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The memorandum “Guidance Regarding Maintaining Confidentiality When Sharing Information With Schools” is being issued to advise County Children and Youth Agencies (CCYAs) about information sharing with Local Education Agencies (LEAs).

As of this date, CCYAs are advised to utilize the Placement Notification Form to notify LEAs of a student’s entry into foster care or change in foster care placement. CCYAs should NOT provide court orders, adoption decrees, resource parent stipend amounts, the name of a person who reported abuse or neglect of a child, the substance use history and treatment of a student (without a signed specific release form), or other information that is not relevant to the academic needs, safety, or well-being of the student. The information should only be disclosed to the individuals providing support to the child.

If you have any questions or concerns related to the education of children served by OCYF, please contact OCYF via email, contact the appropriate regional office, or contact RCPA Children’s Director Jim Sharp.

The Department of Labor and Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek input from its stakeholders as it prepares to apply to the Rehabilitation Services Administration for a competitive discretionary grant through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260).

The grants are intended to support innovative activities aimed at increasing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The priority of the grant is the “Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Innovative Model Demonstration Project.”

Details on submitting responses for the RFI can be viewed here.

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has launched the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Loan Repayment Program (LRP). This program will aid SUD treatment and Single County Authority (SCA)-funded case management professionals in repaying their outstanding qualifying educational loans.

Applications must be submitted via the online application portal by May 26, 2022. Eligible practitioners must have the capacity to provide SUD treatment or SCA-funded case management services at approved practice site(s) and meet the requirements in Section 6 of the Project Summary. Selected candidates must demonstrate a minimum of two prior years of experience in the SUD field as well as agree to a service commitment of two additional years.

For more information, view the Application Guidance. Questions regarding the grant and the application process can be emailed to DDAP.

The Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program is a post-Master’s curriculum created by the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). It is a comprehensive, evidence-based training designed exclusively for licensed mental health professionals, providing knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve the adoption and kinship network. TAC is designed to increase families’ and individual’s access to adoption competent mental health professionals and to improve the well-being of adopted children, youth, and their families.

Licensed clinicians throughout the state are invited to participate in this training program. The next TAC training is scheduled to begin May 11, 2022, and is a virtual training.

Please view the flyer for more information.

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Image by John Hain from Pixabay

In February, RCPA members joined organizations across the nation in celebrating Black History Month. There are countless ways to celebrate Black History – the sky is the limit! Below are several highlights to acknowledge these efforts and inspire more opportunities to celebrate and learn!

Step by Step, Inc. used an established internal communication mechanism, “TRE-Bits” (Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented, Equity-Focused), to share articles with all staff. They shared information about the history of black history month, why history matters, and intergenerational trauma. Read one shared article here: TREbit HISTORY MATTERS.

Apis Services, Inc. hosted a panel conversation “What’s It Mean to Lean Into DEI?” based on the work of Dr. Robert Livingston, author of The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations. They also shared targeted ways to celebrate – encouraging staff to read Black literature, volunteer, support Black artists and black-owned businesses, organize events, and learn about Black History. View the infographic for 13 unique and exciting ways to get involved; you can also celebrate through the five actions of volunteering, reading, donating, supporting, and learning.

The AmeriHealth Caritas BAND (Black Associate Network for Diversity) shared inspirational images and quotes by Black Americans on their internal website. See examples in their BAND Associate Campaign. AmeriHealth also hosted a panel discussion with senior leaders in the company to reflect on the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. Participants shared their stories and experiences of strength, perseverance, and ambition.

The Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital (an IPRC Member) Pediatrics Department hosted a 1,248 foot march commemorating the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, recruiting hospital staff and patients to join along the way. When the honorary march concluded, patients and families discussed the importance of Black history and the civil rights movement, and they held an age-appropriate discussion of what transpired after the 1965 march. Learn more here.

Have you heard of “Beyond28?” More than just the title of a popular podcast, Beyond28 has become synonymous with the campaign encouraging the celebration of black history all year round, as 28 days just isn’t enough time to celebrate the rich history of Black Americans.

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee encourages all RCPA members to consider new ways to celebrate Black history next February and all throughout the year!

ODP Announcement 22-048 serves to clarify the role and responsibility of providers to ensure individuals and amilies are provided access to Incident Management information as well as education on this topic.

As previously noted in ODP Announcement 21-071, published on 10/13/2021, the “Incident Management Family Guide: When Something Bad Happens to Someone I Care About or Support” was introduced with the announcement of Incident Management (IM) Bulletin trainings that were made available via MyODP. The Incident Management Family Guide was developed by and for families to provide information about incident management processes and to address some of the common questions and concerns they may have when they witness or are informed of something negative happening to their loved one.

Please see the announcement for a full review of provider responsibilities. Also, you can visit MyODP’s website to see the course that contains the webcast series “Responding to Incidents” and two guides: the “Incident Management Family Guide: When Something Bad Happens to Someone I Care About or Support” and “A Guide to Victim’s Assistance.”