Dear CLM Members,
Thank you to all our members that were able to join us for this month's COVID Forum!
For those who were unable to join us, this bulletin contains an overview of what we covered, as well as useful links including all of the new guidance that was issued today.
Please let me know if you have questions or need clarification of any of the guidance.
A recording of the meeting is available for CLM members: click here to access!
Committee for Public Counsel Services
We had an overview from CPCS staff on the role of CPCS attorneys in a child welfare case, and some tips on how providers can support youth/attorney relationships and communication. To learn more about resources, visit CPCS's website.
To view the tip sheet "A Foster Parent’s Guide to Child’s Counsel," click HERE.
For questions or to file a complaint about an attorney, contact CPCS at caflatty@publiccounsel.net or 617-482-6212. This info can be shared with a teen or family as well.
Below are the contact information for the panelists:
Jacquelyn O'brien
Managing Director
Children and Family Law Division
Committee for Public Counsel Services
Voice: (617) 910-5777
Mobile: (857) 268-0148
jobrien@publiccounsel.ne
Michael Dsida (he/him/his)
Deputy Chief Counsel
Committee for Public Counsel Services
617-910-5713
mdsida@publiccounsel.net
COVID Updates
Enhancement Funds
Providers should have received the final 10% enhancement funds payment from DCF in the first week of June. Funds should be expended by the end of September. EOHHS and A&F are setting up a new reporting portal that will pre-populate with data to make the reporting easier for providers, especially those who received funds from multiple agencies. The trade execs will receive a preview of this portal and will provide feedback to EOHHS.
If you have not received your last DCF enhancement payment or the amount appears to be incorrect please contact DCF directly but also let Rachel know.
NEW Testing Guidance
Rapid tests are now available to congregate care providers as part of Color/MA EOHHS Program. The tests are for providers' flexible use, for example to support enhance visitor, employee, and residence testing. Congregate care programs should have received a shipment of rapid tests from Color in early June and will continue to receive tests from Color unless you opt out.
See complete information that was sent by Color on this program HERE.
Required surveillance testing will end July 1. All congregate care sites may now choose over the counter rapid antigen tests or can continue with molecular or POC rapid testing and no reporting will be required. Weekly testing of staff continues to be recommended, and DCF staff will continue weekly testing.
Active visitor screening will end July 1. Providers can determine what protocol they want to use, such as using the rapid tests provided or asking visitors to self-evaluate.
- Residential and Congregate Care Testing Guidance
- Guidance for organizations that operate congregate care programs
NEW Mask Guidance
Effective July 1, masking will be optional for staff and residents of Congregate Care, except in specific circumstances outlined in the guidance. Settings should set their masking requirements according to their population. Masks will be optional for staff and participants in community day programs, with the exception of Adult Day Health and Day Habilitation, where staff will still be required to wear masks. Masks will continue to be required on human services transportation for both drivers and riders.
- Day Programs Guidance
- Human Services Transportation Guidance
NEW Quarantine Guidance
General quarantine guidance is no longer required for new admissions to congregate care as of today. Providers can choose to continue quarantine practice as fit for their programs.
To view all guidance issued, visit the COVID-19 Public Health Guidance and Directives page HERE.
In general, providers now have the discretion to determine their own masking and testing protocols. If you have an outbreak, please manage it locally. If you have questions about the new guidance you can direct them to Rachel Gwaltney at CLM and to Asya Rozental at EOHHS.