Chair Stevens asks how providers learn about additional Fair Futures funding availability
Stevens asks how ACS communicates to providers that they can request additional funding. Mendez explains the contract management unit works with providers on budgets and will ensure agencies know they can discuss additional needs. Commissioner Jones-Gaston commits to creating new provider feedback mechanisms.
So we are growing.
We're just kind of.
Creating a more of a runway to that growth.
And even to your point there around, like providers can come if they need additional growth, because I know this was a conversation we were having with the last commissioner where providers weren't coming and saying that they needed additional
funding or supports or whatever.
How are we communicating that to providers?
Because that is one of the things that providers are saying that they didn't know even was possible.
So within the Division of Family Permanency,
We have a contract management unit, and they work with the providers around their budgets.
So the providers are very vocal when they're having questions or they want to figure out the budget.
So that is that conference, that conversation, and we work on their budget.
We look at their budget narrative.
So I will make sure the team communicates to each agency because we go over each of their budgets that if you feel you need more for fair futures or for anything, let's talk so that we can make sure that they can.
Soundly do the work that they need to do.
Sorry, Chair.
I just wanted to add, you know, in my role, I intend to have
different mechanisms for being able to spend time and have conversations and hear from providers in a variety of ways, in addition to each of the various programmatic areas and their relationship and contact on the nitty-gritty of the contract.
That is one of the commitments I've made.
That's good to hear.