Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Department of Social Services Efficiencies
Garner $2.6 Million
JEFFERSON CITY–In line with Gov. Matt Blunt’s call to reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance services, the Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services has increased federal administrative reimbursements for child welfare services by $2.6 million annually.
The Department of Social Services' Children’s Division and Division of Budget and Finance have worked to ensure the state is fully claiming federal reimbursements under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. Title IV-E is a major federal funding stream for child welfare. Federal funds are available on a 50 percent matching basis for the administration of the foster care program and other child welfare activities.
"I am very pleased these divisions have found ways to provide for children’s needs while operating more efficiently," said Department Director Gary Sherman. "We must continue to maximize our resources on behalf of abused and neglected children."
The effort to maximize federal matching funds included training field staff on the importance of accurate and prompt completion of time study surveys. The time survey results are the basis for federal reimbursement. The process was newly automated in April, which has improved quality and reliability of the time study data. These improvements have led to more accurate federal claiming.
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