April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Everyone can help prevent child abuse in Mesa County

Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) joins countless others across the nation to highlight the issues of child abuse & neglect during the month of April and the importance of everyone taking responsibility in preventing abuse and neglect in our community.

MCDHS hopes to raise awareness that effective child abuse prevention succeeds because of partnerships created among social service agencies, families, neighbors, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community.  Parents, families and community members can and must help reduce child abuse and neglect in Mesa County by promoting the benefits of seeking out groups, agencies and resources that can assist a parent in providing a loving, supportive and violence-free home.

Reporting: “If in doubt report it out” Mesa County Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline 970 242 1211;

Colorado Statewide Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline 1-844-CO-4-KIDS.

The Mesa County Human Services website has info to those resources. 

“Preventing child abuse and neglect is a community effort.  Every citizen in Mesa County can play a part in prevention efforts whether it be getting to know the children in your neighborhood, encouraging a struggling parent you see in the store, volunteering your time as a mentor, or becoming a foster parent.  Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity for us to recognize that we all play a role in child safety. ” states Kari Daggett, Child Welfare Division Director.

Some events planned to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention month are:

County Proclamations Monday, April 2^nd 9:00am Old Mesa County Courthouse.

Planting of Pinwheel Gardens in Mesa County in front of DHS & WFC Monday, April 2nd at 10:30am

###

Mesa County Implementing Traverse® for Child Welfare

Software will help case managers spend more face-to-face time with families

Mesa County Department of Human Services is implementing Northwoods’ Traverse software to help Child Welfare case managers spend more time with children and families and less time on paperwork.

The web-based software and companion mobile app will help case managers efficiently collect, share and analyze information in the office and the field instead of relying on paper case files.

"Our work will be more efficient, which will allow us to spend more face-to-face time with families and the children we serve," said Kari Daggett, the director of child welfare, Mesa County Department of Human Services.

Traverse also uses artificial intelligence to read the case like a case manager would to extract and surface critical information about topics, related events and people connected to the case requiring no additional work from the worker. With Traverse, case managers will have more information and time to focus on working with families, establishing trust and promoting safety.

Mesa County Department of Human Services is located in Grand Junction, CO, and provides services for Adult Services, Children and Family, Community Resources, Economic Assistance, Employment Services, and Medical Programs for citizens in Mesa County.

About Northwoods

Northwoods’ only focus is helping state and county human services agencies increase client service levels and productivity while cutting costs—allowing them to be more effective and do more with less. Northwoods’ human services software solutions surface key information workers need to make confident decisions about safety. Northwoods’ solutions are designed around caseworkers and social workers, not simply data collection. Northwoods is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. For more information, visit teamnorthwoods.com.

March is National Social Worker Month

Mesa County celebrates and honors Social Workers in our community.

Mesa County, Co. - Mesa County Department of Human Services celebrates and honors Social Workers in our community.

National Social Worker month is celebrated each year during the month of March. National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the profession of social work and highlight the important contributions they make to the community. 

“At the Mesa County Department of Human Services we have some of the most dedicated, tenacious and talented social workers that care and protect children and the elderly.” says Child Welfare Division Director, Kari Daggett MSW.

Social workers stand up for millions of people every day. These include people who are experiencing devastating illnesses and mental health crises, our veterans, children, families and communities. Yet many people still misunderstand who social workers are and the invaluable contributions they bring to society.

The nation’s 650,000 social workers are champions for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They comfort people who are experiencing devastating illnesses and mental health crises, ensuring the best possible care while on the road to recovery. Social workers support military personnel, veterans and their families, and people living with disabilities. Child, family and school social workers protect children who have been abused and neglected, helping children find new families through adoption, and ensure young people reach their full academic and personal potential. Additionally, social workers work in communities with national, state and local government to provide services, pass legislation to help people with the most needs. 

Human Services Sends Welfare Fraud Cases to DA for Prosecution

Mesa County, Co. — The Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) Fraud and Recovery Unit recently sent a case of suspected fraud to the Mesa County District Attorney’s office totaling over $34,000.00.  The subject Leilani Mae Bouchard was arraigned in court this morning on Mesa County case 2018CR252. The suspected fraud occurred from December 2011 to October 2016.  Mesa County Welfare Fraud Investigators uncovered enough evidence to allege the following:

Food Assistance: $27,313.00

Medicaid: $ 3,566.63

LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program): $997.84

Investigation Costs: $ 2,380.00

The total recovery for the combination of the investigations is $34,257.47

Intentionally defrauding public assistance programs consists of falsely reporting information on an application including household composition, household resources or household income. Punishment includes: repayment of benefits issued and may result in a 1-year to a lifetime ban from receiving public assistance benefits and/or criminal prosecution.

“Our Fraud and Recovery team takes investigating false information on public assistance applications very seriously,” said Tracey Garchar, Executive Director for the Mesa County Department of Human Services. “Ensuring benefits go to families who are truly eligible and in need is our utmost priority” added Garchar.

If you or someone you know suspects welfare fraud, please call the Mesa County Department of Human Services Welfare Fraud Hotline at (970) 256-2421.

LEAP Program Continues in 2018

The Mesa County Low-income Energy Assistance Program is no longer be handled through the Mesa County Department of Human Services, but assistance is still available to Mesa County residents. The LEAP program will now be administered by Discover Goodwill of Southern & Western Colorado.  LEAP applicants need to be aware of new procedures in submitting LEAP applications for the 2017-2018 season

DO NOT submit LEAP application to the Mesa County DHS as this will delay the processing of applications.

LEAP is a mail-in program ONLY!

-      Return your completed 2017 version application in the addressed and stamped envelope provided; (paper applications can be picked up at the Mesa County DHS office)

      OR

-      Fax your application to 719-633-9098

-      Mail to:  LEAP

o       P.O. Box 39200

o       Colorado Springs, CO 80949

-      Email to:  LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

A few suggested tips are; ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS on the application and provide all requested documentation/verification with your completed application. Make sure that you read, complete, SIGN and DATE where required.  Failure to provide a complete application and submit required verification will delay the processing timeframe.

Continue paying your heat bill, as LEAP assistance will not pay your entire bill!

Processing your LEAP application takes time, so you must keep your account current by making a payment towards your heat bill on time to avoid disruption of service.  If you receive a shut-off notice or have had your heating service disconnected, please contact our call center at 1-888-775-LEAP (1-888-775-5327).  The Call center opened on November 1^st, 2018

Please call 1-866-HEAT HELP (1-866-432-8435) to inquire about the status of your LEAP application and if you have any questions regarding LEAP.   You may also visit the Colorado Department of Human Services’ website at www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap.   

What you need to know about effective dates and the Connect for Health Colorado attestation process this year

Did you apply for Health Care coverage through Connect For Health Colorado on or before midnight December 15, 2017, but have not yet enrolled in a Marketplace plan for 2018 coverage?  For those enrollments completed after midnight December 15, 2017, the effective date for coverage plans will default to February 1, 2018.

BUT, in limited circumstances, you may request to be considered for a January 1, 2018 coverage effective date once you are able to enroll.  Requests will be considered only for the following circumstances:

* Customer lost coverage and qualifies for a special enrollment period.

* Customer’s 2017 health plan is no longer offered.

* Agent or employee error.

* System outage or system error.

* A declared natural disaster.

* A delayed eligibility determination (when your application was submitted before midnight December 15).

* Marriage within the last 60 days.

If you need assistance with the attestation process to be considered for a January 1, 2018 coverage effective date, please contact a Broker or Assister by visiting the Connect For Health Colorado Get Help page at http://connectforhealthco.com/person-help/.

MISSING CHILD:

Jadahlen ("Jadah") Rocah DOB 12/3/04 (12 yrs old) went on the run from a Front Range group home she may have gotten a ride back to the Grand Junction area.

If you have any information please call law enforcement and the Mesa County Child Protection  Hotline 242-1211.