Approve the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) Plan for 2024-2025. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

The Integrated System of Care Division (ISCD) of the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is responsible for administering and overseeing programs that support children and adults with special health care needs. These programs include Children’s Medical Services (CMS), which consists of the California Children’s Services (CCS) and the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC).

For Fiscal Year 2024-2025, DHCS has requested that each county’s HCPCFC submit its Annual Plan separately from the CCS program. The HCPCFC Annual Plan will include program budgets and staffing details, and its submission is contingent upon the release of program allocations and Plan and Fiscal Guidelines by DHCS. These guidelines were provided by DHCS on August 20, 2024.

The HCPCFC provides oversight for the physical, behavioral, dental, and developmental health care needs of children in foster care or out-of-home placements in Yolo County. In Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the program managed a caseload of 375 children. Public Health nurses work with social workers and probation officers to ensure that children in out-of-home placements receive necessary health care services.

With the discontinuation of the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) as of July 1, 2024, HCPCFC will continue as a stand-alone program. Board approval is required to allow CMS to continue providing comprehensive, effective, and efficient systems to support vulnerable populations, improve health care access, and reduce health care costs. Only the Board of Supervisors can authorize the County to enter into a binding contract with the State, and the Chairman's signature is required for the plan’s submission.

The HCPCFC Program works closely with Yolo County Child Welfare Services and Probation to ensure children in out-of-home placement have access to needed health care services.