DPSS ePolicy

To convert existing policy to new writing style only – No concept changes
 

The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offers a number of homeless services designed to assist CalWORKs families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. These homeless services are administered together by Eligibility Workers (EWs) and Homeless Case Managers (HCMs) in CalWORKs district offices. The homeless services include: Homeless Case Management Program, Skid Row Assessment Team (SRAT), and the District Access Team.

In 2005, DPSS implemented the Homeless Case Management Program, SRAT, and the District Access Team to better assist families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

DPSS implemented the voluntary Homeless Case Management Program countywide to fill the gap for families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless and have exhausted or do not qualify for the DPSS homeless benefits and/or services. Gain Services Workers (GSWs) were assigned to CalWORKs district offices as HCMs to assess/case manage homeless and at-risk families applying for or already receiving CalWORKs. Families referred to the Homeless Case Management Program receive intensive case management for a period of four to six months which include:

• Crisis intervention;
• Short-term stabilization;
• Needs assessment;
• Assistance with application and receipt of Specialized Supportive Services; and
• An individualized housing plan to assist the family in finding affordable permanent housing.

DPSS implemented SRAT to identify homeless families on Skid Row and connect them with available benefits and services.  The multidisciplinary team is comprised of staff from DPSS, Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), as well as the Union Rescue Mission (URM). DPSS is able to assist homeless families to connect with any available homeless programs and services provided by the Department.

The District Access Team was implemented to assist homeless services providers to facilitate access to benefits and services to homeless families.  The teams consist of designated EWs and HCMs to be on-call during the work week to expedite benefits and services for homeless families. 

Terms and Descriptions

SRAT

Skid Row Assessment Team

HCM

Homeless Case Manager

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