Provider Watch - July 21, 2009 - A Look to the Future     

At a meeting with providers last week, Mark Washington, Director of the Division of Family and Children Services, shared the prospects for the future.  In light of the Department of Human Resources' transformation to the Department of Human Services and significant revenue shortfalls in the State budgets, this information was very timely. 

Providers, like the State workforce, are concerned about the future.  Changing business models and a questionable economy make every decision a heavy one.  Since the skill of being clairvoyant is in short supply, the best information coming from the Department is very helpful.  Providers of child welfare services desire to build sustainable programs that meet the needs of children and are needed by the State.

The reorganization of the new Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to be rolled out.  A new board has not been named as of last week.  Staffing positions for each unit within the Divisions have only been partially filled.  The most up to date organizational chart can be found at this link. 

The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases  has become the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).  DHS and DBHDD will have to work more closely together with this separation of this Department from DHS.  Many of the children who are in the Georgia child welfare system are also served by the DBHDD.  There will be more accountability for the behavioral health services provided by DBHDD.  DHS, Department of Community (DCH) and DBHDD will be further discussing the "single benefit plan" for children and adolescents that need behavioral health services.  This recommendation was made by the Mental Health Commission's report from last year. 

The budget looks terrible.  Georgia continues to be challenged by this economic downturn.  FY2009 (ending June 30, 2009) ended in a deficit.  Revenues were down in both income tax collections, sales and use taxes.  The State is cautious about FY2010.  In the first month, the Governor is asking departments to voluntarily cut their expenditures by 3 percent. 

Last year was only redeemed by tapping TANF funds.  These funds will soon run out.  FY2011 (which begins July 2010) will be even worse without some relief in the economy.  It is projected that $40 million will be needed.  Work has already begun on FY2011. 

Mark Washington shared his values on the budget--Protective Services workers will not be cut and safety is of paramount importance to him.  He will be requiring evidence based models of care.  Providers will be rewarded for outcomes. 

Some programs will be hurt this year.  Preventative services to families and children at risk are projected to take a cut of between 5 and 35 percent.  Some counties have already announced these cuts.  There will be no cuts in foster care per diems.  Permanency and reunification outcomes will be rewarded the contracts.  Because more than 900 children are in "Planned Permanent Living Arrangements," which are placements that allow for children to age out of foster care without adoption or reunification with family, adoption and reunification incentives will be provided.  Mr. Washington feels that all can do a better job of assuring that children have a permanent adult in their lives. 

Contracting was discussed.  The contracting process will be a partnering process.  Some contracts have gone out to providers without a "meeting of the minds."  Mr. Washington said that these contracts will be looked at again and a possible moratorium placed on them.

Licensing, contracting, Medicaid regulation and accreditation is a time consuming and often a duplicative process.  The Department will look at how this process can be streamed lined.  There is a role for each one of these accountability models, but consolidation would assist in facilitating the work of the Department and providers. 

Mr. Washington feels that we need to get better at assessing the needs of children and families.  All assessment instruments will be looked at.

The Department values partnership and looks forward to working with all providers in the process of improving child welfare.

___________________________________
Provider Watch, an email newsletter of the
Georgia Association of Homes
and Services for Children
as a public service.
http://www.gahsc.org                            
                            Normer Adams, Editor
___________________________________

GAHSC Membership Application  
GAHSC Membership List
GAHSC Member Calendar of Events