needing extra support in meeting the challenges of parenthood are identified for follow-up and linked with PSSF community service resources. Children have the greatest chance for a safe and stable home environment when their parents and caregivers are knowledgeable of and have access to essential supports and services in their own communities.

To maximize federal and state funding and to address the child abuse prevention and early intervention service needs of children and families at greatest risk of entering Georgia’s child welfare system, PSSF family support funding for the 2006/2007 funding cycle is limited to the following service categories:

1. Parent Support Services A. Early Intervention Support Services B. Placement Prevention Support Services C. Healthy Marriage and Co-Parenting Support Initiatives

2. Relative Caregiver Support Services

3. Substance Abuse Treatment and Support Services Parent Support Services Parent Support Services offer short-term center- and home-based support services, home visitation, case management and referral services to parents, relative caregivers and foster parents in order to prevent problematic family issues from escalating to the point of requiring initial or subsequent child protective service intervention. 1A. Early Intervention Support Services

Early Intervention Support Services offer voluntary family supports and services to a variety of at-risk families to help identify and address problematic family issues before and after Child Protective Services (CPS) intervention is required.


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Target populations include a variety of at-risk families.

Families not currently known to DFCS CPS at greatest risk include, but not limited to: • Families served by DFCS Economic Support Services, i.e. Food Stamps, TANF, Child Care • Pregnant and parenting teens • Victims of domestic violence with children • Relative caregivers • Substance abusing pregnant and parenting women • Parents of children with developmental and/or physical disabilities • Children and caregivers of incarcerated parents • Families exiting TANF due to employment or expiration of time limits

And/or

Families referred by DFCS CPS that meet the following criteria: • Closed-Low Risk, Substantiated Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect • Closed Unsubstantiated Cases • Screened Out Referrals • Open cases reassessed as Low Risk and Closed

1B. Placement Prevention Support Services

Placement Prevention Support Services offer short-term center- and home-based visitation, case management and referral services to children and families with an open DFCS CPS case where children are still residing in the home. These services are provided as a part of a family’s safety and/or case plan and are designed to safely maintain children in their homes and prevent unnecessary placement into foster care where agency identified risk factors which resulted in child abuse or neglect can be safely and effectively addressed.

Service Delivery Guidelines:

Early Intervention Support Services AND Placement Prevention Support Services • Identify, utilizing a strengths-based child, caretaker and/or family assessment, risk/stress factors that

contribute to or put children at risk of neglect or maltreatment and impair family functioning.

• Based on that assessment, develop, in partnership with the family or case manager, an individualized family plan to address and reduce identified risk factors to assure child safety and improve family functioning. Family plan goals must be realistic with attainable and measurable outcomes.

• Develop family plans that outline desired goals for the family and define in detail how those goals are to be achieved and measured. (i.e. what changes are needed, what the family will do to make the changes, what services and supports are needed, who will provide them, how much is needed, and how progress will be assessed.)

• Parent Support Case Managers must be knowledgeable regarding healthy child development and have the ability to model and coach positive parent-child interaction, stress management and non-corporal behavior management.

• Parent Support Case Managers must be knowledgeable of and assist families to access, through referral and case management, information and other community-based service resources to achieve family plan goals for long-term support.

• Parent Support Case Managers should be Bachelor’s level professionals or supervised paraprofessionals with demonstrated experience providing in-home services to at-risk families.

Additional Service Guidelines for Agencies Serving the Following Populations:

• Parenting Teen Programs are designed for teen mothers, fathers and their parents. Programs are school and/or community-based and include coordinated prenatal and postnatal health services and parent education. Program components should include in-home visitation, individual, family and group counseling, education regarding parental responsibility, child development, child health, behavior management and prevention of subsequent pregnancy.


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• Domestic and Family Violence Programs designed for children and families affected by domestic and family violence. These services should enhance and expand domestic violence shelter programs by providing comprehensive support services to mothers with children residing in the shelter. Services may include child, art and play therapy, peer support groups, school advocacy, parent education, case management and comprehensive referral and follow-up services which focus on breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect.

• Healthy Families Sites designed for first time mothers. Proposed services may expand or enhance current service offering by increasing the number of families to whom services are made available or by expanding the scope of the services to include additional consumer groups.

1C. Healthy Marriage and Co-Parenting Support Initiatives

Healthy Marriage and Co-Parenting Support Initiatives are designed to improve child and family well-being and permanency outcomes for children. Services are designed to promote and strengthen marriages and promote stable parental relationships. Services should teach couples how to build and maintain healthy stable marriage and co-parenting relationships, handle stress and prevent breakdown.

Along with skills for communicating more effectively, managing conflict and working together as a team, services may also be adapted for particular populations and include information specific to step-families, first-time parents, and couples dealing with substance abuse, violence, financial difficulties, chronic illness and parenting adolescents.

Services may also be offered to non-married pregnant women and non-married expectant fathers, and should also foster co-parenting between living separately/parenting together and never married parents.

Service Delivery Guidelines:

Program services are typically 4-24 hours long and delivered either over a weekend or one night a week for up to six weeks. Educational curriculum may be delivered in a variety of ways, including lecture, experiential, videos and role-play practice.

Services are delivered in classroom settings in community health centers, childbirth clinics, churches, child access and visitation centers, family resource centers, extension agencies, schools and a variety of community-based settings.

Service components should include research and curriculum-based instruction which shall cover at a minimum, but not be limited to:

Conflict Management Communication Skills Financial Responsibility Children and Parenting Responsibilities

Anticipated challenges during marriage and suggested solutions

Parent education

Courses should be co-facilitated by one or more of the following:

A licensed clinical social worker A licensed marriage and family therapist A licensed psychologist or mental health counselor A certified Family Mediator An official representative of a religious institution

Allowable marriage and relationship skill-building activities include, but are not limited to:

• Education in high schools on the value of marriage and the development of healthy relationships;

• Marriage education, marriage skills and relationship skills programs that may include parenting skills, financial management, conflict resolution, and job and career advancement;

• Pre-marital education and marriage skills training for engaged couples and for couples or individuals interested in marriage;


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• Marriage enhancement and marriage skills training programs for married couples; and

• Marriage mentoring programs which use couples as role models and mentors in at-risk communities.

Information and resources for the Healthy Marriage Initiative can be obtained at: http:\\www.acf.hhs.gov\healthymarriage\resources\index.html

Note

The provision of these services is not to be confused with marriage counseling or therapy. It is not the intent of the U.S. Administration on Children and Families to advocate the following:

Trapping anyone in an abusive or violent relationship Forcing anyone to get or stay married Withdrawing supports from or diminishing in any way, either directly or indirectly, the important work of single parents


Relative Caregiver Support Services offer a comprehensive array of support services to grandparents and relative caregivers that are the primary caregivers of children other than their own.

These services are designed to: • Promote permanency and child well-being by supporting early and stable relative placements • Prevent children from coming into or re-entering foster care by improving caretaker and family

functioning; • Increase parenting knowledge and demonstrated ability of the caretaker to apply the skills learned

and increase decision-making or problem-solving skills of the caretaker; and • Increase access to and utilization of community-based supports and services.

Target Population: • Families headed by relative caretakers where temporary or primary care responsibility has

been assumed due to the abandonment, death, drug-addiction/treatment, incarceration or terminal illness of the biological parent(s)

• Relative caregivers referred by a variety of sources including DFCS Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Child Protective Services (CPS)

Service Delivery Guidelines • Primary services should include but are not limited to a facilitated peer support group and at least

three of the following support services, which may be provided directly by the sponsoring agency or through coordinated service provision with collaborating community organizations:

Al-anon/NA Support Groups Housing referrals and follow up Family conferencing Legal guidance Mentoring and tutoring services Parent education Group recreational activities Healthcare screening and referrals Transportation assistance Individual or family counseling Services to special populations such as children with disabilities

3. Substance Abuse Treatment and Support Services

Substance Abuse Treatment and Support Services are community-based services, treatment support, and case management services designed to prevent child abandonment and/or maltreatment and strengthen families affected by substance abuse. Support services should provide a full continuum of prevention, treatment intervention, and post-treatment support services to substance abusing women with young children and their families to facilitate the maintenance of safe and drug-free households. Pre- and post-treatment services should expand and/or enhance licensed long-term residential or substance abuse day treatment services.


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Target Population: • Families unknown to DFCS CPS/Foster Care Program Services • Families referred by DFCS CPS who are substantiated for parental substance abuse, but whose

potential for child abuse and neglect is classified as low risk if there is adequate substance abuse treatment and post-treatment support

Service Delivery Guidelines • Therapeutic individual, child and family counseling provided by a licensed, Master's level mental health

professional.

• Relapse prevention support to include in-home follow-up and 24-hour relapse/crisis management support provided by an accredited Addictions Counselor.

• Intensive, hands-on parenting training to ensure child safety, prevent abandonment and prevent or reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect; must be knowledgeable about the various substances of abuse and available parenting curriculum tailored to address the effects on adult behavior, child development and parenting.

• Coordinated health care services for pregnant women and their children to promote healthy, full-term, drug-free deliveries and promote healthy early childhood development.


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FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES Maintaining children with their own families and providing safe family reunification are the preferred permanency planning option for all children in Georgia state custody.

Family Preservation Services are designed to support birth, foster, relative (kinship) and adoptive families in crisis or at-risk of having a child removed from their home, to support families in achieving their case plan goals of safe and timely reunification or to support families post-reunification to prevent placement disruption.

Providers of Family Preservation Services are required to work closely as members of an agency convened multi-disciplinary team staffing to review and assess family progress in achieving case plan goals and to modify services as required to ensure safe and timely reunification for children in state custody and support permanency outcomes.

Target Population • Families known to and referred by DFCS CPS or Placement Services

1. Therapeutic/Crisis Intervention Services Therapeutic/Crisis Intervention Services provide intensive family therapy, counseling, behavior management and crisis intervention for biological, foster and adoptive families with barriers to family stability and family functioning.

Service Delivery Guidelines • Highly skilled and experienced social workers are expected to carry a caseload not to exceed

10 families for a minimum service duration of 90 days; and weekly follow-up services for an average of 3 to 5 1/2 months.

2. Residential After-Care Services

Residential After-Care Services are designed to support children and families known to DFCS through CPS or Placement Services returning home from residential treatment or therapeutic foster home settings.

Service Delivery Guidelines • Services should include comprehensive discharge planning to include coordination of

community-based professional supports and resources.

• Intensive case management to include post-residential in-home therapeutic counseling, behavior management, and 24-hour crisis intervention.

• Services should be made available to families for a minimum of six to twelve months following discharge from a program.


Relative Caregiver Support Services provide a comprehensive array of support services to relative caregivers with formal relative foster care placements with a goal of legal guardianship or adoption. Priority should be given to relative placements assumed due to the abandonment, death, drug-addiction/treatment, incarceration or terminal illness of the biological parent(s). These programs are designed to promote permanency and child well-being by supporting early and stable relative placements with the goal of adoption.

Service Delivery Guidelines • Primary services should include a facilitated peer support group and at least three of the

following support services, which may be provided either directly by a sponsoring organization or through coordinated resources contributed by collaborating community organizations.

Al-anon/NA Support Groups Housing referrals and follow up Family conferencing Legal guidance Mentoring and tutoring services Parent education Group recreational activities Healthcare screening and referrals Transportation assistance Individual or family counseling Services to special populations such as children with disabilities


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TIME-LIMITED REUNIFICATION SERVICES Safe family reunification is the preferred permanency planning option for all children in Georgia state custody. Efforts to assure safe and permanent reunifications for children are complicated because of the strict time frames set forth in the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 and the complex and interrelated problems many families experience such as substance abuse, domestic violence and mental illness. The degree to which we are effective in reuniting families is largely dependent upon our ability to connect families with timely, intensive and responsive supports and services pre- and post-reunification.

Target Population • Families identified and referred by DFCS with open Child Protective Services (CPS) or Foster Care

cases. Referrals may also be received directly from Family or Juvenile Court.

Time-Limited Reunification Services are time-limited, intensive, therapeutic and support services provided to a child with a plan of safe, appropriate, and timely reunification and to the parents or primary caregiver of the child. These services may be provided to families while the child is in foster care or relative foster care to facilitate reunification, and after the child returns from foster care to sustain permanency. 1. Professional Interventions and Supports

Professional Interventions and Supports includes services such as family conferencing, family mediation, psychological and therapeutic support services to address behavioral issues and family functioning, crisis stabilization, transition support services to assist children and families prior to, during and after reunification and family interventions for birth, foster and adoptive families.

Service Delivery Guidelines • Psychological and therapeutic services must be provided by a licensed mental health professional

experienced in dealing with children and families with child welfare-related issues.

2. Supervised Family Visitation Family visitation centers should provide increased opportunities for children in foster care to visit with their families in less restrictive, non-threatening environments. Children in out-of-home placement have the right to continued relationships with their family of origin, extended family, and others with whom they have had meaningful relationships, unless prohibited for reasons of safety. Likewise, parents of children in care have the right and responsibility to maintain regularly scheduled visits and other contacts with their children unless prohibited by the court for compelling reasons.

These community-based visitation centers are designed with a working parent’s schedule in mind and should increase the frequency and quality of interactions between parents and children and children and their siblings and other significant adults.

Successful family reunification is based, in part, on the family or primary caregiver demonstrating an understanding of the child's needs and meeting those identified needs during observed visits. Services are designed to establish or sustain parent-child and sibling relationships and facilitate the achievement of reunification case plan goals.

Service Delivery Guidelines

Level of Supervision:

The level of supervision will depend on the individual safety needs identified in the Departmental or Court ordered case plans. The types of cases that generally require supervised visitation involve allegations of sexual or physical abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental impairment, extended absence of a parent and potential threat of abduction.

The level of supervision required should dictate the ratio of visit monitors/observers to visiting families.


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Center Environment and Accessibility:

• Visitation services should be conducted in non-restrictive, non-stigmatizing settings outside of the DFCS county department, such as family resource centers, churches, and other neutral community-based settings. Off-site visits may be subject to court and agency approval.

• Services must be made available to parents during non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends and holidays to remove barriers to meaningful and consistent visitation.

• Transportation services should be provided to remove barriers to consistent visitation.

Visitation rooms should be appropriately designed and equipped to meet the needs of the program. The site should be secure, furnished age-appropriately, configured to allow for conversation and a variety of play activities, and large enough to afford distance between the visitation therapist/supervisor and the parent and child. Site should be equipped with a variety of toys and materials for different ages of children, food preparation area, etc. Specialized equipment may include a video camera and sensitive microphones.

Visitation Supervision/Monitoring and Case Management:

• Assessment: Each family referred to the program should be assessed collaboratively with the child welfare agency, visitation coordinator, the family, and as appropriate, the foster parent for safety concerns and parent education as needed.

• Visitation Plan: Providers of supervised visitation are required to develop and implement, in coordination with DFCS CPS and Placement Services staff a written plan for visitation which should address the full range of logistics and visitation issues, i.e. frequency, time spent, who may visit (e.g., siblings, other family), safety issues and other appropriate issues.

• Visitation plans should cover, at a minimum: • Timing (e.g. how soon, how often, duration) • Place (e.g. off-site visits subject to agency/court approval) • Participants (e.g. father, siblings, pets, grandparents, other relations) • Content (e.g., attachment, parenting/child development, decision making) • Controls (e.g., secure place, observation, documentation, supervision, rules) • Transportation (e.g. who and how)

• Visitation plans should be developed with full parental involvement and child involvement to the extent possible.

• The visitation plan should be distributed to all parties involved as appropriate (e.g. parent, child, foster parent, relatives, etc.)

• Pre- and post-visit: Each visit should include a pre-visit and post-visit period with the parent or other significant participants for shared discussion, observations, accomplishments, goal-setting and barriers/obstacles to case plan objectives and permanency timeframes.

• Monitoring: Monitoring is used as the basis for plan revision and for decision making regarding permanency. Monitoring should therefore include both process and outcome markers that indicate parental progress toward meeting the child’s need for safety, permanency and well-being.

• Documentation: Since, the DFCS case manager maintains responsibility for knowing what has occurred during visits, providers of supervised visitation are required to provide written documentation on observed family progress and work in teams with DFCS CPS and Placement Services staff to review documentation.


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• Ancillary Services: Visitation Center services may include:

• Facilitated family conferencing and mediation to support permanency planning; • Parent education or asset building; • Parent and child development and enrichment activities; and/or • Reunification, placement or adoption celebrations.

Provider Qualifications:

General Policy The type of cases, which an agency decides to take, will determine the functions that staff should be required to perform and consequently the competencies and training that staff are required to have. Providers may use volunteers, provided that they meet relevant staff qualifications.

General Staff Qualifications All staff members, including volunteers or interns providing Supervised Visitation should:

• Be at least 18 years of age; • Have successfully completed a thorough background check, including screening for

prior criminal record; and • Be in compliance with local staff health requirements for direct contact with children

under the age of six.

Specific Staff Qualifications and Responsibilities

Visitation Coordinator Education, training and experience in relevant areas of specialization such as social work, mental health, sociology, psychology, early childhood education, or public administration. At a minimum, a visitation coordinator should have a bachelor’s degree in one of the above-mentioned fields with a minimum of two years related experience; or a bachelor’s degree in another subject area with a minimum of four years experience in a related human service field or direct service delivery to at-risk families.

Coordinator (or Program Director) While the role of the Coordinator (or Director) may differ between providers, the key responsibility is to ensure the overall quality of the supervised visitation program.

Desired Qualifications

• Basic understanding of child welfare • Basic understanding child welfare and the laws and policies governing separation,

divorce and child welfare • Understanding of the dynamics of separation and the impact on children and their

parents • Understanding of child development needs and issues • Ability to express authority and objective consideration • Ability to maintain an independent role and draw boundaries • Experience supervising staff and volunteers

Coordinator will:

• Act as primary liaison with referring agency. • Recruit, train and supervise visit monitors/observers and additional support staff,

including drivers and security personnel. • Recruit, train and supervise volunteers. • Coordinate visitation schedule. • Coordinate transportation. • Provide information to referring agency documenting each visit. • Coordinate ancillary services.


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Visit Monitor/Observer - Qualifications Substantial experience working with children and demonstrated writing proficiency. Volunteers or interns may be utilized as visit monitors provided that each volunteer or intern is under the direct supervision of the Visitation Coordinator responsible for his/her work and has received adequate training.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in a care-giving role in relation to children • Ability and willingness to relate to all cultural, ethnic and socio-economic groups

and different life styles • Understanding of child development needs and issues • Good communication and writing skills • Ability to assist parents, where necessary, with parenting skills • Capacity to be observant • Supportive and positive attitude • Maturity, diplomacy, non-judgmental and ability to exercise common sense

Visit Monitor/Observer will:

• Supervise visits according to court orders or other relevant agreements. • Intervene when appropriate to ensure the safety and welfare of the child(ren).

Intervention may include modeling appropriate parenting behavior or facilitating parent-child interaction.

• Terminate the supervised visit when necessary. • Provide feedback or coaching to the relevant party. • Document supervised visits as required by the child welfare agency.

Driver(s) All persons who transport clients for supervised visits shall:

• Be at least 18 years of age. • Hold a valid operator's license for the state/country in which he/she will drive and

appropriate for the vehicle being used. • Consent to a check of his/her driving record; not have a record of impaired

driving. • Have or be the employee of a person who has liability insurance for the vehicle. • Maintain vehicle equipped with seat belts in good repair. • Comply with current state regulations on the transport of children in passenger

vehicles ensuring age-appropriate, individual restraints.

Security Personnel The key role of security personnel is to seek to ensure a reasonable degree of safety and security for visiting children and adults. Training in a security related area, (e.g., security guard, investigator) preferably with experience in a social agency.

3. Post-Substance Abuse Treatment and Transitional Support Services

Post-Substance Abuse Treatment and Transitional Support Services provide post-substance abuse treatment support to court-mandated parents in child custody or deprivation cases where substance abuse treatment and random substance abuse drug screenings and sustained abstinence are conditions for child reunification. To ensure successful and sustained treatment outcomes, these programs are designed to prevent child abandonment and to safely reunify families separated due to parental substance abuse. Support services should provide a full continuum of post-treatment services to expand or enhance long-term residential or substance abuse day treatment services.

Service providers must work in partnership with DFCS case managers to emphasize the magnitude of the court requirements, and the limited time available to obtain treatment and demonstrate the ability to remain alcohol or drug-free for a minimum of six months.


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Service Delivery Guidelines

• Therapeutic individual, child and family counseling provided by a licensed, Master's level mental health professional.

• Relapse prevention support to include in-home follow-up and 24-hour relapse/crisis management support provided by an accredited Addictions Counselor.

• Intensive, hands-on parenting training to ensure child safety, prevent abandonment and prevent or reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect; must be knowledgeable about the various substances of abuse and parenting curriculum tailored to address their effects on adult behavior, child development and parenting.

• Coordinated health care services for pregnant women and their children to promote healthy, full-term, drug-free deliveries and promote healthy early childhood development.

• Case management and referral services may include child care, educational employment and transportation services to ensure that recovering mothers and their children receive essential treatment and post treatment support services.


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ADOPTION PROMOTION AND FOSTER CARE TRANSITIONAL & EMANCI[ATION SUPPORT SERVICES Adoption Promotion and Foster Care Transitional and Emancipation Support Services are designed to encourage more adoptions out of the foster care system, when adoption promotes the best interests of the child, including such activities as pre-and post-adoptive services and activities designed to expedite the adoption process and support foster/adoptive families and to assist youth in foster care before, during and post-placement or in preparation for aging out of foster care.

Services and activities may include but are not limited to: 1. Professional Interventions and Support Services

Professional Interventions and Support Services are provided to families pre- and post-adoption and may include such services as family mediation, child and family therapy and psychological support services to identify and address behavioral issues which negatively impact family functioning, and provide crisis stabilization to prevent adoption placement disruption.

2. Foster Care Transitional Support Services

Foster Care Transitional Support Services are designed to assist children and birth, foster and adoptive families prior to, during and after placement. Services may include support groups, in-home follow-up, monitoring and support. Services are to be provided by a licensed mental health professional experienced in dealing with children and families with child welfare and adoption related issues.

3. Foster Care Emancipation Support Services

Foster Care Emancipation Support Services are designed to assist youth transitioning from out-of-home care who have no plan of adoption and have been assessed by DFCS professionals as being unable to count on stable and/or long-term financial or emotional support from their families of origin.

Target Population and Service Delivery Guidelines

• Preparation for Transition Services should target foster care youth ages 12-16 and include life skills and self-sufficiency education, plan development and counseling services.

• Managing Transition Services should target youth 16-21 years of age and include a full range of services and supports. Services may include comprehensive child assessments, case management, educational and employment preparation services and supports, life skills training, counseling and mental health services and connections to resources in the community, including faith-based institutions and recreational and positive youth development opportunities.

• Emancipation Aftercare and Follow-Up Services should target youth 18 years and up and provide informal counseling, information and referral support services.


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SECTION C

Proposal Format and Instructions Clearly label each section of the application with the proper section number and heading. Application Information

• Complete FFY2007 RFP Application Checklist - Form #1. Attach to the original copy of your proposal only.

• Complete and sign FFY2007 RFP Application Summary - Form #2, pages 1 and 2. Attach a copy to the front of each copy of your proposal.

Proposal

Applicants must address fully each content area completely using the prescribed format. Applications must not exceed the page number guidelines stated. Failure to address all questions in each section or exceeding the number of pages allowed may result in disqualification of your proposal. Part One - Needs Assessment & Service Area

Maximum 2 pages

Include the following:

1) Geographical Service Area • Describe the geographical area you are proposing to serve. Include primary and secondary

service areas.

2) Target Population (Consumer) • Describe the families or individuals to whom services will be provided. • Why are proposed services needed by the individuals or families described as your target

population?

3) Number of Families or Individuals to be Served • Indicate the number of families or individuals you propose to serve with this funding. • Indicate how this funding would allow you to increase the number of families you serve or

provide additional services to families currently being served by your agency.

4) Community Assessment • Has your agency done a needs assessment? If so, when? Describe the assessment process

and summarize the results that support the need for services in your area. • Who were the participants involved in the process - consumers, community groups, agency

staff, DFCS, professionals, etc.? • Provide any additional supporting data that is relevant. • Why are proposed services critical to this service area? • How will this funding supplement or enhance current services available to families in your

community?

5) Source of Referrals • Describe your source of referrals. Include both current and anticipated sources. • How will you make the community and families aware of your services?


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Proposal review of Part One will consider the following:

• Has the proposer defined the service area, target population and projected number of people served?

• Is the proposal responsive to the needs of at-risk families served by DFCS?

• Is the need for the project explained?

• Needs always outstrip available money. Has the proposer made a good case that they are addressing a greater-than-average unmet need?

• Is there evidence of community service planning and coordination?

Part Two - Agency History and Qualifications

Maximum 2 pages

1) Organizational Background • Summarize your agency’s history and organizational structure, including current governing

body and relevant affiliations. • Briefly describe your agency’s mission and accomplishments, and describe how these support

the goals of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program.

2) Program Administration • Who will oversee administration and supervision of proposed services? Briefly describe their

qualifications.

3) Service Delivery • Who will be responsible for coordination of services? What are their responsibilities? What are

their qualifications? • Who will provide direct services? What are their responsibilities? What are their qualifications?

Who will supervise these individuals? • Are volunteer resources used in the provision of services? If so, in what capacity? What is

your screening process? What training is provided? How will volunteers be supervised? • What basic and ongoing training opportunities will be made available to staff? • What role, if any, would the consumer have in the planning or delivery of services?

4) Subcontracted Services • Will any of the proposed services be outsourced to a subcontractor? If so, identify the

service(s) and the subcontractor(s). • Describe the subcontractor’s qualifications. Provide history and staffing information on those

individuals providing the direct services on your behalf. • Describe how the services you outsource will be regularly monitored. • Describe how you will evaluate the subcontractor’s performance. • How will the communication of information on the families be facilitated (i.e. to contractor,

referring agency, and/or DFCS)?

5) Facilities • Describe the site or facility where service provision will occur.

6) Additional Services • What additional or supplemental services are available to families through your agency, in

addition to the services proposed by Promoting Safe and Stable Families funding. • Providers are required to coordinate service provision with other agencies and community

supports to provide families a comprehensive array of support information and referrals. Complete Table C. You must demonstrate how and with whom services will be coordinated to address the needs of your target population through service coordination and information and referrals.


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7) Fiscal Accountability • Describe how funds will be contributed to satisfy the 25% minimum match requirement.

Indicate when and how the funds will be made available to your agency.

Proposal review of Part Two will consider the following:

• Has the proposer shown it is competent to develop and run the program?

• Is there evidence of community collaboration and local support?

• Is the agency financially sound and capable of providing the services proposed?

• Does the organization have a sound plan for community outreach and recruitment?

• Does the proposal demonstrate how DFCS clients will be served or that a referral protocol is in place?

• Does the proposal demonstrate a partnership with the local DFCS office?

• Is there a plan for continuation of services when DFCS funding is no longer available?

Part Three - Service Design, Implementation and Outcomes Maximum 3 pages plus Tables A&B, Service Delivery/Payment Schedule and Proposed Budget/Schedule of Expenses Provide the following information in narrative form in addition to completing Table A – Service Plan-Objectives, and Table B, Service Plan – Implementation. Your narrative and the information contained in these tables will provide details on the services you are proposing, how those services will be provided, and the outcomes you expect as a result of service provision.

1) Service Design • Provide a brief description of the underlying program model, if appropriate. • Provide a brief description of each service you are proposing and describe why it is needed.

Include a description of the individual(s) receiving the service, their unique needs for this type of service or activity and the typical length of time a family/individual would be provided services.

• How will proposed services preserve or support families? • Describe the results or outcomes expected for each proposed service. • How are your goals and objectives compatible with those of Promoting Safe and Stable

Families? • Describe the assessment process at the time of referral to your agency to determine eligibility

and the strategy for developing a family action plan. Provide a copy of the standard tool to be used. Attach one (1) copy to original copy of proposal as Appendix H.

• If you are being provided a summary of an assessment completed by another source, describe the source and how the assessment will be used to determine appropriate service provision and develop an individual service plan.

• Describe the process for monitoring and evaluating family progress. Provide a copy of the measurement tool to be used. Attach one (1) copy to original copy of proposal as Appendix I.

• Describe the process for evaluating the overall effectiveness of services.


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2) Outreach • Describe the strategies you will employ for outreach to 1) your referral source(s) including

DFCS and 2) your target consumer group(s). • Describe your capacity, if any, to serve surrounding counties. • What are your strategies for outreach to diverse populations in your service area? • Describe your strategies for engaging and retaining families. • Identify the typical barriers for the target population you have identified. How do you plan to

remove barriers that families may have that would prevent, or reduce the effectiveness of their participation in services?

3) Service Network • Describe community resources and/or agencies you collaborate with to provide additional or

supplemental services for families.

4) Consumer Involvement • Describe how consumers/families are currently involved in the design, implementation, and

evaluation of services. Discuss plans to increase involvement.

Completing Tables A & B

By completing each table a framework for evaluating services is developed that will assist in the assessment of the effectiveness of services and measure their impact on families. The Service Plan – Objectives (Table A) describes your target population, the services they will benefit from, and the results you expect. The Service Plan - Implementation (Table B) describes exactly how you plan to provide these services.

Table A - Service Plan - Objectives: Building a model of proposed services

A service plan must be developed to describe what you plan to do. You must explain the rationale for each service component or activity you have proposed. This model represents a series of logically related assumptions about the target consumer and the changes you hope to bring about as a result of the proposed services, in addition to providing a structural framework for evaluation. Complete as directed.

Table B - Service Plan - Implementation: Stating implementation objectives in measurable terms.

Your Service Plan - Implementation describes what you plan to do, how you plan to do it and whom you want to reach. They include the services, the characteristics of the participant population, the number of people you plan to reach, and the staffing arrangements. Table A - Service Plan serves as a foundation for identifying your implementation objectives. Complete as directed.

Please note: The services/activities listed on each of these tables should be identical to those listed on each of the other tables and those described in your narrative and on your Service Delivery/Payment Schedule – Form #4.


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Proposal review of Part Three will consider the following:

• Are the goals and objectives specific, measurable and attainable during the contract period?

• Is proposal consistent with the goals of Promoting Safe and Stable Families?

• Do the objectives support the goals and indicators of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program?

• What is the projected impact on Georgia's families? Does the project: • Work towards reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect? • Work towards reducing the number of children in care? • Provide additional resources for families? • Build on natural supports for families? and/or • Promote local collaboration to address these issues?

• Can you tell whether: - the program is realistic and consistent with the proposal's goals, objectives, and outcomes? - the proposer knows what they are talking about?

• Does the program design make sense?

• Staff: - Are staff job responsibilities outlined adequately? - Are staffing levels sufficient to accomplish the project? - Is the combination of staff experience and planned training sufficient for the project?

• Are the facilities adequate for the project?

• Is there sufficient outreach to the consumers and the community? Have consumers been involved in the planning process?

…/continued• Are linkages built into the program design?

• Is there a plan for measuring how much progress was made, and whether the program made a tangible difference?

• Are there baselines included, i.e. number of referrals from DFCS and other agencies, number of families served, etc.

Service Delivery/Payment Schedule and Proposed Budget/Schedule of Expenses

Form #3 - ‘Service Delivery/Payment Schedule’ and Form #4- ‘Proposed Budget/Schedule of Expenses’ plus one (1) additional narrative page to provide expense details.

Service Delivery/Payment Schedule

Complete Form #3. The Service Delivery/Payment Schedule is the framework for the reimbursement for services provided. Payments to service providers are based on the number of actual services provided during a period and are reimbursed at 75% of the value of the service as described on the Service Delivery/Payment Schedule.

Include all services listed in Table B – Service Implementation Plan. Each service or activity should be listed separately.

• CAT – For office use only.

• SC – See Schedule A – Service Categories and Codes for list of most common service categories. Using the descriptions provided in Schedule B – Definitions, indicate which service category best applies to the service or activity you are proposing. Leave blank if you are unable to determine.

• Service Description – Describe the basic, or a single, unit of service. Example: center-based parenting classes, 2 hour class

• Average Frequency per Month – Describe the anticipated number of units you will provide in an average month.


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Example: If 1 class will be held each week, average number of classes in a month is 4.

• Number to be Served per Unit of Service – Indicate how many individuals or families are expected to participate in a single unit of service. Example: At each parent education class the expected number of participants is 12-15.

• Number to be Served per Month – Calculate how many individuals or families in total will receive the service in an average month. Example: The same 12-15 participants attend each class so 12-15 are served in a month.

• Unit Cost – Indicate the rate, or dollar amount, that you will invoice for each unit of service as described under ‘Service Description”. Example: Based on level of effort and cost analysis indicate fee to be charged each time a service is rendered.

• Total Number of Units per Year – Calculate the anticipated number of units of service you expect to provide during the year. Example: 4 classes per month equals 48 classes per year.

• Total Cost per Year – Calculate the total cost of service provision for the year. Reimbursement will be based on actual service delivery. Example: If the unit cost for each class is $100.00, the cost for the year (48 classes) is $4800.00.

Important note: Case management fees may not exceed 20% of the total program cost.

The total cost of all services must equal the total of all expenses identified on Form #4 -Proposed Budget/Schedule of Expenses.

Proposed Budget/Schedule of Expenses

Complete Form #4. Describe expenses that you anticipate incurring in the provision of proposed services as outlined in your proposal. Refer to Schedule C for budget categories and eligible and non-eligible expenses. Attach brief narrative description outlining components of each expense item. Including relevance to proposed services Example: Personnel - $4800.00

Ten percent of executive director salary plus fringe benefits for administration of proposed services

The total expenses calculated must equal the total cost of services detailed on Form #3 - Service Delivery/Payment Schedule.

Proposal review will consider the following:

• Is the cost reasonable in light of the program activities, outcomes, and number of people served?

• Does the proposal fund only direct services (equipment and capital costs should not be included)?

• Is the Proposed Budget/Schedule of Expenses justified and does it reflect expenses relevant to proposed services?

• Is this proposal a cost-effective way of addressing needs?

• How reasonable is it to assume that qualifying matching funds will be available throughout the contract?

• Does the proposal show a projection of costs, i.e. how the money will be spent?


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Part Four - Current Contractor Report

Agencies applying for continuation funding must meet all RFP requirements in addition to providing details on activities year-to-date. A prior award is not a commitment for continued funding.

Maximum 2 pages

The review process for current contractors includes a year-to-date performance and compliance evaluation. In addition to the following, the results from an on-site review will be considered in the RFP award process:

• Service provider compliance with contractual and reporting requirements. • Service delivery and impact on participants served. • Fiscal management of funds. • Current audit compliance, if applicable. See Application Guidelines, “Who May Apply” for details.

Current contractors are required to provide the following information on their operations during the year.

a) Program Administration • Briefly describe any changes in administration or staffing during the year and its impact, if any, on

service delivery.

b) Program Implementation • Briefly describe your outreach plan and its effectiveness. What changes, if any, were made to your

plan during the year? What was the reason? What were the results? • Briefly describe any changes in services or the delivery of services during the year. Explain. • If you are serving a significant number of families/individuals more or less than outlined in your

proposal, explain the reason why and how you have addressed the issue. What impact did this have on your organization, service delivery and your community? Include number of families/individuals you proposed to serve and how many participants you have served year-to-date.

• Describe the community resources you work closely with in your community on behalf of your families.

c) Program Evaluation • Briefly describe the outcomes you are measuring. Outline the evaluation methods used and the

results. What impact have these results had on services? • Describe an outstanding accomplishment year-to-date. • Describe the biggest challenge you have encountered during this year. How was the challenge

addressed?

d) Program Financial Information • Are year to date expenses on target? If not, explain. • List all sources and amounts of cash match funds year-to-date and the date(s) they were contributed.

Have you met/maintained your 25% requirement?

Proposal review will consider the following:

Has staffing and supervision been appropriate and sufficient to accomplish program objectives?

Does the program demonstrate a comprehensive and appropriate outreach for its target population? Was it effective? Is the program responsive to the changing needs of its community and target population? Does the program link families to community resources that can provide long term support?

Is the evaluation component sufficient for measuring the proposed outcomes? Are effective evaluation tools being used? Is the program achieving desired outcomes for families and children?

Do families perceive a benefit from their participation?

Is the cash match requirement being met? Is the source of in-kind match clear and appropriate?


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SECTION D

Appendices All applications must include the following support documentation unless otherwise indicated. Label each document with its corresponding appendices in the top right hand corner of the page. Appendices are NOT counted in the page limit.

Appendix A A letter of commitment from your source of matching funds confirming that sufficient monies will be available on October 1, 2005 to fulfill the match requirements. If multiple sources are used, a letter must be completed for each source of support. If agency is providing a self-match (from operating funds) indicate source of revenues(s). Form #5 provided as a template.

Appendix B Letter of referral and support from the DFCS office in your county of residence, or primary

service area, acknowledging the need for the services you propose and their support. Also include letter(s) of support from the DFCS office in secondary service areas of significance. Limit 2. Letters received separately from the application will not be considered.

plus Letters of Support from individuals or community agencies from whom you receive

referrals may be included but must be dated within the current calendar year and be relevant to the proposed services. Limit 3. Letters of support received apart from the application will not be considered.

Appendix C List funding sources and amounts received during the past two years and

services/programs it supported. Include designated use for the funds, if specified. Appendix D Secretary of State Registration indicating agency of record with whom a contract would be

negotiated and a copy of current annual renewal form. See Application Guidelines, “Who May Apply” for details. Appendix D is not required by state, county or municipal agencies.

Appendix E 501(C)-3 Letter from IRS. Submit cover page indicating agency of record, 501©-3

eligibility/status and effective date(s). See Application Guidelines, “Who May Apply” for details. Appendix E is not required by state, county or municipal agencies.

Appendix F Agency’s most recent audit or summary. See Application Guidelines, “Who May Apply” for

details. One copy only attached to original proposal. If audit covers a period ending prior to December 31, 2005, attach a letter indicating when a more current audit will be available and provide a summary of the current fiscal year. Appendix H is not required by state, county or municipal agencies.

Appendix G* Copy(ies) of any material published or distributed by, or about, the program related

directly to proposed services, if available. Limit 3. Attach to original copy of proposal only. Appendix H* Family assessment tool, if available. Attach to original copy of proposal only. Appendix I* Monitoring and evaluation tool, if available. Attach to original copy of proposal only. Appendix J Current Contractor Report – Limit 2 page narrative. (Now completed as Part Four of proposal)

* Not required, but recommended.

Forms, Tables & Schedules

Form #1 FFY2007 RFP APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Complete and attach to original copy of your proposal ONLY.

Agency (Legal name as it appears on registration documents): Program: (Name under which proposed services will be provided):

If your agency is submitting more than one application indicate which of the total applications this is.

of

One original and four copies of the proposal must be submitted. The following documents are required components of each application.

Private Non-Profit Organizations State, County, or Municipal Agencies ** Application Summary – Form #2

Original must be signed by an authorized officer of the agency.

Application Summary – Form #2 Original must be signed by an authorized officer of the agency.

Part One - Needs Assessment

Part One - Needs Assessment Part Two – Agency History & Qualifications

Table C – Comprehensive Service Coordination

Part Two – Agency History & Qualifications Table C – Comprehensive Service Coordination

Part Three - Service Design & Delivery Table A – Service Plan - Objectives Table B – Service Plan - Implementation Service Delivery/Payment Schedule - Form #3 Budget/Schedule of Expenses - Form #4

Part Three - Service Delivery Table A – Service Plan - Objectives Table B – Service Plan - Implementation Service Delivery/Payment Schedule - Form #3 Budget/Schedule of Expenses – Form #4

Part Four - FFY2006 Current Contractors Report Required for all programs requesting continuation funding

Proposal Part Four - FFY2006 Current Contractors Report Required for all programs requesting continuation funding

Appendix A -Commitment of Matching Funds (Form #5) Must include signed, original

Appendix A -Commitment of Matching Funds Must include signed, original

Appendix B - Letters of Support (required)

Appendix B - Letters of Support (required) Appendix C - Statement of Grants & Contracts (required)

Appendix C - Statement of Grants & Contracts (required)

Appendix D - Secretary of State Registration (required)

Appendix E - 501(C)3 Confirmation on Non-Profit Status (required)

All preceding components must be included in the additional four (4) copies of the proposal you are required to submit. Number each page in the lower right-hand corner beginning with the first page of the Application Summary. Appendix F* - Audit or Financial Statement (required)

NOT REQUIRED

Appendix G* - Printed Materials (optional)

Appendix G* - Printed Materials (optional) Appendix H* - Family Assessment Tool (optional)

Appendix H* - Family Assessment Tool (optional)

Appendix I* - Evaluation Tool (optional)

Appendix I* - Evaluation Tool (optional) * Only include one copy of each of Appendices F, G, H, & I. Attach to the original copy of the proposal ONLY as directed. ** For example: local DFCS, Board of Education, City of …, Department of Health) For office use only Date received:

Time Received: Method of delivery: Mail Courier By hand Other:

Complete

Incomplete. Missing Component: Received by:

Comments or Follow Up Required:

Form #2 FFY2007 RFP APPLICATION SUMMARY

Provide current program ID# if application is for continued funding of a FFY2006 program.

ID#:

Agency:(name as it appears on registration documents) Program: (Program name PSSF-supported services will be identified with) Mailing Address:

City: Zip Code: County:

Street Address: (Physical location required for official correspondence)

City: Zip Code: County:

Executive Director:

Telephone: Email:

Proposal Prepared by:

Telephone: Email:

Federal Funding Request 75% of Total Cost of Services

$ Maximum request cannot exceed limits outlined in guidelines.

Required Match Contribution 25% of Total Cost of Services

$ Sum of all “Commitment of Matching Funds” letters must equal this amount.

Total Cost of Services* Federal Request plus Required Match

$ Report the total cost of services calculated on Service Delivery/Payment Schedule.

Based on the guidelines outlined in the RFP, select which best describes the program services your have proposed.

Select the description that best describes your agency.

Family Support Services Child Care Center 1a. Parent Support – Early Intervention Support CASA 1b. Parent Support - Placement Prevention Services Children’s Shelter 1c. Healthy Marriages/Co-Parenting Support Initiatives Child Advocacy Center 2. Relative Caregiver Support Community Service Board 3. Substance Abuse Treatment and Support County, Municipal, or State – Agency, Division, or Department

Family Preservation Services CPPC or Affiliated Community Service Agency 1. Therapeutic/Crisis Intervention DFCS County Office 2. Residential After-Care Division of the Justice Department 3. Relative Caregiver Support Domestic Violence Shelter

Time-Limited Reunification Services Educational Institution 1. Professional Interventions and Supports Faith-based Institution 2. Family Visitation Centers Family Connection 3. Post-Substance Abuse TX & Transitional Support Family/Community Service Agency Adoption Promotion & Foster Care Support Services Group Home 1. Professional Interventions and Support Hospital 2. Foster Care Transitional Support Mental Health Agency 3. Foster Care Emancipation Support Residential Treatment Facility

Adults # Teens #

Indicate how many families proposed funding will reach. (Number of families you will serve during the year)

Indicate to whom your services are primarily directed and how many you will serve with proposed services.

Children #

Provide a brief description of the proposed service plan including participant outcomes. The undersigned confirms that the applying group or organization meets the criteria described in the Request for Proposal; has provided accurate information regarding the program described in the application; and will meet the contractual requirements if awarded a contract with the Division of Family and Children Services. Authorized Signature:

EIN#:

Title:

Date:

Form #3


SERVICE DELIVERY/PAYMENT SCHEDULE Copy and complete additional pages as needed.

Provide proposed re-imbursement for services/activities.

SC

Service /Activity Unit of Service*

Average Frequency

per Month (Units per month)

Number

to be Served per Unit of Service

Number

to be Served per Month

Cost per Unit

of Service

Total Units per Year

Total Cost per Year

TOTAL COST OF SERVICES

75% Federal Award

*A unit of service is defined the direct contact time with the client(s) that you will invoice one unit of cost.

25% Match Contribution

Agency Name: Program Name:

Program ID#: (if a continuation program)

Prepared By:

Form #4


BUDGET/SCHEDULE OF EXPENSES Using Schedule B – Acceptable Uses of Funds and Categorization of Expenses, list the expenses relevant to the provision of services described in your proposal. Provide support narrative for each itemized expense detailing rationale/justification details.

Budget Category

Expense Description

Federal Award

Contribution

Cash Match

Contribution

Total

TOTALS

Federal Award

Match Contribution

Total Expenses*

* Total Expenses must equal Total Cost of Services on Form #3 – Service Delivery/Payment Schedule

Identify proposed source of required matching contribution:

Indicate when and how matching funds would be made available:

Agency Name:

Program Name:

Program ID#: (if a continuation program)

Prepared By:

Form #5

Commitment of Matching Funds

(Please copy if more than one organization is providing the required cash match.)

Date: Ann Dennard Pope, PSSF Program Director Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family and Children Services Two Peachtree Street, 18th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303 Dear Ms. Smith:

Re: Promoting Safe and Stable Families Proposal

Legal Name of Agency: Program Name(if submitting more than one proposal): Total Program Cost – 100%

Federal Funds Requested - 75% of total proposed program cost:

Match Commitment- 25% of total program cost:

Pursuant to the federal requirements of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program, we are aware that a grant or contract recipient must provide a cash match in the amount of 25% of total program costs upon award. This organization, by the signature of the authorized officer below, commits to provide $_____________________ of matching funds if the referenced agency is awarded a contract. This organization further covenants the following:

• The matching funds do not reflect funding received from any other federal source; • The matching funds will be available at the inception of the contract or grant; and • The matching funds will reflect a cash contribution. "In-kind" contributions are encouraged but do not

meet program requirements for matching funds.

Date funds will be available:

To the extent matching funds are used to qualify for federal funding, the matching funds will reflect an irrevocable contribution to the referenced agency or program. If the proposing agency is awarded less than the total amount of federal funding requested, the minimum match requirement will be reduced accordingly, consistent with the 75%/25% requirement.

Legal Name of Organization Providing Match* Signature of Authorized Officer

Name and Title of Person Signing

Date

*If proposing agency is providing own matching funds, indicate source(s):

TABLE A - SERVICE PLAN – OBJECTIVES

Identify all services/activities for which you are requesting PSSF-funding and provide details as directed.

Service/Activity

Consumer/Participant

Needs

Outcome Objective

Measurement PSSF

Objective Supported Identify activity you will provide with PSSF-funding.

Describe the individuals who will specifically participate in this activity?

Describe the need(s) of these individuals that will be met by this activity.

What will happen (impact/change/improvement) as a direct immediate result of their participation?

How will the outcome objective be measured or demonstrated?

What PSSF objective does outcome identified support?

Table B


TABLE B – SERVICE PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION Copy and complete additional pages as needed.

Service or Activity

Who and how many will

you serve?

How will you do it?

Who will do it?

Why will you do it?

What will you do? Identify service or activity.

Describe how many individuals and families you will serve at any given time and over the course of a year. Specify children, teens and adults.

Provide details on the frequency (how often), intensity (length of activity), duration (for how long), and location (physical site) where activity will occur. If this is a group activity, include number of participants per group.

Describe the individual who will provide the service. Include their qualifications.

Provide some evidence that supports this activity as a ‘best practice’ that will yield the outcomes you expect and identified in Table A. Identify any model upon which services are based.

Agency Name: Program Name:

Program ID#:

TABLE C – COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE COORDINATION 1. Identify additional resources that your agency coordinates on behalf of families to ensure that individual and family needs are met and that families receive a full continuum of support, information and referrals.

2. Identify the resource/agency/organization with whom you coordinate in your community.

Child/Family Need Agency Child/Family Need Agency Adoption assistance Job training After school activities Legal advocacy Behavior management Legal counseling/services Case management Mentoring services Child support Mental health services Child/family assessment Nutrition Childcare Oral health Clothing assistance Parent education Crisis intervention Recreational/child enrichment DFCS - CPS Relative or kinship support Domestic violence Residential after-care services Effective discipline training Respite care Emergency financial assistance Stress/anger management Faith-based initiatives Substance abuse recovery support Family conferencing Substance abuse treatment Family mediation Support groups Family life skills TANF Family team meeting Teen pregnancy Fatherhood programs Therapeutic counseling Food stamps Transportation Head Start Tutoring/educational services Healthy marriage programs Visitation Healthcare screening/services WIC Healthcare assistance/benefits Other. Specify: Housing Other. Specify: Immunizations Other. Specify:

Schedule A


Glossary of Service Codes and Descriptions

For reporting purposes, all services/activities will be categorized under one the following service codes. Identify the service code and description that best describes the proposed service or activity.

1.0 Adoption Promotion and Support Direct service activity designed to promote adoption or the establishment of legal guardianship for children in care. Professional interventions and supportive services provided to families engaged in the adoption process and post adoptive support services to prevent placement disruption. Services may include but are not limited to, legal counseling, support groups, parenting classes for adoptive parents or for parents of adopted children with special needs.

2.1 Foster Care Transitional Support Services designed to support children in foster care and their families. Professional interventions and supportive services provided to foster parents or children in foster care to prevent placement disruption or to provide support in the transition of children out of the foster care system. Services may include but are not limited to, legal counseling, therapeutic counseling, support groups, mentoring, tutoring, effective discipline/behavior management, and information and referral services.

2.2 Foster Care Emancipation Support Foster Care Emancipation Support Services are designed to assist youth transitioning from out-of-home care who have no plan of adoption and have been assessed by DFCS professionals as being unable to count on stable and/or long-term financial or emotional support from their families of origin.

3.0 Case Management/Service Coordination The coordination and monitoring of services/case review, evaluation and documentation of individual case plans. Case management is billed based on a calculated unit of time per family per month. One-time charges for case management are ineligible.

4.1 Center-based Parent Education Curriculum-based parent education/parenting skills training conducted on-site or at other community-based facility. Training usually facilitated in an interactive group setting. A unit of service is based on one group session regardless of the number of participants.

4.2 Center-based Co-Parenting/Healthy Marriage Education Healthy Marriage and Co-Parenting Support Initiatives are designed to improve child and family well-being and permanency outcomes for children. Services are designed to promote and strengthen marriages and promote stable parental relationships. Services should teach couples how to build and maintain healthy, stable marriage and co-parenting relationships, handle stress and prevent breakdown.

5.1 Center-based Support Group - Adults Support group facilitated by program on-site or at other community-based facility for a specific interest group. This does not include support groups with a therapeutic or counseling component. A unit of service is based on one support group session regardless of number of participants.

5.2 Center-based Support Group - Children Support group for children facilitated by program on-site or at other community-based facility. This does not include support groups with a therapeutic or counseling component. A unit of service is based on one support group session regardless of number of participants.

5.3 Center-based Support Group - Teens Support group for teens facilitated by program on-site or at other community-based facility. This does not include support groups with a therapeutic or counseling component. A unit of service is based on one support group session regardless of number of participants.

6.0 Child/Family Assessments Initial comprehensive assessment to identify family strengths and needs in order to facilitate the development of a family action or service plan that will be utilized in the monitoring and evaluation of family progress while services are provided. Assessment is to be conducted prior to or at the commencement of direct services.

Schedule A


7.0 Childcare Childcare provided for a specified period to facilitate caregiver participation in program activities or services or to enhance child abuse and neglect prevention efforts.

8.1 Client Transportation Assistance - Trips Direct transportation or financial assistance for transportation to facilitate family or individual participation in program activities and services. Usually based on a return or round-trip.

8.2 Client Transportation Assistance - Mileage Direct transportation or financial assistance for transportation to facilitate family or individual participation in program activities and services.

9.0 Crisis Intervention/Management Short period of intensive intervention for families experiencing crisis. Services are provided by highly trained social workers.

10.1 Effective Discipline A component of an individualized plan that provides the caregiver with strategies that improve family functioning by encouraging the consistent use of effective interventions and alternatives to the use of corporal discipline.

10.2 Behavior Management A plan of specific interventions and strategies that is developed as a component of an individualized action plan to provide the caregiver or the child with guidance in affecting prescribed changes and outcomes in the child's behavior, attitude or coping ability that will positively impact family functioning.

11.0 Family Conferencing Service provider participation in initial and periodic forums convened by DFCS to evaluate child and family progress, to modify steps and services that are not effective, and to address re-emergent concerns.

12.0 Family Life Skills Classes or individual instruction designed to help individuals improve basic living skills.

13.0 Follow-Up Services Post program or service follow-up to include home visits, drop-ins, on-site appointments and/or telephone contact to track sustained service benefit.

14.0 Healthcare Screening/Services

Healthcare screening or services for specific child or caregiver health-related problems or for specific tests for service eligibility.

15.0 Home-based Parent Education Provision of curriculum-based, practical, in-home support and guidance regarding healthy child development, positive parent-child interaction, and stress and behavior management. A unit of service is a single home visit.

16.0 Information & Referral Services Component of case management specifically for the coordination of information and referral services to assist families in accessing and utilizing available community-based resources for long-term family support.

17.0 Legal Advocacy/Counseling Legal consultation or advocacy services provided to a family or individual engaged in child deprivation, child custody or permanency proceedings.

18.1 Mentoring Services Mentoring services designed to nurture a relationship between children and/or adults and appropriate role models.

18.5 Tutoring Services Educational instruction provided to children by the agency on-site or in the home.

Schedule A


19.0 Parent/Child Group Activities

An activity such as a field trip, parent/child dinner, holiday gathering, etc. sponsored and coordinated by the program to facilitate positive parent and child interaction. A service unit is one activity regardless of the number of families participating.

20.0 Residential Aftercare Services Support provided to a family, on-site, in the home or at a residential center to facilitate the transition of the family or individual from residential treatment program to another setting.

21.0 Respite Care Period of relief provided to a caregiver with primary responsibility for intensive supervision or care of a child or family member.

22.0 Stress/Anger Management

Services or training to address the source and impact of stress on family functioning and practical application of coping mechanisms.

23.0 Substance Abuse Recovery Support Direct services provided to a family, individual or group to prevent the abuse of controlled substances or intervention to prevent relapse and continued use of controlled substances.

24.0 Substance Abuse Treatment Professional treatment plan developed and executed for the express purpose of rehabilitation of an individual who has a dependency on either drugs or alcohol.

25.1 Supervised Family Visitation – Individual Family Visits Structured family interaction and enrichment activities conducted in neutral community-based settings for children in state custody and their families.

25.4 Supervised Family Visitation – Group Visitation Structured family interaction and enrichment activities conducted in neutral community-based settings for children in state custody and their families.

26.1 Therapeutic Counseling - Individual Therapeutic and psychological support services provided by a licensed mental health professional experienced in dealing with children and families with child welfare related issues.

26.2 Therapeutic Counseling - Family Therapeutic and psychological support services provided by a licensed mental health professional experienced in dealing with children and families with child welfare related issues.

26.3 Therapeutic Counseling - Group Therapeutic and psychological support services provided by a licensed mental health professional experienced in dealing with children and families with child welfare related issues.

99 Other* This service code is only used when a service provided to a family by the agency cannot be categorized under any direct service code described above.

* Consult technical assistance team to determine appropriateness of this service code and identification of sub-code.

Schedule B


Acceptable Use of Funds and Categorization of Expenses

Listed below are expense descriptions that may be used in the preparation of the budget in determining total costs for proposed services. Ineligible expenses are listed as well for your reference.

Personnel Services Salaries/Fringe Benefits Expenses such as employee wages (hourly and salaried) and employee benefits, health

insurance, FICA, etc. Regular Operating Advertising Costs associated with marketing and promoting services.

Audit Costs associated with the audit of the program. Childcare Childcare to facilitate participation in services. Client Transportation Vehicle operating costs associated with the transportation of families or leasing costs of a

vehicle expressly for the purpose of transporting clients. Computer Software Software programs that support service activities . Consumer Support Expenses associated with meetings such as room rental and refreshments. Maintenance Costs associated with maintaining equipment. Insurance/Bonding Costs associated with fidelity bonds on employees and hazard coverage on property. Postage Postage costs related to communication with families or marketing of services. Printing Printing costs directly related to marketing and advertising services. Staff Transportation Transportation expenses incurred in the delivery of services to families. Subscriptions/Memberships Costs associated with educational or professional publications or organizations. Supplies Materials used in the provision of services to families such as educational materials,

books, paper, etc. Training/Conferences Registration or enrollment fees associated with a training class, course or conference that

enhances the provision of services and provides professional development opportunities.

Travel Travel Staff expenses for meals, lodging, and mileage for training and/or conferences.

Facility Costs Rent Costs associated with rent.

Per Diem, Fees, and Contracts Per Diem, Fees, and Contracts Costs associated with agreements for service delivery evidenced by a written agreement

for services or activities with a subcontractor, professional services, technical assistance or temporary labor or services.

Telecommunications Telecommunications Costs associated with installing or maintaining a telephone line for phone or fax use.

Ineligible Expenses

Listed below are examples of unacceptable uses of Promoting Safe and Stable funds. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive, but can be used as a guideline.

Childcare Childcare provided for any other purpose other than to facilitate the participation of the caregiver in support services.

Equipment* Televisions, VCR’s, cameras, telephones, laminating machines, fax machines, copy machines, computers or printers. In addition, funds cannot be used for administrative office equipment.

Furniture* Purchase of office furniture.

Indirect Costs* Flat rates to cover administrative costs which are not spelled out.

Land/Buildings The purchase or partial purchase of land or any type of building.

Major Renovations/ Building Projects Structural changes or extensive alteration of facility.

Outdoors Landscaping services, yard maintenance, fences or driveway/parking lot paving.

Utilities * Electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, water and sewage charges.

Vehicles* The purchase of a vehicle or the maintenance expenses of a vehicle.

* Although these expenditures are not acceptable uses of Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program funding, their expenditure can be used to meet the match requirement.

Documents

Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family ... · ASFA also recognized that innovative approaches are needed to achieve the goals of safety, permanency and well-being