- TO:
- ALL COUNTY OFFICES
- FROM:
- ALYSON CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR
- SUBJECT:
- DRUG AND ALCOHOL CENTERS AND GROUP HOME LIVING ARRANGEMENT CLARIFICATIONS
- MANUAL REVISION #21:
1135.005.15
1135.005.15.05
1135.005.15.15
1135.005.15.20
1135.005.025.20
DISCUSSION:
Due to a recent Food Stamp Program Access Review conducted by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), this memorandum is provided to remind staff of current policy for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers (DATC). FSD is required by federal regulations to:
- Conduct on-site reviews of DATC.
- Receive a report of individuals residing in the facility and receiving Food Stamp benefits.
- Require the facility to act as authorized representative for the individuals applying for and receiving Food Stamp benefits.
Food Stamp Manual sections have been updated with the following clarifications:
- Section 1135.005.15 Residents of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers has updated links to the Department of Mental Health’s Directory of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.
- Section 1135.005.15.05 Eligibility Determination has been revised to clarify the non-profit, private organization or institution operating the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center must function as the authorized representative for the individuals applying for Food Stamp benefits.
- Section 1135.005.15.15 Responsibility for Reporting Changes has been revised to further state that the treatment center is responsible for reporting all changes in the participant’s circumstances, including when an individual receiving benefits leaves the facility. The timeframe to receive the required report from the treatment center has been revised to monthly (semi-monthly has been removed).
- Section 1135.005.15.20 FSD Review has been revised from a “periodic on-site visit” to the FSD must conduct a “yearly on-site review” of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center.
- Section 1135.005.025.20 FSD Review for group homes is revised to match the policy for DATCs of yearly on-site reviews (periodic random on-site visits has been removed).
NOTE: An ON-SITE REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE is developed for completing reviews. This form must be completed by the FSD during the review.
The monthly listing and yearly on-site reviews must be maintained in the local office for three years and will need to be made available upon request by Central Office.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
AC/ks