Early Intervention Program (EIP), Family Support (FSP) and Community Options Program (COP) Advisory Committee – 05/10/2012

Members Present: Bill Gonwa, Linda Kirchner, Jeanie Gehrke, Brenda Gross, Vicki Gehrke, Chuck Price, Steve Wowzynski,  Nicole Lauritzen, and Jenni Boelter

Handouts available: EIP/FSP/COP ADVISORY COMMITTEE Agenda, Family Support Program Statistics 05/10/2012, EIP/FSP/COP Advisory Committee Report May 10, 2012 (B-3 Quarterly Report), Family Support Program Parent Feedback Questionnaire

Call to Order:  Linda Kirchner called the meeting to order. 

I. Approval of Minutes:  Nicole Lauritzen motioned to accept minutes from the last meeting.  Brenda Gross seconded the motion. Motion passed

II. Introductions: Chuck Price is the new Director for Waupaca County. He shared his current role in Waupaca County and previous career employment that have led him to Waupaca County. Vicki Gehrke shared her history with Waupaca County and thanked those present for their commitment to this advisory committee as it is a mandatory group that needs to meet for funding to support the programs represented.   Vicki will be retiring as that manager for the Family and Community Services Unit on 05/18/12.

III.  B-3/ Early Intervention: (Please see handout for more thorough updates on all of the following areas.) The number of Early Intervention/ Birth To Three (B-3) referrals (33) was shared.

$ 5,903.63 was received for targeted case management, and $540.00 was received for cost share. Nicole discussed the 1937/SPA Plan update and changes that may happen as a result of this change; she also stated was re-submitted to CMS on April 16, 2012; there has been no further communication at this time.

Finding of Non-compliance for fiscal year 2010 was shared; there were two findings for Waupaca County that will be corrected with two months at 100% compliance with each of these indicators. The areas with findings were related to Indicator 1 – Timely Service provided within 30 days of IFSP and Indicator 7 - 45 day timeline (placement of services within in 45 days of referral. Waupaca County continues to move forward with coaching techniques and is hoping to further explore the primary coach approach to teaming during the second-half of 2012. The coaching approach continues to support confidence and competence within the families B-3 works with. As a result of this model, there is less of need for therapy services. During the Spring Regional Meeting there were updates shared regarding Part C Regulations to be implemented by July 1^st of this year. There are:

CAPTA Referrals -CAPTA Referrals: Only children ages 0-3 who have substantiated abuse/neglect must be referred B-3; children directly affected by illegal substance must be referred to B-3 (Waupaca County (WC) already implementing)

-45 Day timeline: Timeline begins at date of referral and includes screening, initial evaluation/assessment, initial IFSP. Must have consent to complete screen.  (Waupaca County already includes screens in timeline, but needs to make form for consent to screen).

-Initial/Annual IFSP: Major/Minor changes must have appropriate people from B-3 team present, parents must be aware they can invite advocate, and be aware of all B-3 rights.  Transition Plan and Steps must be part of IFSP and meet ALL IFSP requirements. WPN for Potential Eligibility must include a statement that states: This means limited contact information will be shared with the LEA. Referral must be made on TPC (Transition Planning Conference) date or before. (Waupaca County needs to implement all requirements around Transition).

-Parental Consent and WPN for Insurance:  if billing MA WPN and consent must be obtained.  B-3 cannot require a parent to enroll in benefits. Private Insurance requires permission to bill anytime there is an increase in Frequency, Intensity, Duration, or Length of Services. (Waupaca County needs to implement consent to bill for increase, and WPN to bill MA).

An interagency meeting was held with most school districts Waupaca County works with. There is still discussion regarding when we will have a transition planning conference (tpc) which results in a referral to school the day prior to the transition planning conference or the day of the tpc. Previously Waupaca County collaborated with school districts to have these meetings within a certain timeline when able which limited these types of meetings during summer months. Schools may be staffing differently throughout summer months to meet these new B-3 requirements.

Staff Updates: Waupaca County is currently contracting independently with Steve Wowzynski, Physical Therapist and Allison Halada, Speech Therapist. B-3 is also working with N.E.W. Rehab for occupational therapy services. B-3 is looking toward continuing to work with N.E.W Rehab, and possibly having a change in the service provider (resulting in a therapist vs. three service providers).  

Toddle Time is currently hosted at CAP Services in collaboration with Early Head Start. The       collaboration with both groups (EHS & TT) present has happened twice and gone well. Both groups will meet together one more time in May. This collaboration will be re-visited again at the end of May along with the current lease. Toddle Time will end at the end of May and B-3 plans to move forward with Toddle Time in September. 

IV. Family Support:   There are currently 29 children open and receiving family support funding.   Seventeen of the children who are currently open for Family Support funding are also open on the CLTS waiver and are receiving one-time funding to pay for a service not covered by the CLTS waiver.   There has been a trend over the past few years to use Family Support funding to purchase services for children on the CLTS Waiver because the Family Support Program continues to be a relatively flexible funding program whereas the CLTS Waiver is becoming increasingly more restrictive.   Four children are in the process of being opened for FSP funding at this time.  There were six families that have declined FSP funding in 2012 but wish to have their child remain on the funding list for future needs.  There are three high-needs children that are utilizing Family Support funding as “match” for the CLTS Waiver program.  A fourth high-needs child is now 18 years old and transitioned to the Family Care program effective March 1^st.  This has opened up a slot for another high-needs child to utilize Family Support funding as “match” for the CLTS Waiver.  The child that will be moved into this slot is yet to be determined. 

There have been a number of referrals in the past couple of weeks. There has been more movement in and out of programs as a result of attempts to stretch the limited funding that is available. At this time, there is still a substantial amount of Family Support funding available for 2012.  Statistics about the amount of funding that has been allocated or spent thus far this year will be shared at the next meeting.  

Results of the Family Support Program Parent Feedback Questionnaire were shared.   Out of the 45 families who received Family Support funding during the 2011 calendar year, 30 surveys were returned.  The majority of the responses were very positive rating the program in the “Very Good” and “Above Average” ranges.   Based on some of the parent’s responses, it appears evident that some of the families are having difficulty distinguishing between the various funding sources.  (Confusing FSP with CLTS Waiver and vise versa.)

V. Other Business:  Autism Matters – Most of the teachers have eagerly met to plan for the upcoming Social Summer Experience (SSE). There are 12 children already signed up for the Waupaca location and eight children for the Manawa location. The golf outing which financially supports SSE will be June 9^th this year in Iola. Donations are always welcome to support this event.  

VI. Schedule Next Meeting: Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 4:30 PM.  Bill will reserve the meeting room.  Dave Neuman is the new County Board member that has been appointed to serve on our committee.

VII. Adjourn:  Nicole Lauritzen motioned to adjourn the meeting and Steve Wowzynski seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Jenni Boelter, EIS II and Bill Gonwa, Family Support Coordinator