Safe Futures A Plan for Program Improvement - Department of ...

DFCS county departments by 7/2003.
Evaluation: The Social Services (Foster Care) Manual is
updated to reflect any new agency directives regarding the
granting of waivers by 7/2003
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1 st Quarter Report: 1. Core workgroup met to discuss implications of this Action Step and agreed that this item would be addressed
as part of the overall review for uniform licensing standards.
2 nd Quarter Report: 1. This item was addressed during the quarter. It was determined by the group that both ORS and DFCS grant
waivers for required foster home standards. Both require that the home, however, meet the intended purpose of the rule or policy
through the implementation of equivalent procedures. The primary difference here is in the level at which waivers are granted. Only
ORS grants waivers and DFCS County Directors are able to grant most waivers. The difference in the process of granting waivers lies
in the overall structure and function of the two agencies (DFCS & ORS): DFCS agency directors are given greater autonomy in
approving homes, but this authority is guided by state policies and procedures. It was the consensus of the group that this Action Step,
in and of itself, is not relevant; however, this discrepancy in procedures would be resolved with establishment of uniform licensing
standards. Method for measuring achievement: DFCS and ORS policies governing waivers reviewed and discussed, with any
discrepancies or possible resolution noted.
3 rd Quarter Report: Achieved.
4 th Quarter Federal Response: Has the State revised and implement policy changes? ACF has a concern regarding waiver of
minimum standard requirements of Foster Home. It appears the evaluation piece of this item is not complete (Completion date is April
2004).
5 th Quarter Report: Achieved. Georgia, as with other states, provides some flexibility in the implementation of policy by way of
waivers. Policy directive 1015 gives county directors this authority and indicates that only under unusual or exceptional situations is it
permissible for the director or the director's designee for that agency to waive a policy requirement. The written request, along with
justification for the request and assurances that in all other respects, the home is able to maintain the required standards of health,
safety and well being of the child being served is submitted to the director for approval. No waivers are allowed for standards
established by local or state governing bodies regarding established safety and health codes.
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Safe Futures – A Plan for Program Improvement
Georgia Department of Human Resources
March, 2004 Quarter 5 – Work Plan R Page 4