DPSS ePolicy

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The purpose of this Administrative Release is to provide instructions to the General Relief (GR) Homeless Case Managers (GRHCM) when offering housing location and case management services from the Department of Health Services (DHS) to homeless GR participants.

The GRHCM must offer housing and location services to GR participants enrolled in the GR Housing Subsidy and Case Management Program (GRHSCMP). These services are provided to program participants who are disabled and have difficulty locating housing who are enrolled in the Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team (CBEST).

GRHSCMP participants who are disabled and enrolled in CBEST, receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Advocacy services, will be referred to DHS for housing location and case management services. The referral is submitted online to DHS.

The referral to DHS is voluntary and is only completed if the participant is interested in housing location and case management services.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) awarded the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and DHS with Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) funding. This funding provides housing subsidies for interim, bridge, recuperative, shared, and permanent supportive housing options, coupled with DHS’ intensive case management services for GR participants.

GR Program partnered with DHS to develop a process to initiate a Direct Referral from DPSS' GRHCM to DHS' housing locator.

Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) funding

Funding provided by CDSS to enhance SSI/SSDI advocacy and homeless services for GR participants.

Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team (CBEST)

DHS-led countywide SSI advocacy program implemented with Los Angeles County’s Homeless Initiative to assist eligible homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness in applying for and obtaining SSI/SSDI.

Vulnerable Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT)

A pre-screening or triage tool designed by all providers within a community to quickly assess a homeless person's health and social needs and match them with the most appropriate support and housing interventions available.

Low Acuity

Defined as a homeless individual who requires minimal care services with a VI-SPDAT score of 11 or less.

High Acuity

Defined as a homeless individual who requires a higher level of care services with a VI-SPDAT score of 12 or higher.

Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

A secure online database system managed by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The system enables organizations to access information on services provided by LAHSA for people experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness.

Comprehensive Health Accompaniment Management Platform (CHAMP)

DHS' online database to enter and track Permanent Supportive Housing and CBEST clients in their system.

The GRHCM will offer these services at the initial housing assessment or anytime during the GR participant's search for housing. GRHCMs will complete an online referral using a link provided by DHS.

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