CCFA PROVIDER QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

 

NEW (Effective - 02/19/03)

All providers must have completed DHR Mandatory Policy Training on the Blue Book for "Back to Basics" and on the clinical tools used in assessment called "Advanced Skills." Applications will not be processed without proof of attendance at both trainings.  Enrollment applications will only be accepted from providers that agree to provide services in underserved areas of the state.

 

FIRST PLACEMENT, BEST PLACEMENT PROVIDER QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES  (Section IV, Page 123-124, Revised Standards June 2002)

 

 The contractor must comply fully with all administrative and other requirements established in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

 

A provider’s program must comply with the definition, eligibility, program description, services, service fees and program evaluation component of the FPBP program outlined in the Blue Book.

 

  1. Each provider shall have a written plan (MOU) for the delivery of the Assessment program.  The County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has the responsibility for completing the MOU.
  2. All provider agencies shall have an identified administration with authority over and responsibility for staff and service delivery of the FPBP program and services. The administration must ensure that its staff will follow the State guidelines and requirements listed in the most current Blue Book.
  3. All provider agencies will provide, show and maintain proof of general commercial liability insurance for their employees and their actions.
  4. It is required that counselors/assessors have a minimum of a Master’s level education in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology, have a current license to practice counseling with a professional association such as the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association or the State of GA Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists and be in good standing with that authority, OR someone with a Master’s Level education in Social Work or Counseling who is under the clinical supervision by an individual licensed to practice counseling with one of the professional associations listed. Persons employed by agencies of state or county government are not required to be licensed under Georgia Law.
  5. All services must be offered without discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, religion, race, color, sex, mental or physical handicap, national origin, age or financial ability to pay.
  6. A record of services must be maintained on each child served. The record must contain a complete account of services rendered for each child. The provider’s record, once completed, is the property of the Department, is confidential, and must be safeguarded.
  7. In assessing families, the provider must incorporate the Division’s policy, which prohibits corporal punishment or emotional, physical, sexual or verbal abuse.
  8. The agency and/or provider shall adhere to the professional code of ethics regarding responsibility to clients, integrity, confidentiality, responsibility to colleagues, assessment instruments, research, advertising, and professional representation.
  9. Providers must submit designated information to the State DHR Office for evaluation purposes. The information needed will be updated with each Blue Book update.
  10. All providers must be prepared to undergo annual audits and reviews by the State Office or its designated representative in order to maintain provider status. These reviews will include audits of staff qualification (Copy of Master’s Degree or License), random selections of reports of ensure regulations of time and content are met, and record keeping accuracy.
  11. FPBP supervisory staff needs extensive knowledge of social work, counseling and mental health concepts.  Supervisory staff are required to have a current license to practice counseling with a professional association such as the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association or the State of Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists and be in good standing with that authority. In addition, supervisory staff must have a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling.
  12. FPBP staffs are required to have completed a course study equivalent to a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or social work.
  13. For all providers approved prior to February 6, 2002 it is required that counselors/assessors and supervisory staff have a minimum of a Master's level education or equivalent experience to be approved by the State Provider Review Committee on a case by case basis.