Item Coversheet

Board Action Request
21-0166

Item Description:
Authorize acceptance of additional Title IV-E funds for Federal Foster Care Program services; supp appr of $640,000 and 3 FTEs to the 2021 Adult Representation Services department budget
Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the US Dept of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Children & Families updated Title IV-E funding formula for Federal Foster Care Program services, increasing the Adult Representation Services departments budgeted receivable amount of $560,000 by $640,000 for a new total receivable amount of $1,200,000, be approved; and that the Controller be authorized to collect and disburse funds as directed; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a supplemental appropriation of $640,000 and 3 FTEs be made to the 2021 Adult Representation Services (ARS) budget.

Background:

Agreement A199814 provides Title IVE reimbursement from the US Dept of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Children & Families for parent representation in child protection cases under the Federal Foster Care Program.

 

The 2021 ARS approved budget includes revenue from the US Dept of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Children & Families in the amount of $560,000 for FY 2021. Due to an updated funding formula, the US Dept of Health and Human Services has increased its reimbursement rate for parent representation.  Based on current reimbursements, ARS will receive a minimum of $1,200,000 in 2021, which reflects a $640,000 increase in total revenue in 2021.

Hennepin County is the first county in the state to receive these funds and Minnesota is one of few states to receive these funds nationally.

Disparity Reduction Impact: More than 75% of clients represented by ARS staff are Black, Indigenous or people of color. Title IVE federal funds are specifically allocated to parent representation with an eye toward reducing out of home placement for children who are in the child protection system. These funds will be used to reduce caseloads for staff by hiring additional FTEs, increase appellate resources, provide additional contracted resources for clients, and provide more training for staff to ensure continued high-quality representation. Increasing resources improves the quality of representation which promote equitable results for the families served.