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Committee discusses possible contract to support children waiting in hospitals; no action taken
Summary
Members discussed a potential contract with a community organization to sit with children awaiting placements in hospitals; presenters emphasized ERs are not appropriate placements and cited OCFS reports of about 20 children statewide recently waiting in hospitals.
Committee members heard a heads-up from agency staff about plans to seek a contract with a community-based organization to provide staffing when children cannot be placed immediately and are temporarily housed in hospitals. Staff said this would reduce staff strain on county caseworkers and keep caseworkers available for fieldwork and office responsibilities.
Members noted the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) reported about 20 children statewide waiting in hospitals near the recent holidays, and participants emphasized that emergency rooms are not appropriate long-term placement. The committee did not vote on the item; staff said they are still reviewing contract language and comparing peer-county agreements before returning with a formal proposal.
