At its June 11 meeting, the State Executive Council for Children’s Services (SEC), the oversight body for the Children’s Services Act, approved circulating two policies for an initial period of public comment, which will conclude on July 30. Comments may be submitted through the Public Policy Comment Forum, via email to csa.office@csa.virginia.gov, or via US Mail (1604 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 137, Richmond, VA 23229).
Policy 4.5.1 – Protected Funds sets out guidance regarding the allocation and utilization of protected funds, which are funds that are provided to localities to serve youth in the “non-mandated” population for CSA. These youth meet the eligibility criteria for CSA by having certain emotional or behavioral health needs that meet statutory criteria, but do not fall into the populations for whom services are mandated (children with an Individualized Education Program that requires placement for special education purposes in approved private school educational programs, children receiving transitional educational services to support their return to public school from a private placement, and children receiving certain foster care services). The text of the proposed policy may be found at this link, and the Notice of Intent to Develop Policy may be found at this link.
Policy 4.6 – Denial of Funds provides guidance to local CSA programs on the denial of funds pursuant to applicable statutes. The text of the proposed revisions to the policy may be found at this link, and the Notice of Intent to Develop Policy may be found at this link.
If members submit public comments on either policy, VACo would greatly appreciate receiving a copy, which may be directed to Katie Boyle (kboyle@vaco.org).
VACo Contact: Katie Boyle