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1. |
Re: Who can submit an RFP
I see the FY09 PSSF RFP is out, and skimming it, I don't see any mention of it being limited to current contractors. Is this RFP open to everyone? |
Applications are not restricted to current PSSF contractors; however, all applicants should know that PSSF funding has been reduced this year and this will impact both the overall number and amount of individual awards. Applicants are encouraged to request only the funds that they can effectively utilize given any limitations or requirements stated in the RFP for the service area their proposal may address.
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Please note: Applications are limited to Family Preservation and Support, Time-Limited Reunification, and Adoption Promotion and Post-Permanency Services only. Effective October 1, 2008, Family Support services are being administered by the Division of Public Health, and questions about funding for these activities should be directed to Kelli Rayford at kerayford@dhr.state.ga.us.
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2. |
Re: Previous Family Support providers
We were a Family Support service provider in FFY2008 and in previous years. This category is not in the current PSSF RFP. How do we apply for funding for our Family Support services?
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If you were funded in FFY2008 as a Family Support service provider, Public Health is now responsible for the administration of the PSSF funds that supported your activities and will be providing instructions to your agency on funding for FFY2009. If you are not a current PSSF Family Support service provider and are interested in future funding opportunities for Family Support Services, contact Kelli Rayford at kerayford@dhr.state.ga.us. |
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3. |
Re: Special Target Populations
Relative Caregiver Programs have previously provided services the Family Preservation and Support Services with most of the referrals coming from school counselors, dialysis center social worker, or self referrals. My question is which category do relative caregivers fall under? |
The RFP does not "exclude" any demographic group previously supported with PSSF services, however, the intent of the FFY2009 RFP is meeting the needs of families served by the child protection or child welfare system. A single target population could fall into any one of the service models described in the RFP depending on their specific characteristics and needs, and the agency’s desire and ability to address those needs to produce desired outcomes. Where any proposal fits best might depend on multiple factors including target population, referral source and family involvement with either DFCS or the courts, presenting conditions your services are expected to address and primary outcome objectives.
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4. |
Re: Criminal background check requirement
Please define “direct custodial responsibilities” in relation to staff, volunteers, etc. working with the program.
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'Direct custodial responsibilities' in the context of the criminal background check contract requirement refers to individuals who, in the course of providing a service supported with PSSF funding, have direct contact with a child engaged in that activity. This does not refer to the legal custodial relationship of a caregiver to a child. |
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5. |
Re: Contract requirement for proof of liability coverage for vehicles
Is proof of liability only required if transporting clients?
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Contractors are only required to provide proof of vehicle liability coverage if ‘client transportation’ is a component in their service plan or if a service activity includes transporting a client.. |
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6. |
Re: Multiple applications
Can we submit two grant applications for two separate program services? Specifically, can one agency submit one proposal under Family Preservation and Support another under Time-Limited Reunification for a totally different project/service?
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Yes. Multiple proposals can be submitted by an agency. This is encouraged particularly when your service objectives are unique for the families you propose to serve.
See response to question #1 with respect to funding limitations. |
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7. |
Re: Multiple applications
We have one program that involves services under Supervised Family Visitation (SFV) and the other under Substance Abuse Treatment and Transitional Support. Do we have to request portions under both categories (ie. $20,000 under Visitation and $40,000 under Substance Abuse) – and figure out even when they overlap which would be best put in each category or can we apply for the full $60,000 under Time-Limited Reunification Services? Can you help us to understand how to request the funds in this funding area?
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Because the objectives and outcomes of these two different categories are so unique, it is probably best to submit two separate proposals. |
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8. |
Re: Use of funds
Can we request funds to fund additional part-time support at our local DFCS?
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PSSF funding can only be used to provide direct services to families and children. |
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9. |
Re: Fingerprints
Is it a requirement that all staff who have had fingerprint checks be re-fingerprinted?
Also, are people who were fingerprinted in the past not using the live scan required to have one with the live scan? |
Re-fingerprinting of staff is not required if they have had criminal background checks in the past 5 years. The new process applies primarily to new hires.
PSSF requires a notarized statement from contractors at the commencement of a contract year certifying that criminal investigations have been completed on required personnel within the last 5 years and that the checks revealed no exclusionary convictions pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia annotated, Section 49-2-14. Re-fingerprinting would only be necessary for staff whose criminal checks had not been completed in the past 5 years.
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10. |
Re: Award limits
If we are interested in submitting two proposals, are we limited to the maximum request for each proposal, or both combined in a single category?
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Any single proposal is limited to the maximum award request for that category. |
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11. |
Re: Combining proposals
We currently provide Supervised Family Visitation services. We would also like to submit a proposal for Family Support services. Can we combine these two requests into one proposal? |
No, you cannot combine these proposals. PSSF funding through this RFP is only open to Family Preservation and Support, Time-limited Reunification and Adoption Promotion and Permanency services. This RFP does not include PSSF Family Support services.
Funding for PSSF Family Support services is now administered by the Division of Public Health and they will be communicating information about those funding opportunities independently. The person to contact at Public Health for information is Kelli Rayford at kerayford@dhr.state.ga.us.
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12. |
Re: Service duration
Are there limits on how long services can be provided to a family?
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Generally, PSSF funding is meant for short-term supports and services to children and families. Limits are identified as guidelines for most service models based on the objectives identified. |
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13. |
Re: Eligible services/activities
We would like to provide parenting classes as a component of our visitation program but parenting is listed in Family Preservation.
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You are still able to provide parenting classes to families who use your visitation services. You may propose any service or activity in your plan provided you can demonstrate that it improves results and it enhances your core practice. |
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14. |
Re: Service category
How do we know what category applies to us? We are a CASA and a child advocacy center.
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The service category that you select is dependent on the focus and intent of your program, not the type of agency you are. Each category has specific criteria and service objectives to help you determine this. |
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15. |
Re: Family Support category
Am I correct in my understanding that there is no longer a category for Early Intervention Support Services? |
Early Intervention Support Services is a category that falls under Family Support services. PSSF Family Support services are now administered by the Division of Public Health so this RFO does not include this category. See #1&2 for additional information.
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16. |
Re: Maximum award
If we apply under Family Preservation and Support Services, is
the maximum we can apply for $25,000?
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If your proposal falls into the Family Preservation and Support category, the maximum federal award is $50,000 unless you are proposing Diversion Support services, which is limited to $25,000. |
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17. |
Re: Referral requirements
Under Family Preservation and Support Services must all of our cases be referred by DFCS? |
PSSF services are intended to support the child protection efforts of county departments and provide additional community resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families. The referral requirements are dependent on the category under which your activities fall. You would also able to accept referrals from juvenile and family court.
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18. |
Re: Combining proposals
We are interested in submitting proposals in two categories – Family Preservation and Adoption Promotion. Can we combine these into one proposal?
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You would need to submit separate proposals (as the objectives for these are quite different). |
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19. |
Re: Award limit
Is the federal award limit imposed on the sum of all proposals submitted by our agency?
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Limit on federal award request is per proposal, not per agency. |
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20. |
Re: Family Support services
I just need clarification to be sure of what classification we fall under. Are we 'Family Preservation and Support' or are we 'Family Support'? |
This RFP does not include a component for Family Support services. Funding for PSSF Family Support services is now administered by the Division of Public Health who is not issuing an RFP for these services in FFY2009. See #1&2.
Family Preservation and Support services are included in this RFP and should not be confused with Family Support services.
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21. |
Re: Family Support services
We currently contract to provide supervised family visitation. If we re-apply for that again would we also be eligible to submit a proposal for delivery of family support services? If so, may we submit it all in the same proposal?
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In response to this RFP, you may only apply for PSSF funding the categories described in the FFY2009 RFP. Funding for PSSF Family Support services is now administered by the Division of Public Health. See #1, 2, &20. |
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22. |
Re: Letters of support
To whom, specifically, should the letters of support be addressed?
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Any letters of support should be addressed to your agency. |
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23. |
Re: Letters of support
Do we need to include a letter of support from our local county DFCS?
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You are not required to include a letter of support from your local county DFCS in your proposal however, because you may be depending on DFCS for referrals, their support is critical. |
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