All States/Territories

This is the latest newsletter of the National Core Indicators (NCI) program. The publication is designed to keep you abreast of developments and best practices in performance and outcome measurement as exemplified in initiatives among NCI participants. Volume 2, Issue 1 explores the work in two states referred to as performance measurement mavens - Texas (the New Kid on the Block) and Washington (Seasoned and Going Strong).

The goal of the 2004 Real Choice Systems Change grant is to address the issues and barriers preventing consumers of mental health services from receiving flexible supports in the community housing of their choice. This report identifies the grant outcomes, activities and evaluation including the degree to which supported housing is embraced and practiced by providers on a larger scale and how housing providers know how to work collaboratively.

As part of the 2004 Integrating Long-Term Supports with Affordable Housing Grant, Oregon developed this application for five initial test sites. The goal for test site participation is for providers to know where their program stands in terms of providing supportive housing services and to develop future capacity for supported housing programs. Use the application as a template and to review the criteria necessary to select an agency.

Given the complexities of F/EA operations, it is important to refer to reliable source information such as the lists of Government F/EA and Vendor F/EA Tasks. This information will assist state and local program agency staff in understanding the requirements and key elements of Government and Vendor F/EA operations and developing a Government F/EA Policies and Procedures Manual, when applicable.

In light of this major change and assuming that states may want to learn more about Cash & Counseling, this publication offers an in-depth description of the option, a discussion of key findings from the three-state demonstration, and preliminary information about the program’s expansion into 12 more states. At the end is a list of resources—both Web sites and published materials—for further information. Stories about consumers who have first-hand experience appear throughout this publication.

The cost effectiveness calculation spreadsheet allows users to compare four separate locations and multiple scenarios of using state general revenues for rental assistance. In many instances, the net state cost to serve individuals with disabilities in the community is considerably less than the net state cost in an institution.

This manual talks about the steps that need to be taken in order to hire and manage a personal care attendant. Topics that are discussed in the manual include knowing what you need and want, the hiring process, tax considerations, what being an employer involves, stress management, communication skills, plus additional resources.

CMS was soliciting proposals to develop the infrastructure to support competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Funding is intended to facilitate enhancements to state Medicaid programs and services, to promote linkages between Medicaid and other employment-related service agencies, and to develop a comprehensive system of employment supports. The demonstration period runs Jan–Dec 2007. This prior solicitation acts as a resource for terms, conditions and guidance.

CMS solicited proposals for this demonstration, created by section 204 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. It allows states to provide benefits, equivalent to those provided by Medicaid, to the categorically needy, to workers who have physical or mental impairments that, without medical assistance, will likely result in disability. The Demonstration period runs July 2006-June 2009. This prior solicitation acts as a resource for terms, conditions and guidance.

This report summarizes the research findings of a 2006 questionnaire disseminated to gather information about choice and access to continuum of care services. The survey gained information from consumers regarding services they are using, services needed, and barriers encountered. Data was gathered regarding how consumers learn about available services and suggestions to guide the development of a single point of entry (SPE) system, also called an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).