The effect of this legislation will place additional administrative duties on Adult Protection Services. If the federal government reduces TANF funding, we could be vulnerable once again. We are watching for potential changes in Medical Assistance reimbursement rates that would negatively impact us. Other External Changes and Trends Many trends are changing how we provide services to our clients. New immigrants, chemically dependent women, fetal alcohol syndrome and higher child protection risk criteria for case opening interventions are all key factors.
Child protection is a growing issue.
The higher risk criteria for CFS interventions can put additional pressure on ASD services and high-risk cases tend to increase demand for chemical health and developmental disability services. As persons receive sanctions under welfare reform, there may be an increased dependence on emergency safety nets. We will continue to monitor HCFA's push to require 'competitive' procurement for all MA services which would result in increased cost shifting to voluntary county services. While there are a number of challenges facing Hennepin County's social service system, the Adult Services Department is optimistic about the future. We are actively engaged in anticipating and meeting these challenges and we think that the strategies described in this narrative will position ASD to confront them on favorable terms.