DPSS ePolicy

The purpose of this Administrative Release (AR) is to provide GAIN Services Supervisors (GSSs), GAlN Services Workers (GSWs), Contracted Supervisors (CSs) and Contracted Case Managers (CCMs), with instructions on processing cases for participants in Mental Health (MH) activities.

What changed?

Revisions to this policy include reference to the removal of the 90-day Good Cause period highlighted in grey throughout the document.

Cancellation of the Administrative Directive No. 4865, Specialized Supportive Services New Direction For Participants In Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Services Activities (Revised), dated June 28, 2010.

Removal of all MH Specialized Supportive Services GSW/CCM responsibility. This does not apply to Linkages Family Reunification, Family Preservation, and Family Maintenance cases. These cases remain with the Regional Linkages GSW.

NOTE: Changes are shown highlighted in grey throughout the document.

All participants are to be screened and offered MH services to remove barriers that will prevent them from obtaining and/or maintaining employment.  A participant can be identified as having a MH service need through self-disclosure during Appraisal and the Online CalWORKs Appraisal Tool (OCAT) or observation, or via the screening tool GN 6140A, Screening for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Instructions For GAIN Staff Use Only.  Once CalWORKs eligibility is established, participants with a need for MH services will be expedited into GAIN/Refugee Employment Program (REP) so that he/she can be referred to a County-Contracted Treatment Services Provider.

The participant is to be informed that disclosure of a MH need will not impact his/her eligibility to CalWORKs or result in an automatic referral to the Department of Children and Family Services.  It is essential that the participant is informed at every opportunity of the numerous services available, despite any language obstacles.

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Activity

All GAIN and REP approved Welfare-to-Work (WtW) Programs that require participation by the participant; e.g., GAIN/REP, Appraisal, Job Services and MH services.

Backlog

When a MH provider is unable to assess a participant within the allotted timeframe, a backlog exists.

• Priority Level one, participants must be seen within two days, regardless of appointment availability;
  
  
• Priority Level two, participants must be seen within five-ten days; and
  
  
• Priority Level three, participants must be seen within 10-15 days from the date of referral. Level two and three may be scheduled outside of the timeframe, but within a 30-day window.

Post 60-Month Time Limit

A participant who has exhausted the 60-month time limit prior to requesting MH services may receive an extender if he/she enrolls in treatment services as a result of the Clinical Assessment (CLA).

Post-Employment Services (PES)

MH services are included in the array of services available under PES, which are limited to three months. A participant who is in a PES activity may access MH services and work-related expenses, as appropriate.

Post-Time Limit (PTL) Services Activities

MH services are included in the array of services available under PTL Services. A participant, who is in PTL activities after the 60-month time limit, may access MH services and work-related expenses, as appropriate. Please check PTL section policy for changes in time of eligibility.

Reverse Referral

Reverse referral is when the MH provider discovers the participants receiving MH treatment services without receiving a direct referral from DPSS.

Satisfactory Participation

Satisfactory Participation in the assigned WtW activity, which includes MH services, is required unless Good Cause (GC) is established.

Specialized Supportive Services (SSS)

MH, Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and/or Domestic Violence (DV) services are provided to WtW participants to overcome barriers to become self-sufficient.

Supportive Services 

Participants may receive Supportive Services, such as child care payments, transportation funds, and/or work-related expenses for MH services.

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