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Dear Behavior Rehabilitation Services Providers,
The rise in COVID-19 activity and the Nov. 15 Proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee has increased concerns about the safety of our children, families, staff and provider partners and uncertainty about how some of our services should be altered as a result.
We all feel the increased tension and uncertainty that the rise in COVID activity has brought and we value your dedication to providing services to our children, youth and families. We’ve heard from you that COVID-19 safety should be a driving consideration for making decisions about service provision. We’ve also heard from some of you the importance of continued flexibility to provide services in-person where safe to do so and to maintain in-person family connections or safety services. DCYF is continuing to work with all of you and our partners to balance both public health and the needs of children and families. Below is some important information and resources regarding providing Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS):
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, DCYF released temporary contract waivers. For BRS, those waivers are still in place. We wanted to remind providers that during this COVID-19 crisis if there are contract requirements that you are not able to meet directly related to COVID-19 (staffing ratios, etc…) you can talk with your regional BRS program manager for temporary relief of the contract requirement. Both DCYF and the contractor must mutually agree to any changes to the contract beyond the current contract limitations. Contractors must contact their regional program manager for discussion and approval. The local gatekeeper may triage the request with HQ program managers as needed.
The safety of children, youth, foster and kinship families, caregivers, staff and our tribal partners has always been and remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued commitment to serving children and families during this stressful time. During this pandemic, you have all stepped up, focusing on the health of our families and served as a constant in the lives of one of our state’s most vulnerable populations.
Communication is more critical right now than ever in these unprecedented times. We will continue to share information with you through email, webinars and on our COVID-19 website. If you have any questions or want to share concerns or supports needed, please email Michael Campbell, Intensive Resource Program Manager, Michael.campbell@dcyf.wa.gov or (509) 654-4940.
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