nypwa conference registration - New York Public Welfare Association

The New York Public Welfare Association144 th Annual Winter ConferencePreliminary BrochureLocal DSS:Where the Action IsJanuary 29 - February 1, 2013The Albany Marriott HotelAlbany, New York

NYPWA’s 144 th Annual Winter ConferenceJanuary 29 - February 1, 2013 • The Albany Marriott Hotel • Albany, New YorkLocal DSS: Where the Action IsOpening AddressUma S. Ahluwalia, Director,Montgomery County (Maryland)Department of Health andHuman Services, has developeda national reputation for her innovativeleadership. Ms.Ahluwalia will be addressing ourconference theme “Local DSS:Where the Action Is.” By all accounts,local social services departments are bustlingwith activity. Medicaid is in constant motion as we grapplewith transition. The Supplemental Nutrition AssistanceProgram has grown to new heights. TemporaryAssistance, Homeless Services, Safety Net Assistance,and Child Support each have their own set of challenges.Services to Children and Families and Adultsare being stretched by increased demands. Fiscal constraintsare driving public policy decisions. Recognizingthe high demands on our system, Uma Ahluwalia will besharing her insights and enthusiasm for managing ourchanging human services landscape.This winter, local districts will receiveone FREE conference registrationwith every five paid registrations!Tuesday • January 293:00 PM - 6:00 PMExhibit Setup and Registration4:30 PM - 6:00 PMConference RegistrationWednesday • January 308:00 AM - 5:00 PMConference Registration9:00 AM - 5:00 PMExhibit Area Open9:00 AM - 10:30 AMNYPWA Board of Directors’ Meeting9:00 AM - 10:30 AMStaff Development Association MeetingAttorneys can earnup to 10.5 CLEs!Please see page 14 for moreinformation on legal sessions at theNYPWA winter conference.New York Public Welfare Association130 Washington AvenueAlbany, NY 12210518-465-9305info@nypwa.orgwww.NYPWA.org9:00 AM - 10:30 AMConcurrent SessionsFamily Team Meetings + Parent Partners= Better Outcomes for FamiliesThe Albany County Department for Children, Youthand Families has been conducting Family Team Meetingssince January of 2010. As of January 2011, wehave added a Parent Partner as a further resource forfamilies. Parent Partners are individuals who havegained a unique set of skills and knowledge based ontheir personal experiences, and are advocates for parentswho are involved in one or more formal servicesystems. We will outline the history of FTM’s, howwe conduct FTM’s, utilize Parent Partners, and someof the successes that have resulted from these familyfocused,strength-based interventions.

Presenters:Nick Kurtessis, Supervisor A, Albany County DCYFMichelle Dowe, Senior Caseworker, FTM Facilitator,Albany County DCYFMi-Lyn Dolan, Senior Caseworker, FTM Facilitator,Albany County DCYFAmanda Tiffany Thomas, Caseworker, FTM Facilitator,Albany County DCYFVida Murdock, Parent Partner, Visions ofHope/DCYFThe 411 on Bath Salts & SyntheticDrugsThe presenter will provide an overview of syntheticdrugs including bath salts, synthetic marijuana,and hallucinogenic amphetamines. Thepresentation will include presenting symptoms,routes of exposures, treatment modalities, and currenttrends.Presenter:T. Michele Caliva, RN, CSPI, Administrative Director,Upstate New York Poison Center, UpstateMedical UniversityCSEU Staff ONLY RoundtableThis session is limited to LDSS staff.Please join your colleagues for this roundtable discussion.This is an opportunity to share what isgoing on in your own district and hear what is happeningaround the state.Facilitators:Randi Johnson, Director of Child Support Enforcement,Oneida County DSSMary Lynn Eddy, Support Supervisor, WashingtonCounty DSSYear 3 of CCTA – Are We Hitting theMark?This session will look at where we have been andwhere we are going with the Child Care Time andAttendance system (CCTA). We will be seekinginput from CCTA users for future enhancementsthat will streamline attendance and paymentprocess for social services districts.Presenters:Rhonda Duffney, Director of the Child Care SubsidyProgram, Division of Child Care Services, OCFSRenee Rider, Assistant Commissioner, OCFSMental Hygiene Law Article 81Guardianships(1.5 CLEs anticipated. Application for accreditationof this course in New York is currentlypending.)One of the options available to Protective Servicesfor Adults is guardianship under Article 81 of theMental Hygiene Law. This presentation will look atthe legal aspects of Article 81 Guardianship, frominformation gathering by PSA to the preparation ofthe court papers, the hearing, and post-hearingpractice.Presenter:Mark E. Maves, Esq., Deputy County Attorney,Monroe County Law Department10:30 AMCoffee Break • Sponsored by Deloitte11:00 AM - 12:15 PMWelcome by Government Officials &Keynote Address12:15 PM - 1:15 PMLuncheon1:30 PM - 3:00 PMConcurrent SessionsState & Local Commissioners’DialogueState Commissioners and their executive deputiesfrom DOH, OCFS, and OTDA are invited to participatein a discussion with local DSS Commissioners.This is an opportunity for state officials topresent information on upcoming policies impactingon local districts and to obtain input. Localcommissioners will convey information and ideason issues of most importance to them for discussion.(The meeting will shift to a brief, closed sessionat 3:00 PM for local commissioners to vote inthe NYPWA Board of Directors elections.)Chaired by David Jolly, NYPWA PresidentWednesday • January 303

Wednesday • January 304Successful Case ManagementModelsYou will hear how Tioga County has developedand implemented a task-based model with streamlinedeligibility operations, monthly standards, andaccountability. This model also provides equitableallocation of work and positive results for customerservice in both a NTA FS and a FS/MA environment.The presentation incorporates both “leanmanagement models” and “clean desk” approaches.Monroe County will provide a briefoverview of the development of their task-basedmanagement system for financial assistance programs.This monumental change in caseload managementwas met with significant resistance fromthe DHS staff and the advocacy community. Monroewill share their efforts to promote a “holistic”view of case processing in a task-based world andthe challenges they encountered with centralizedcustomer service teams. Districts will share thegood, bad, and ugly of a task-based model and encouragediscussions on best practices.Presenters:Valerie Nitti, Director of Employment & TransitionalSupports, Tioga County DSSNancy Forgue, Director of Financial Assistance,Monroe County DHSYouth in Transition: Core to SuccessImproving outcomes for youth in foster care is ofparamount importance to child welfare policy makers,advocates, and practitioners on federal, state,and local levels. Albany County Department forChildren, Youth and Families set a course to challengetraditional practices by developing universaland consistent expectations of contractual agenciesthrough the establishment of minimum standardsof care for youth 14 and older. Participants willlearn how minimum standards of care were developedas well as learning approaches to workingcollaboratively with local foster care agencies tointensify and focus efforts on improved educational,vocational, and other life area outcomeswhile mobilizing community resources to supportthe transition of youth to successful adulthood.Presenters:Marian Logan, Director, Children’s Services, AlbanyCounty DCYFMargaret S. Diggs, Executive Director, Youth Bureau& Prevention Services, Albany County DCYFMary Ellen Bussey, Senior Caseworker, Children’sServices, Albany County DCYFChristine DeMare, Special Education Liaison,Children’s Services, Albany County DCYFChild Support Establishment,Modification, and Enforcement:Current Issues Facing SupportCollection Unit Counsel(1.5 CLEs will be provided by OTDA.)This session will feature a panel of child supportattorneys discussing a potpourri of current issuesand recent court decisions. The discussion willfocus on practical solutions to barriers to obtaining,modifying and enforcing child support orders.Presenters:Susanne H. Dolin, Esq., Associate Attorney, Officeof Legal Affairs, OTDAEileen Stack, Esq., Deputy Counsel, Office ofLegal Affairs, OTDABrian S. Wootan, Esq., Associate Counsel, Officeof Legal Affairs, OTDAPlanning for the Future: SuccessionPlanning and Executive CoachingThis workshop will highlight two initiatives thatHRA launched over the past few years: successionplanning and executive coaching. These initiativeswill be framed in a discussion around the value toagencies of putting these types of leadership developmentinto place. This presentation will discussthe two step process that HRA instituted aroundsuccession planning: 1) direct interviews with seniorleaders to discuss who is the “next in line” forvarious positions and to identify what developmentthose future leaders might need in the interim; and2) the development and implementation of a curriculumto instruct managers at various levels howto prepare a succession plan and develop staff. Thesecond element will be to discuss the executivecoaching program HRA developed, which isgeared to mid-level managers who have been identifiedas emerging leaders, and highlight the benefitsof the initiative and provide some thoughts asto how smaller localities can put a similar programinto place.

Presenter:Rachel Levine, Executive Deputy Commissioner,Office of Staff Resources, NYC HRAMedicaid Data Warehouse RevisitedThe presenters will provide a status update on theJune 2012 New York State Medicaid Data Warehouse(MDW) implementation and will answerdistrict questions on how the MDW can be made tobe more accessible and useful for users and to helpcarry out important county missions. Time will beallocated for a Q&A session.Presenters:Mike Jabonaski, Deputy Director, NYS MedicaidData Warehouse, NYS DOHKaren Van Cleef, Training and CommunicationsLead, CMA Consulting Services3:00 PMCoffee Break3:30 PM - 5:00 PMConcurrent SessionsFFFS and TRACS 2 Plans: WhoseLine Is It Anyway?This session will explore relationships between theFFFS Plan and necessary TRACS 2 work. The presenterwill expand that to also cover reporting requirementsand TRACS 2 resources, including avisual aid, and will also provide information on theTRACS 2 Plans and the importance of reporting, asit feeds the Performance Accountability matrices.There will be an opportunity to discuss, and hopefullyto resolve, some TRACS 2 system “glitches.”Presenter:Christine Insull, OTDAWestchester County TemporaryAssistance Service DeliveryRestructureIn order to provide necessary services to our customerswhile managing within existing economicconstraints, Westchester County has developed amore efficient model of service delivery as well asInformation Technology strategies to more effectivelymanage caseloads and services, including:• Creation of a Case Management InformationCenter (CMIC) to handle all customer andcommunity inquiries.• Restructuring of the Department’s servicedelivery model for Food Stamps, Medicaid andTemporary Assistance.• Continued Development of our REACH CaseManagement System to streamline processesand increase productivity and accountability.Presenters:Jacqueline Green, REACH Project Manager,Westchester County DSSKaren Vigliotti, Supervising Eligibility Examiner,Westchester County DSSAlice Toro, Eligibility Examiner, WestchesterCounty DSSJose Oseguera, Eligibility Examiner, WestchesterCounty DSSLouise Hough, Assistant Supervising EligibilityExaminer, Westchester County DSSiPads, Apps, and Tablets, Oh My:Emerging Best Practices in MobileTechnologyThere has been increased emphasis on caseworkershaving the ability to access applications and completetasks on mobile devices while in the field.OCFS has piloted the use of tablets within stateand local district staff, and the results are extremelypositive. Additionally, Bring Your OwnDevice, BYOD, is becoming more prevalent.OCFS would like to share best practices with regardto each of these.Presenters:Jack Nabozny, Project Implementation Coordinator,OCFS-ITMike Demars, OCFS-ITPamela Knowles, Acting ISO, OCFS-ITState Medicaid Administration andHealth Insurance ExchangeThis presentation will include an update on activitiesrelated to the transfer of administration of theMedicaid program from the local social servicesdistricts to the Department of Health. The Statewill also provide an update on activities related toimplementation of the New York Health BenefitExchange.Wednesday • January 305

Wednesday • January 30 – Thursday • January 316Presenters:Judy Arnold, Director, Division of Health Reformand Health Insurance Exchange Integration, NYSDOH OHIPWendy Butz, Director, Bureau of Medicaid Enrollmentand Exchange Integration, Division ofHealth Reform and Health Insurance Exchange Integration,NYS DOH OHIPEthical Considerations for the ChildSupport Attorney(1.5 CLES will be provided by OTDA.)This session will provide an interactive discussionof the ethical responsibilities of attorneys representingthe child support collections unit. It willalso focus on the potential conflicts and dilemmaswhich may arise in providing legal services to applicantsfor child support services under SSL 111-g. Best practices for common conflict situationswill be addressed.Presenters:Brian S. Wootan, Esq., Associate Counsel, Officeof Legal Affairs, OTDAEileen Stack, Esq., Deputy Counsel, Office ofLegal Affairs, OTDASusanne H. Dolin, Esq., Associate Attorney, Officeof Legal Affairs, OTDAManaging Vulnerable Populations &Health Care ReformThis is a time of transition and opportunity formanaged care and adult services. This session willexplore how we can use the new opportunitiesunder health care reform to better serve personswith mental illness and developmental disabilitieswho have chronic health care needs. We will discusscare coordination and explore the changingrole of local DSS, managed care, and other systems,and the challenge of supporting vulnerablepopulations who are not compliant with treatment.Presenters:Arthur Johnson, Commissioner, Broome CountyDSS (facilitator)Sheila Poole, Executive Deputy Commissioner,OCFSElizabeth Berlin, Executive Deputy Commissioner,OTDAGregory Allen, Director, Program Developmentand Management, NYS DOH OHIPRobert Myers, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Divisionof Adult Services, OMH5:00 PM - 5:55 PMLocal Commissioners’ PrivateReception6:00 PM - 7:00 PMNetworking Reception7:00 PMDinner on Your OwnThursday • January 317:30 AM - 8:45 AMBreakfast Buffet8:00 AM - 5:00 PMConference Registration9:00 AM - 5:00 PMExhibit Area Open9:00 AM - 10:30 AMConcurrent SessionsUnderstanding the Use of PsychiatricMedication for Children in FosterCare and Residential Treatment -Part 1Dr. Martin Irwin, internationally known child andadolescent psychiatrist, former professor and headof the division of child and adolescent psychiatry atSUNY Upstate, and a visiting professor with BenGurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel,will share insight into his award winning work toreduce over medication for children in foster careand residential treatment. Part 1 will focus on generalprinciples of treatment of children, especiallythose in care, with psychiatric medications and a reviewof effectiveness and side effects of commonlyused psychiatric medications. Part 2 will focus on a

discussion of strategies of decreasing the overuse ofpsychiatric medication, including evidence-basedinformed consent, quality assurance, monitoringsystems, and clinical consultation.Presenter:Martin Irwin, MDLocation 101Review of FPLS, PLS, and other automatedsearches. Skip tracing and using internet to supplementautomated search information for hard-to-locatenon-custodial parents. Review of various freeand pay websites and services. How to constructinternet and information service searches to maximizeresults. Use of information subpoenas in locatingnon-custodial parents.Presenters:Karen A Sicurelli, Bureau Chief, Center for ChildWellbeing, OTDAMonique Rabideau, Bureau Chief, Center forChild Wellbeing, OTDAMRT 1458 – New Populations andBenefits Transitioning to MainstreamManaged CareThis session will focus on the impact on the MainstreamManaged Care program with the continuationof implementation of MRT #1458 year two,including new populations being enrolled, benefitpackage changes, and other updates includingmandatory enrollment expansions, eligibilitychanges that affect managed care enrollment, andmanaged care systems changes.Presenters:Jennifer Dean, Director, Bureau of Program Implementationand Enrollment, NYS DOH OHIPEric Planck, Project Assistant, NYS DOH OHIPSupplemental Nutrition AssistanceProgram (SNAP) RoundtableThis roundtable will provide an opportunity forLDSS SNAP Directors to raise and discuss issuesregarding administration of the SNAP with the Directorof Nutrition Policy, the SNAP Bureau Chief,and the Nutrition Bureau Chief from OTDA. TheDirector will also provide updates on recent releasesand new initiatives.Presenters:Tom Hedderman, Director of Nutrition Policy,OTDAFrances Shannon-Akstull, SNAP Bureau Chief,OTDALisa Irving, Nutrition Bureau Chief, OTDACase Law Update on CPS andPermanency Issues for July 2012 toJanuary 2013(1.5 CLEs anticipated. Application for accreditationof this course in New York will be madeupon completion of the course.)Hear the critical details on new case law in childwelfare covering Abuse, Neglect, Dispositions, andPermanency Hearings.Presenter:Margaret A. Burt, Esq., Counsel to the NYPWAExecutive Budget OverviewBudget experts from OCFS, OTDA, and the HealthDepartment will discuss the Governor’s budgetproposal for 2013-14.Presenters:Elizabeth Dexter-Hinton, Director, Bureau ofBudget Management, OTDADerek Holtzclaw, Director, Bureau of BudgetManagement, OCFSMike Gwizdala, Chief Budgeting Analyst, Bureauof Budget Management, NYS DOHThe OTDA Mental Health ScreeningTool Validation StudyOTDA contracted with the Nathan Kline Institutefor Psychiatric Research through the ResearchFoundation for Mental Hygiene to conduct a validationstudy in selected districts to determine thevalidity and reliability of an abbreviated mentalhealth screening instrument for recipients of PAbenefits. The Modified Mini Screen (MMS) is a 22item scale designed to identify persons in needof an assessment in the domains of Mood Disorders,Anxiety Disorders, and Psychotic Disorders.In this study, the screening process was used to determinethe possible existence of a mental healthcondition that may interfere with an individual’sability to fully participate and successfully engagein work activities and ultimately obtain and/orThursday • January 317

Thursday • January 3110Implementation of Managed LongTerm CareThis session will highlight progress of the MLTCtransition of the PCSP and CDPAP cases in NYC,including how it was handled in terms of systems,notices that were sent, responses to enrollment letters,number of enrollees, numbers that were autoenrolled, number of plans approved statewide, andthe district role.Presenter:Margaret Willard, Deputy Director, Division ofLong Term Care, NYS DOH OHIPAnnette Holm, Deputy Commissioner, Home CareServices Program, NYC HRAChild Welfare Supervision:Learning from BASSICS Pilot SitesThis collaboration between OCFS, a diversestatewide implementation team, six local departmentsof social services, and the federally fundedNortheast and Caribbean Implementation Center ispiloting a model of 21 st century child welfare supervisionand support. Project staff and representativesfrom the pilot sites will discuss the activitiesand learning from the pilot process. Pilot site localimplementation teams direct how each site implementsthe model and selects the focus of supervisorycoaching, skills clinics, and peer networksfrom the competencies areas developed by thestatewide implementation group. Each presenter isalso a member of the statewide ImplementationGroup, which guides the design and sustainabilityof the model of supervision and support system aswell as the transition of the supervisor support systemfrom grant funding to the OCFS training plan.Presenters:Gail Haulenbeek, Director, BASSICS Project,OCFS CWCSGrace Thompson, BASSICS Project Coordinator,OCFS CWCSBarbara Gavin, Children’s Special Services Administrator,Rockland County DSSHelene Etienne, Program Development Director,DCP, NYC ACSCasey Meyer, Deputy Director, Cayuga County DSSKaren Mullin, Grade A Supervisor, JeffersonCounty DSSAddressing Peer Abuse in theWorkplacePeer Abuse (bullying) is one of the major componentswhich leads to workplace violence. Learninghow to address these bad behaviors is instrumentalin preventing an incident of violence in the workplace.This program provides tools for all levels inthe workplace setting.Presenter:Sandra J. King, President, Practical Consultants LLCChild Support Coordinators’Roundtable (2 of 2)This roundtable discussion presents an opportunityto brief LDSSs on emerging child support issuesimpacting policy, program, systems, the processingcenter, and training.Presenters:Lee Sapienza, Bureau Chief, Center for ChildWellbeing, OTDABarbara Ruggirello, Bureau Chief, CCWB,OTDAKaren Sicurelli, Bureau Chief, CCWB, OTDAMatt Hotopp, Bureau Chief, CCWB, OTDAMonique Rabideau, Bureau Chief, CCWB, OTDAJohn McPhillips, Fiscal Specialist, CCWB, OTDAUsing the “Housing First” Model toServe Chronically Homeless Personswith Mental Illness and OtherDisabilitiesResearch shows that approximately 10 percent ofthe adult homeless population uses up to 50 percentof the resources in the homeless services system.Typically, these are single persons with mentalillness, chemical dependency, developmental disabilities,and/or who are in poor physical healthwho repeatedly cycle in and out of housing andtreatment. The “Housing First” model of providingpermanent supportive housing to these chronicallyhomeless persons has been very successful, resultingin housing retention rates of more than 85 percent,reduced hospitalizations for mental illness,increased periods of sobriety, and decreased utilizationof Medicaid funding. Come learn about themodel and how its implementation might reducecosts and increase positive outcomes for the mostdifficult-to-serve clients.

Presenters:Linda Glassman, Deputy Commissioner, Centerfor Specialized Services, OTDATracy Neitzel, Executive Director, Joseph’s Houseand ShelterFiscal RoundtableLocal fiscal administrators and OCFS, OTDA,and DOH staff will address an array of currentfiscal issues.Presenters:Virginia Lattanzio, Chief Accountant, Office ofBudget Finance and Data Management, OTDAJames Carroll, Assistant Director, Bureau of FinancialOperations, OCFSMike Gwizdala, Chief Budgeting Analyst, Bureauof Budget Management, NYS DOH3:00 PMCoffee Break3:30 PM - 5:00 PMConcurrent SessionsEmergency OperationsWe have a learned a lot of things about planningand being prepared to assist the public duringstorms, floods, and earthquakes. We also live in uncertaintimes, and man-made disasters such as anuclear accident or acts of terrorism are also athreat. This session will cover Continuity of OperationsPlans, D-SNAP, and strategies implementedby local districts.Presenters:David Jolly, Commissioner, Orange County DSS(facilitator)Kevin McGuire, Commissioner, WestchesterCounty DSSSusan Sherwood, Commissioner, RocklandCounty DSSJohn Imhof, Ph.D., Commissioner, NassauCounty DSSMichael J. Piazza, Jr., Commissioner, PutnamCounty DSSJohn O'Neill, Deputy Commissioner, SuffolkCounty DSSTransforming Care Delivery throughHealth HomesDeirdre Astin will provide an overview of Medicaid’sHealth Home program and the unique opportunityof local social service districts have to workwith designated Health Homes in their areas.Health Homes are a network of behavioral, physical,and social service providers working togetherto assure Medicaid members with chronic medicaland/or behavioral health conditions have access tocomprehensive care coordination services that willboth improve the member’s health status and helpcreate a more sustainable Medicaid program.Presenter:Deirdre Astin, Health Home Program Manager,Division of Program Development & Management,NYS DOH OHIPChild Support Audits and ReportsDistricts will hear DCSE discussing the 157 andData Reliability Audit, the yearly Self-Assessment,the State Single Audit, and IRS reviews. Learnwhat these mean and what these audits and reportsentail. This session will review each audit and/orreport, the implications of each for districts, andways that district performance impacts each.Presenters:Karen A Sicurelli, Bureau Chief, Center for ChildWell-Being, OTDAJohn McPhillips, Fiscal Specialist, Center forChild Well-Being, OTDALarry Dole, Child Support Specialist 3, Center forChild Well-Being, OTDAJuvenile Justice Reform at theRegional Level, The Monroe CountyModelMonroe County and its OCFS partners will describehow they have formed a strong working relationshipto create sustainable transition plans foryouth returning home from OCFS placement.Presenters:Cindy Lewis, Director, Monroe County DHSRobert Burns, Probation Administrator, Office ofProbation Community CorrectionsFelipe Franco, Deputy Commissioner, OCFS-DJJOYMark Keefe, OCFS-DJJOYTodd Johnson, OCFS-DJJOYThursday • January 3111

Thursday • January 31 – Friday • February 112Reducing Departmental GridlockOrganizations that serve the Public Interest havebeen faced with greater client needs to meet, constrainedresources, heavier caseloads, and changingregulations – you would think cross-departmentalcooperation, out of necessity, would be the bestever. Yet, these demanding and stressful conditionshave actually influenced higher levels of disagreementand gridlock that have made accomplishingdesired outcomes more difficult than ever. Thisprogram examines the six most common team“headaches” and the best remedies to alleviate congestionand “open up” pathways to greater interdepartmentalcooperation.Presenter:Bob Blenn, Organizational Development Consultant,Inspiring Human PotentialLocal DSS Fiscal Policy RoundtableThis session is limited to local districts.Fiscal administrators and fiscally-minded commissionersand program staff will come together todiscuss information presented throughout the conferenceand its impact on social services. Thisforum will provide participants with an opportunityto share best practices and to discuss what otherdistricts have done to put themselves in a better financialposition.Facilitators:Peter Simon, Director of Administrative Services,Dutchess County DSSRobert Franklin, Deputy Commissioner, MonroeCounty DHSmyBenefits/myWorkspace: Survivingthe ImplementationThis session will offer a discussion on how districtscan approach implementation of myBenefits/my-Workspace for TA, SNAP, and HEAP. The workshopincludes an overview of the last year’sreleases and enhancements, as well as a look to thefuture. Also included is a walkthrough of theplanned implementation process, a discussion oftraining including training needs and requirements,and a discussion of recent pilot experiences from aTA, SNAP, and HEAP point of view.Presenters:Inez DeGroat, Deputy Commissioner for FinancialAid, Madison County DSSTara Perry, Principal Social Welfare Examiner,Jefferson County DSSTom Homovich, Director of Upstate Systems Bureau,OTDA/CEESJanet Krak, Training Coordinator, OTDA/CEESKathy Kingsley, Project Manager, OTDA/CEESImmunity and Constitutional Issuesin CPS(1.5 CLEs anticipated. Application for accreditationof this course in New York is currentlypending.)This session will explore the duties of the childprotective worker upon receiving a report of suspectedchild abuse and/or maltreatment under SocialServices Law and NY State Regulations,Policies, and Procedures. What is the status of immunityfor workers in performing those legallymandated investigatory duties? Constitutional issuesand child welfare law regarding rights of childrenand parents will also be discussed.Presenters:Gene D. Skarin, Esq., Child Welfare Counsel andTrainerMargaret A. Burt, Esq., Counsel to the NYPWA6:00 PM - 7:00 PMCocktail Reception • sponsored byThe Albany Marriott Hotel7:00 PM - 9:00 PMAnnual BanquetFriday • February 17:30 AM - 8:45 AMBreakfast Buffet8:00 AM - 11:00 AMConference Registration

Local DSS Commissioners’MeetingsPresiding:Kira Pospesel, NYPWA President Elect7:30 AM - 8:30 AMCommissioners’ Only NetworkingBreakfastArrive by 8:15 AM8:30 AM - 9:30 AMCommissioners’ Meeting & PolicyDiscussion9:30 AM - 11:00 AMMeeting with State Medicaid DirectorLocal DSS Commissioners’ Dialogue withState Medicaid Director, Jason Helgerson,Deputy Commissioner, Office of HealthInsurance Programs, NYS Health Department.11:00 AM - 11:15 AMWrap-Up and Adjourn8:00 AM - 9:15 AMDeputy Commissioners’ LeadershipNetwork MeetingSteering Committee Members:Theresa Giovanniello, Deputy Commissioner,Dutchess County DSSBrian Moore, Director of Services, TemporaryAssistance & Employment, Cortland County DSSDavid Kircher, Deputy Commissioner, AlbanyCounty DSSPatti Anne Kirst, Deputy Commissioner,Chautauqua County DSSHelen DeTiberus, Deputy Commissioner,Schoharie County DSSJohn Redden, Deputy Commissioner, ClintonCounty DSS8:30 AM - 9:30 AMCLE Legal Committee MeetingIndividuals on the committee will take a lead inproviding us with guidance for legal sessions inspecific program areas (child welfare, adult services,child support, Medicaid, Public Assistance)for future sessions to be submitted for CLE consideration.Chaired by Margaret Burt, Counsel to theNYPWA9:30 AM - 11:30 AMAttorneys’ Meeting with StateAgency CounselState Counsel from are invited to meet with localDSS attorneys.Howard Schultz, Chairman, NYPWA Legal Committee9:30 AM - 11:00 AMFiscal Administrators’ Meeting9:30 AM - 11:00 AMProfessional BoundariesThis session will address basic protocols for professionalbehavior. Attendees will learn how best tohandle difficult behavioral displays, how to approachsupervisor-to-staff critical conversations,how to avoid or address insubordination, and tacticsfor resolving conflict. Generational trends andissues with technology usage will also be covered.Presenter:Denise Y. Schaller, Lead Trainer, Schaller SolutionsFriday • February 113

Attorneys’ CLE InformationAttorneys may earn up to 10.5 CLEs by attending seven workshops.OTDA will be providing CLEs for:• Child Support Establishment, Modification, and Enforcement: Current Issues FacingSupport Collection Unit Counsel (1.5 CLEs)• Ethical Considerations for the Child Support Attorney (1.5 CLEs)Application for accreditation of the following courses in New York through the NYS CLE Boardis currently pending:• Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 Guardianships (1.5 CLEs)• Confidentiality of Social Services Records (1.5 CLEs)• Immunity and Constitutional Issues in CPS (1.5 CLEs)Legal Track InformationApplication for accreditation of the following courses in New York through the NYS CLE Boardwill be made upon completion of these courses:• Case Law Update on CPS and Permanency Issues for July 2012 to January 2013(1.5 CLEs)• Case Law Update on Foster Care, TPRs, and Adoptions for July 2012 to January 2013(1.5 CLEs)Please arrive to sessions early for CLE check-in.Handouts for legal workshops will be posted at www.NYPWA.org for you to download, review,and choose which documents to bring to the conference.Attorneys must attend in-person to participate and to qualify for CLEs. Both attorneys andnon-attorneys must bring handouts for legal sessions if they wish to have them at theconference.Documents will be posted in January 2013, approximately one week prior to the conference.To access documents click the "conferences" button on our website, and then click on "legaltrack handouts."All sessions are suitable for transitional and non-transitional attorneys.14The NYPWA Financial Assistance Policy for Continuing Legal EducationThe cost of CLE credits is waived for all social services attorneys who are county or NYC governmentemployees. Attorneys may also request to have the entire conference registration feewaived based on financial hardship criteria. To apply, attorneys must submit a letter authorizedby the local social services commissioner, explaining in detail why this training is essential tothem and include the unique circumstances on why the agency and the attorney do not have thefiscal resources to cover the total fee. The letter should include a request for a specific discount(e.g., 25%, 50%, or 75%) based on need. Financial aid does not cover travel, hotel rooms ormeals. Applications for CLE financial assistance should be sent to info@nypwa.org .

NYPWA’S 144 T HNYPWA CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONANNuAL WINTER CONFERENCEJANuARY 29 - FEBRuARY 1, 2013REGISTRATION INSTRuCTIONS1. Complete the Conference Registration form (upper portion of this page). Complete, detach, and return the upper half of theform to the NYPWA office with your voucher, check, or credit card information.2. Meals ARE included with overnight hotel packages. If you want to order meals only and do not need lodging, use the“Meal Order Form” below. Send it, with payment, directly to the Albany Marriott Hotel by Monday, January 14, 2013.Please note, meals are NOT included with the cost of conference registration; they must be purchased separately. Mealtickets purchased as part of a hotel package will be available at the Marriott front desk under the name listed onthe form. Meal tickets purchased separately from a hotel package can be picked up at the ticket sales window nearthe NYPWA conference registration table.3. Carefully read the Hotel Reservation Policy, noting that the cut-off date for hotel registration is Monday, January 14, 2013.4. Complete the Hotel Registration form with all applicable information - be sure to check the correct rooming package and aThursday banquet entree. Then return the form to the Albany Marriott Hotel.CANCELLATION POLICY: Refund of conference registration fee, less an administrative fee of $15, will be made only when received in writing by January 24, 2013.By After 6 th LDSSJanuary 14 January 14 Registrantr Full Conference $154.00 $169.00 FREEr One-Day $101.00 $109.00 FREEPlease note that meals must be purchased separately.PAYMENT OR vOuCHER MuST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION FORM.Name ______________________________________________________Title ________________________________________________________County/Agency ______________________________________________Address _____________________________________________________City, State, Zip _______________________________________________Phone ___________________ Email _____________________________Payment Type: r Check r voucher r Credit CardCard Type: (vISA or MasterCard)Exp.: ________Number: ______________________________Please submit conference registration form with payment to:NYPWA • 130 WASHINgTON AvENUE • ALBANY, NEW YORk 12210PHONE: 518-465-9305 • FAx: 518-465-5633 • EMAIL: INFO@NYPWA.ORgMEAL ORDER FORMIf you are not reserving a hotel package, all meals must be purchased individually through the Albany Marriott Hotel by completingthis MEAL ORDER FORM. Mail or fax the completed form with payment directly to the hotel.Cancellation Policy is by 8 AM on January 24, 2013, to avoid a charge for all meals ordered.Name: __________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________________County/Agency: ____________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________Phone: __________________________ Fax: __________________________ Email: _______________________________________________Payment : r Check r voucher r Credit Card Card Type: ____________ Exp: ________ Number: _______________________________PRICESELECTIONWEDNESDAY, JANuARY 30Lunch $25.01 rReception $37.51 rTHuRSDAY, JANuARY 31Breakfast $17.99 rLunch $25.01 rBanquet $48.74 rPlease make your entree selection: r Fish r BeefFRIDAY, FEBRuARY 1Breakfast $17.99 rTOTAL AMOuNT ENCLOSED: ________Please state any special dietary needs: ___________________________________________________________Please submit meal form with payment to:ALBANY MARRIOTT HOTEL • 189 WOLF ROAD • ALBANY, NEW YORk 12205PHONE: 518-458-8444 • FAx: 518-482-7809

NYPWA’S 144 T HANNuAL WINTER CONFERENCEJANuARY 29 - FEBRuARY 1, 2013HOTEL REGISTRATION FORMTo reserve a hotel room, please fill out the form below and mail or fax it to the hotel no later than Monday,January 14, 2013. Please review the hotel reservation policy carefully before sending in your reservation.HOTEL RESERvATION POLICY - This form must be used. The form must be faxed or mailed to the Marriott - phone reservationswill not be accepted. All hotel forms must be received by the Albany Marriott no later than Monday, January 14, 2013,at which time the NYPWA room block will be released. Rooms in the conference block may sell out prior to January 14,2013. Hotel reservations made after January 14, 2013, will be accepted subject to availability. Please use one form perreservation.CONFIRMATIONS - To receive a confirmation number please call the Marriott Reservations Line at 1-800-443-8952, sevenbusiness days after submitting your form. Confirmations will NOT be faxed.TAx ExEMPT DOCuMENTATION - Must be provided to the hotel with proper form accompanied with correct method ofpayment.LATE ARRIvALS - For all reservations to be guaranteed for late arrival, a credit card number must be supplied, or full paymentvia a voucher or check must be received by Monday, January 14, 2013.MEAL TICKETS - If you have selected a package that includes meal tickets, they will be available at the Marriott Front Deskupon arrival. The meal tickets will be addressed to the attendee listed on the reservation.HOTEL CANCELLATION/CHANGE POLICY - Please note that the cancellation/change policy for a guest who has selected apackage plan varies from our standard 6 pm day of arrival cancellation policy. Cancellations or modification of packagesmust be received on or before 8 am, January 24, 2013, for a full refund and cancellation. Any changes or cancellations ofpackages received after 8 am on January 24,2013, are not allowed. Packages are non-refundable and cannot be modifiedafter this date.RESERvATION INFORMATION (Please Type or Print)NAME: ______________________________________________COUNTY/AgENCY: ______________________________________ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________________TELEPHONE: __________________ FAx: ___________________EMAIL _______________________________________________ARRIvAL DATE: ____________ DEPARTURE DATE: ____________MARRIOTT REWARDS #: __________________________________IF SHARINGNAME: ______________________________________________TELEPHONE: ___________________ FAx: ___________________EMAIL _______________________________________________MARRIOTT REWARDS #: __________________________________Bedding Requests King 2 DoublesPAYMENT TYPEr CHECk (ENCLOSED) r vOUCHER (ENCLOSED) r CREDITCREDIT CARD: _______________________ ExPIRES: __________NUMBER: ____________________________________________IF SHARINGr CHECk (ENCLOSED) r vOUCHER (ENCLOSED) r CREDITCREDIT CARD: _______________________ ExPIRES: __________NUMBER: ____________________________________________ALBANY MARRIOTT HOTEL189 Wolf Road • Albany, New York 12205Phone: 518-458-8444 • Fax: 518-482-7809r PACKAGE 1: TuESDAY ARRIvAL - FRIDAY DEPARTuREIncludes 3 nights’ lodging: Wednesday - lunch, reception;Thursday - breakfast, lunch, banquet; Friday - breakfastr Single Occupancy...............$574.74 each/$642.66 w/taxr Double Occupancy......…....$378.99 each/$419.51 w/taxThursday Banquet selection: r Fish r Beefr PACKAGE 2: WEDNESDAY ARRIvAL - FRIDAY DEPARTuREIncludes 2 nights’ lodging: Wednesday - lunch, reception;Thursday - breakfast, lunch, banquet; Friday - breakfastr Single Occupancy..............$441.19 each/$490.50 w/taxr Double Occupancy............$310.69 each/$341.82 w/taxThursday Banquet selection: r Fish r Beefr PACKAGE 3: TuESDAY ARRIvAL - THuRSDAY DEPARTuREIncludes 2 nights’ lodging: Wednesday - lunch, reception;Thursday - breakfast, lunchr Single Occupancy...............$373.85 each/$418.47 w/taxr Double Occupancy.............$243.35 each/$269.70 w/taxr ROOM ONLYFor those conferees who wish to stay one night only, thespecial conference room rate will be $159.00 single/double occupancy,$181.26 w/tax. If a second night is needed youwill be charged the hotel selling rate.MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED.Tuesday, January 29 r Single r DoubleWednesday, January 30 r Single r DoubleThursday, January 31 r Single r Doubler Special Needs & Requests (Dietary and/or Rooming):___________________________________________________