To learn more, visit: https://www.wonderschool.com/corp/mississippi

Mississippi Department of Human Services Launches Initiative to Create New Child Care Programs and Develop a Statewide Substitute Teacher Pool

JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announced today a new partnership with Wonderschool, the child care management platform that streamlines the business of running child care programs, to address the urgent need for flexible and high-quality child care across the state. The new initiative will recruit educators and help them launch new home-based child care programs where there are not enough, give existing providers tools and data to build sustainable programs, and create one of the first statewide substitute teaching pools in the country to help address short-term care needs.

Early childhood workforce shortages across the country persist: since 2020, 8.4% of the child care workforce have left for other professions. Through this partnership with Wonderschool, Mississippi is taking a proactive step to recruit child care providers and create a quality substitute pool to undergird the work of existing providers.

“Child Care is critical to supporting parents in the workforce. Mississippi is committed to ensuring families across our state have access to consistent, quality child care,” said Robert G. “Bob” Anderson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. “Our collaboration with Wonderschool is one of the proactive steps we’re taking to expand access to high-quality and affordable care to families, while filling the gaps in teacher shortages through the innovative substitute teacher pool.”

In the coming year, DHS will work with Wonderschool to expand child care access across the state by supporting the startup of home-based child care programs. Using the Wonderschool platform, providers can access help with operations, communicating with families, and marketing to attract enrollment, as well as expert coaching to build their program and assist with licensing compliance.

“Every family deserves access to reliable, quality care options that best fit the needs of their child and family. Home-based child care providers are uniquely suited to serve the needs of their local communities. We’re honored to partner with the Mississippi Department of Human Services to not only address the demand for child care across the state, but to also foster a thriving community of education entrepreneurs,” said Chris Bennett, Founder and CEO of Wonderschool.

To support the sustainability of new child care supply and ensure existing providers can stay afloat, the partnership will also provide funding to establish a state-wide substitute pool that allows qualified, pre-screened educators to work at Child Care Payment Programs and provide substitute care. This will fortify flexible and reliable child care provisions.

The Wonderschool platform will be available statewide, with an emphasis on interested providers across 15 priority counties, serving parents and children who are in child care deserts or communities of high need – including Jefferson, Hinds, Wilkinson, Washington, Humphreys, Noxubee, Coahoma, Claiborne, Issaquena, Forrest, Warren, Clay, Lee, Madison, and Benton. The initiative will also support 50 existing providers, offering them the business support to strengthen their programs.

Deployed already across a growing number of states, the Wonderschool platform provides child care entrepreneurs with the tools and infrastructure needed to establish and sustain programs.

To learn more about the initiative, visit: https://www.wonderschool.com/corp/mississippi.

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JANUARY 2022

THERE MAY BE A CHANGE IN YOUR CASE DUE TO INCREASES IN SOME FEDERAL BENEFITS

Some Federal Benefits, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Benefits (VA) or Railroad Retirement, may increase due to a cost-of-living adjustment. If your household income goes up because of this increase, the amount of SNAP benefits and/or TANF your household receives may go down, or your case may even be closed.

Households have the right to request a fair hearing and continued benefits based on improper calculation of benefits or misapplication of Federal law.

Contact your county Department of Human Services office if you have questions.

PUEDE HABER UN CAMBIO EN SU CASO POR CAUSA DE INCREMENTOS EN ALGUNOS BENEFICIOS FEDERALES EN ENERO 2022

Algunos beneficios federales como Seguro Social, Ingreso suplementario De Seguro (SSI), Beneficios de Veteranos (VA), o jubilación del Ferrocarril, pueden incrementar por un ajuste al de costo de vida. Si los ingresos de su hogar incrementan por causa de este ajuste, la cantidad de beneficios SNAP o/y TANF que su familia recibe podrán bajar, o su caso hasta podrá ser cerrado.

Los hogares tienen el derecho de pedir una audiencia justa y continuación de beneficios basados en calculaciones impropias de beneficios o mal aplicación de la ley Federal.

Contacte la oficina de MDHS de su condado si tiene alguna pregunta.

For more information: Social Security, Veterans Benefits, or Railroad Retirement 

As part of the forensic audit engagement, MDHS requested that CLA conduct an internal controls assessment of TANF awards and disbursements between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. The report communicates observations made by CLA of internal control deficiencies identified for the current period as it pertains to TANF grant expenditures by MDHS. The report also provides recommendations for the consideration of MDHS to improve the internal controls where deficiencies were observed.

“We understand this audit has highlighted areas that will need continued oversight and improvement,” stated MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob,” Anderson. “MDHS is committed to the process of continuous improvement of our internal controls and vigilant management of our external relations with subgrantees so that the abuses of the past will not be repeated.”

Throughout the audit, as CLA identified compliance issues, MDHS leadership took immediate action to address the highlighted compliance issues. To date, all compliance issues identified by the internal controls audit have been addressed with training, edits to operating procedures, and updating subgrant manual provisions and requirements.

CLA’s audit notes significant improvements to internal controls.

“It is CLA’s conclusion that certain expenditure categories evidenced an improvement in internal controls compared to those observed during the forensic audit period. For example, in the expenditure category for Subsidies, Loans, and Grants, CLA noted that although an RFP process was not in place during the forensic audit period one was implemented and refined during the current period.”

“Additionally, subgrantees are required to submit to MDHS monthly subgrantee expenditure reports, participant data, general ledger data, and other supporting documentation. These are some of the improvements identified; however, there were observations made by CLA during the current period internal control assessment.”

Executive Director Anderson noted that “observations in the internal controls portion of the audit do not rise to the level of actual audit findings but are merely suggestions of best practices that the agency should consider adopting.”

Mississippi Department of Human Services is committed to rebuilding the trust of the citizens of Mississippi. The department’s framework, Operation Restore Trust, established the foundation for the continued rehabilitation of the mission for MDHS moving forward.

CLA noted in the audit that no current Senior Leadership team member at MDHS previously served under prior leadership.

The Senior Leadership Team has been tasked with implementing three core values in restoring the public’s trust and in changing the culture of the agency:

1. Integrity is modeled from the Executive Director’s office to the county offices to encompass the entire agency.
2. Compliance is measured by full and complete agreement of our actions with our federal and state regulatory and statutory guidelines.
3. Excellence, the direction the agency is moving, is a constant journey as we seek to improve our efficiency and effectiveness in every way possible.

The implementation of these core values across the entire agency are integral parts of moving the agency forward.

The release of the audit, including this final internal controls portion of the audit, on the website helps fulfill our promise of transparency.

Learn more about Operation Restore Trust

Programs provide assistance and support to those caring for our aging and vulnerable population

(Jackson, Miss.) – November is National Caregiver Month, but caregivers of dependent persons receive assistance from the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) each month of the year.

Through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), MDHS offers two primary programs to assist caregivers. A caregiver is defined as any individual, regardless of age, providing care for a person 60 years or older; or a grandparent or other relative caregiver, 60 years or older, caring for a child 18 years or younger.

“Caregiving programs continue to become a vital part of our Aging communities,” said Kenyada Blake, Director of the MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services. “The major goals of the Lifespan Respite Program is to enhance community awareness and access to a wider options of respite systems in Mississippi”.

Under the Older American Act, MDHS offers the National Family Caregiver Support Program. This program provides temporary relief time for the regular or primary caregiver (spouse, child, and relative) of an ill, functionally impaired older individual or dementia patient that requires constant in-home care.

The Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program works in partnership with the 10 Area Agencies on Aging and local community service providers to provide five basic services for family caregivers, including:

• Information to caregivers about available services.
• Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to services.
• Individual counseling, the organization of support groups, caregiver training to assist the caregivers in making decisions and solving problems relating to their caregiving roles.
• Respite care to enable caregivers to be temporarily relieved from caregiving responsibilities.
• Supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers.

DAAS also offers the Lifespan Respite Program, which provides respite care vouchers for family members providing unpaid care for a dependent person of any age with a significant disability, or chronic illness requiring care.

The respite care voucher opportunity includes an initial voucher of $300, a repeat voucher of $300 after six months and an emergency respite voucher in the amount of $400. There is a limited number of vouchers for each level of care.

Vouchers can only be used to pay for breaks (respite) for caregivers. They may NOT be used to:

• Pay the family caregiver directly for the care he/she is providing
• Pay for care that occurred before the voucher was issued
• Pay medical bills or purchase medical supplies
• Offset the cost of paid care already in place

To learn more about the Family Caregiver Support Program and the Lifespan Respite Program, call the Mississippi Access to Care Center at 844-822-4622.

For more information on these and other programs offered for adults and seniors, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adults-seniors/.

The agency is also offering grant writing training as an extra benefit.

(Jackson, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Human Services is again requesting proposals (RFP) from organizations best positioned to provide services in low income, at-risk areas of the state. The RFP is scheduled to be issued on Monday, November 2.

The agency will primarily invest Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant dollars, in concert with public and private partners to fund the programs outlined in the RFP.

“Our mission at MDHS is to make certain essential services available, while serving as good stewards of taxpayer money,” said MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson. “We are committed to providing statewide service delivery to our clients, and we need competitive proposals from across the state to accomplish that goal.”

The RFP will request services in the following areas:

· Afterschool Program Activities

MDHS is soliciting non-profit organizations and non-federal entities (i.e., state government; local school districts) to implement a program for age appropriate services, in multiple locations, with a priority given to entities that target children and youth attending high poverty/low performing schools and/or at-risk (see above definition of at-risk youth) youth attending schools in high poverty areas where high juvenile justice referrals take place. Programs will service the target populations during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session such as afterschool and summer recess. Programs should give preference to those that receive MDHS services.

· Parenthood Initiative

MDHS is soliciting non-profit organizations and non-federal entities (i.e., state government; local school districts), in multiple locations, to provide and coordinate a wide spectrum of parent-focused programs to support the formation and maintenance of two-

parent families that improve family stability and functioning. Services provided should support overall goals of safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families.

The purpose of the Parenthood Initiative is to train, educate, encourage, and assist parents in becoming knowledgeable and assuming responsibility for the nurturing, financial, growth and developmental needs of their children. In addition, the Parenthood initiative should strive to demonstrate the ability to collaborate with other service providers and community stake holders to increase support for and accountability to the families.

Upon award, Subgrantees will be required to prepare and submit demographic and outcome reports designed by MDHS. Subgrantees shall submit these reports by a MDHS designated due date (no more than monthly; no less than quarterly). Evaluation and outcome reports are an integral element of the program’s ongoing planning, design, and implementation. An effective report that evaluates specific targets enables the subgrantee to make informed decisions about changes that the program may need.

In an effort to further develop quality MDHS partnerships, MDHS will offer a general grant writing training free of charge for organizations interested in responding to MDHS solicitations. The training will be conducted at the MDHS State Office Building (South Tower of the City Centre building), located at 200 South Lamar Street, Jackson, on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Training will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 12:00 p.m.

The training will be archived for those who are not able to attend on October 29, and will subsequently be offered on November 5, 12, and 19 at the same time through Zoom. On October 30, MDHS will provide registration instructions for the November training sessions.

The training, which will be conducted by MDHS staff, will cover all aspects of grant writing from the seven basic elements of a strong grant proposal to finalizing the proposal for submission.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this as a service to anyone wishing to become a partner of the agency,” Anderson said. “This will provide a great benefit to our key stakeholders and I encourage anyone wishing to submit a response to the RFP to take advantage of it.”

The training will be offered in-person and virtual. Anyone interested in participating should register for this training opportunity by completing the SmartForm at the following link https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/aa9bccb8c2e04c88ad3b52b6d4c98938. A SmartForm will need to be completed per participant, not per company. Space is limited due to social distancing guidelines and in-person training will be first come, first served. If you select “in-person” you will receive a confirmation from Procurement Services as to whether or not your registration was one of the first 20 received. If space is not available, you will still have the virtual option.

Once registered, those choosing to participate virtually will be given instructions on how to connect via Zoom.

For more information on the training and to view the agenda, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/solicitation/grant-writing-training/.

For more information on the request for proposals, go to the Mississippi Department of Human Services website at www.mdhs.ms.gov/subgrant-procurement-2/

Adult Protective Services works to protect our aging population from abuse and neglect

(Jackson, Miss.) – As the COVID-19 pandemic has created new concerns for families of our aging population and their safety, it is more important than ever to remember if you see something say something. More than 250 thousand of our most vulnerable citizens are victims of abuse and neglect each year.

According to a report by the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System, 1,315,992 reports of alleged maltreatment are received by Adult Protective Services (APS) programs nationally each year. In Mississippi, there were 3,299 reports investigated by Adult Protective Services in 2019. That was a 31 percent increase from the 2,525 reports investigated in 2018.

During the first six months of 2020, APS received 1,906 reports that have been screened for investigation, for an average of 325 investigations per month.

Adult Protective Services (APS), under the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Division of Aging & Adult Services, investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable persons residing in private home settings, as well as any follow-up services provided by Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) to those vulnerable persons as a result of the investigations.

APS programs promote the safety, independence, and quality-of-life for vulnerable adults who are, or are in danger of, being abused, neglected by self or others, or financially exploited, and who are unable to protect themselves. APS is a social service program authorized by law in every state to receive and investigate reports of elder or vulnerable adult maltreatment and to intervene to protect the victims to the extent possible.

“It is our job to continue to advocate for the rights of aging and vulnerable Mississippians, also while empowering older adults and their caregivers to make informed decisions.,” said Kenyada Blake, Director of the MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Types of abuse that should be reported include:

Physical Abuse: Beating, slapping, kicking, rough handling, or other abuse causing welts, cuts, burns, abrasions, sprains, bruises, dislocations, fractures or broken bones.

Neglect by Caregiver/Others: Lack of supervision, failure to give medicine, food or personal care, not attending to bed sores.

Self-Neglect: Indicators include the inability to provide self-care (i.e. cook, eat, bathe), over-medication/under-medication, untreated medical or mental conditions, aimless wandering, causing fires.

Psychological/Emotional Abuse: Indicators include verbal threats or insults, cursing, belittling, isolation or withholding companionship.

Sexual Abuse: Indicators include Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), pregnancy, bruises, bleeding, pain or itching in genital or anal areas, difficulty in walking or sitting.

Financial Abuse/Exploitation: Indicators include mismanaging money or stealing property, savings, credit cards, unusual activity in bank accounts, misuse of assets by a representative payee.

Anyone with knowledge of abuse or neglect of an aging or vulnerable person is encouraged to contact APS by phone at the Vulnerable Person Abuse Hotline at 844-437-6282 or online at https://fw2.harmonyis.net/MSLiveIntake/. Individuals should always call the nearest law enforcement agency or 911 if the situation is a life-threatening emergency.

Reports received are electronically transmitted to an Adult Protective Services regional supervisor for the county where the alleged victim resides. The APS supervisor reviews the report and makes the screening decision for further handling. If the report meets criteria for an APS investigation, the supervisor assigns the report to an APS worker. In most cases reports can be made anonymously and in all cases the reporter’s name is kept confidential.

For more information on the Division of Aging and Adult Services and the Adult Protective Service, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adults-seniors/.

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MDHS Ombudsman serves as the voice of the residents of long-term care facilities

(Jackson, Miss.) – The COVID-19 pandemic has created new concerns for families of our aging population and their safety, even when under the care of a qualified Long-Term Care facility. Through the State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, families can be alleviated of that stress and feel confident that their loved one is safe and secure.

In keeping with the federal Older Americans Act of 1965 and Mississippi state law, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Division of Aging and Adult Services established the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Through leadership, oversight and monitoring, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman ensures the program provides services that protect the health, safety, welfare and the rights of residents in long-term care facilities.

“In many cases, we serve as the voice of residents of long-term care facilities as well as a mediator for families,” said Lisa M. Smith, MDHS State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. “In most cases, we will work directly with facilities to alleviate concerns of residents and their families, or if necessary, report it to the State Department of Health for them to investigate.

“Our goal is to improve residents’ quality of life.”

Complaint resolution is a prime responsibility of all ombudsmen, particularly district and local ombudsmen. Smith assists consenting residents of long-term care facilities to resolve problems or complaints through investigation, verification and notification.

The ombudsman also stresses confidentiality in their relations with residents and their families. In addition, in cases where a family member has a complaint or feels a certain action should be taken but the resident is able to make decisions and does not approve the request, they will advocate on behalf of the resident.

Her duties include making direct contact with the resident and/or his or her representative, including an on-site investigation and negotiation where necessary and/or referral to appropriate agencies. Empowerment is a strategy utilized to encourage residents to find their own voices encouraging self-advocacy.

Monthly visits to nursing homes and personal care homes are made by local ombudsmen for the purposes of monitoring and assessing the general condition of residents and assuring that residents’ needs are met and their rights are being protected.

Other duties of the state ombudsman include:

· Prohibiting inappropriate disclosure of the identity of any complainant or resident with respect to the files, records or other information obtained by the state, district or local ombudsmen. Confidentiality is paramount for ombudsmen and is fiercely protected.

· Analyzing the success and barriers of the ombudsman program and recommending systemic advocacy in evaluating the problems experienced by the complainant or complaints made by or on behalf of a resident.

· Working in conjunction with district and local ombudsmen to recommend changes to public policy through annual reporting to Administration for Community Living, collaborate with other agencies and advocate while providing technical assistance to other employees regarding long-term care issues.

· Coordinating the scheduling of fair hearings when residents of long-term care facilities face issues concerning involuntary discharges from long-term care facilities.

Anyone who needs assistance for a long-term care resident or facility should contact Lisa M. Smith at 601-359-4927, or toll free at 1-888-844-0041.

For more information on the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adults-seniors/state-long-term-care-ombudsman/

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“Offering Mississippians young and old tangible help today to create a lasting hope for tomorrow.”

(Jackson, Miss.) – Young adults in the metro area can be filled with hope for a bright future, thanks to a program funded in part through a grant provided by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The Refill Jackson Initiative, or Refill Café, provides SNAP recipients residing in Hinds, Rankin, and Madison counties who have found themselves without employment a pathway to a career and the skills to succeed in their chosen profession.

Part of the SNAP Employment & Training Program, Skills2Work, sponsored by MDHS, the mission of the Refill Café is to empower young adults ages 18 to 24 so that they are more confident, better equipped and motivated to enter, navigate and thrive in the workforce.

Skills2Work was designed to assist eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) E&T recipients by providing potential tuition assistance and other support services for Adult Basic Education, Career/Technical pathways and/or Workforce Skills Training programs.

“The mission of the Mississippi Department of Human Services is to provide Mississippians, young and old, tangible help today so they may have lasting hope for tomorrow,” said MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson. “This program provided by Refill Café gives young adults the opportunity to build a foundation for a fulfilling, self-sufficient life.”

Refill Cafe offers Education/Vocational training and work experience through a holistic approach addressing immediate barriers to employment and provides a year-long commitment to SNAP E&T participants in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties through 8 weeks of classroom instruction and work experience.

Upon completion of this program, students have the option of pursuing:

· A paid, 480-hour internship

· Linkages to potential employers and/or

· Opportunities for further education

Refill offers Job Retention services for up to 90 days after completion of their SNAP E&T component to provide continued access to staff support and services when employed.

“The Refill Jackson Initiative seeks to support individuals where they are—addressing the immediate barriers to employment in the context of their lives,” said Jackson Restaurateur Jeff Good, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Refill Jackson Initiative. “Our program recognizes that in order to begin planning for a manageable future, the immediate needs of an individual must first be identified, attended to and barriers to success removed.”

In addition to training and experience, Refill Cafe will provide participants with allowable support service assistance to include, but not limited to, transportation, referrals to partner organizations as needed, and uniforms.

For more information on the Refill Jackson Initiative and Refill Café contact Betsy Smith at 769-257-5697, 601-540-7231  or betsy@refilljackson.org.

To learn more about the Skills2Work (E&T) program and apply through MDHS, go to https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/workforce-development/.

(Jackson, Miss.) – Mississippians have a new pathway to achieve their career goals through a partnership between the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and Mississippi community colleges.

The SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Program, Skills2Work, was designed to assist eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) E&T recipients by providing potential tuition assistance and other support services for Adult Basic Education, Career/Technical pathways and/or Workforce Skills Training programs.

“I’m proud to announce this partnership between our administration and Mississippi community colleges to provide a hand-up to those looking to take care of themselves and their families,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Community colleges have their fingers on the pulse and know the needs and jobs of the local community. By equipping more of our workforce with the skills needed to succeed for the jobs that are available, we can help Mississippians compete and their communities grow.”

Training is available through Hinds Community College and East Mississippi Community College. Programs of study include Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technology, Phlebotomy, Medical Coding, Manufacturing Skills Basic, Welding, Commercial Driver’s License, Welding and much more.

“We’re proud to offer programs like Skills2Work to give Mississippians an opportunity to transition from crisis to stability and, ultimately, to sustainability,” MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson said. “By partnering with Mississippi community colleges, we’re able to provide academic and vocational training that will make recipients desirable to employers statewide. The best part is the greatest expense is the students’ time and motivation.”

The Division of Workforce Development and Partnership Management within MDHS has established Skills2Work partnerships with the following Mississippi community colleges to provide E&T services to qualified SNAP recipients:

· Hinds Community College (HCC) offers career and technical programs, workforce skills training programs, adult education and smart start classes. E&T participants in need are

directed to HCC’s Single Stop. Single Stop takes a holistic approach by connecting students and immediate family members to public benefits, local resources, and wrap-around services to eliminate barriers. HCC may also provide E&T participants additional barrier mitigation such as childcare, transportation, and tuition and fees. For more information, contact Mitzi Thomas and Kimberly Tyler at 601-857-3910 or at mitzi.thomas@hindscc.edu and kimberly.tyler@hindscc.edu, or go to https://www.hindscc.edu/skills-work.

· East MS Community College (EMCC) offers Workforce Training programs, Career and Technical Education programs, the MS Works Smart Start Career Pathway Model and Adult Education classes. EMCC is a Workforce Investment Network One-Stop Operator, connecting job seekers with comprehensive employment resources and support services to help participants attain and maintain gainful employment. EMCC may provide E&T participants that reside in Clay, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Noxubee, and Kemper counties with allowable support service assistance to aid in barrier mitigation to include, but not limited to, services such as transportation, books and training materials, and clothing for job interviews. For more information, contact Shacarla Petty at 662-243-1930 swhite@eastms.edu or go to http://www.eastms.edu/programs/workforce/index.html.

“The Skills 2 Work Program gives opportunity and support to those who want a fresh, new start,” said Robin Ann Parker, District Dean of Community and Economic Development for Hinds Community College. “This program not only provides resources for essential career training, but it also provides wraparound supportive services to students to ensure success in training,”

To learn more about the Skills2Work (E&T) program and apply through MDHS, go to https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/workforce-development/.

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