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Young Girl Talking With Counselor At Home

RCPA is eager to support our partner, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (PPC), with Casey Family Programs as they look to facilitate community engagement sessions aimed at elevating the lived experiences of those parents and caregivers who have been involved with the Child Welfare System. The purpose would be to learn what policies and practices can focus on primary prevention, family support, and reduction of out-of-home placement. PPC is looking to identify providers who have access to parents and caregivers with a history of formal involvement with the child welfare system through either a referral, in-home services, or placement. The parent or caregiver cannot have current involvement with a county child welfare agency.

The focus group would be coordinated between the provider and PPC and would take approximately 2 hours. Parents and caregivers will be compensated for their time.

We hope our members can support PPC efforts in engaging potential parents in this initiative. If interested, or if you have any questions, contact Policy Director Rachael Miller or RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that they plan to offer more than $110 million to expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS) through Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. MFP, authorized since 2005, has provided states with $4.06B to support individuals who choose to transition out of institutions and back into their homes and communities. This new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides individual awards of up to $5 million available for more than 20 states and territories not currently participating in MFP. These funds will support initial planning and implementation to get the state/territory programs off the ground, which would ensure more people with Medicaid can receive high-quality, cost-effective, person-centered services in a setting they choose.

For states already participating in MFP, CMS also announced that the agency is increasing the reimbursement rate for MFP “supplemental services.” These services will now be 100 percent federally funded with no state share. Additionally, CMS is expanding the definition of supplemental services to include additional services that can support an individual’s transition from an institution to the community, including short-term housing and food assistance.

An Innovative In-Home Rehabilitation Intervention for Persons with Chronic TBI and Their Families: A presentation and discussion with Dr. Helene Moriarty and Dr. Laraine Winter

Tuesday, April 26, 2022  |  3:30 pm – 5:00 pm  |  Webinar

Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) often experience ongoing symptoms and limitations for years after their injuries. The investigators have designed and tested a model of TBI rehabilitation that is delivered in the home and includes family members. They will describe their ongoing NIH-funded research testing these approaches for veterans and civilians with TBI and their families.

A presentation and discussion with:

  • Helene Moriarty: Professor at Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, and Nurse Scientist at the Corporal Michael Crescenz Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia
  • Laraine Winter: Senior Research Associate at Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, and a Research Psychologist at the Corporal Michael Crescenz Veteran Affairs Medical Center

This session is intended for a professional audience. There is no cost to attend. Questions should be sent to MJ Schmidt. Use this link to register.

ARPA Funds and Credentialing Information
April 4, 2022, 1:00 pm–1:30 pm
Audience: Providers
Join Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens and Bureau Director of Policy & Quality Management Jeremy Yale to discuss the recent announcement about the ODP American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) One-Time Supplemental Payment to Address Staff Training, Credentialing, and Business Associates Programs for Employment.
Format: ODP GoTo

Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Updates
April 11, 2022, 10:00 am–11:30 am
Audience: All Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) AAW Providers and Support Coordinators
The purpose of the meeting is to provide updates on the Adult Autism Waiver, answer questions, and provide technical assistance and support. These meetings are held for all ODP providers and Support Coordinators providing AAW services. The Virtual Office Hours (VOH) starts with an overview of any new ODP Announcements and also includes a) highlights of new practices, b) a review of topics and questions sent in advance, and c) a discussion of any concerns that have come up in the past few weeks. Providers will be able to ask questions directly of AAW Regional Office (RO) Representatives.
Format: Columbus GoTo

Statewide Positive Practice Seminar
April 14, 2022, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Audience: All Stakeholders
You are invited to participate in the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting.
TOPIC: Embracing Behavioral Supports and Meaningful Applications — Positive behavioral support is a process that combines evidence-based practices to address behavioral challenges and improve independence, participation, and overall quality of life of individuals living and learning in complex community environments. This session will engage participants to take an active role in behavioral interventions and expand one’s knowledge with principles and practices for dual diagnosed individuals and trauma.
Session #1 — Hard to Tell: What Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Need Us to Know about Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Dr. Caren Roser-Morris, Licensed Psychologist, OMHSAS.
Session #2 — The Importance of Quality of Life and Lifestyle Interventions in Behavioral Support
Jordan Hollander, Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations Session
Session #3 — The Power of Collaboration Through Behavioral Assessment and Treatment
Lindy Mishler, Behavior Specialist, Bureau of Support for Autism and Special Populations Stacey Keilman, CEO, Torrance State Hospital.
Format: Columbus GoTo

Charting the Lifecourse Applying Principles and Using Tools to Support a Good Life for Individuals and Families
April 27, 2022, 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Audience: Individuals & Families
“Charting the LifeCourse” was created to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.
Participants in this training will:

  • Learn About the National Charting the LifeCourse Community of Practice;
  • Apply LifeCourse Principles and LifeCourse Framework; and
  • Practice Using LifeCourse Tools.

Format: Columbus Zoom