KRS 199.665: Performance-based contracting for child-caring facilities and child-placing

agencies -- Study group -- Implementation -- Administrative regulations.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires;

(a) "Cabinet" means the Cabinet for Health and Family Services;

(b) "Performance-based contracting" means an approach that stresses permanency

outcomes for children and utilizes a payment structure that reinforces provider

agencies' efforts to offer services that improve the outcomes for children; and

(c) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family

Services.

(2) The secretary shall designate a study group to make recommendations regarding the

creation and implementation of performance -based contracting for licensed child -

caring facilities and child-placing agencies in the Commonwealth.

(3) The study group shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The secretary;

(b) The commissioner for the Department for Community Based Services;

(c) The director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, or designee;

(d) The executive director of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood, or

designee;

(e) One (1) adult who was a former foster child in the Commonwealth;

(f) One (1) adult who is a current or former foster parent in the Commonwealth;

(g) Two (2) employees of a licensed child-placing agency;

(h) Two (2) employees of a licensed child-caring facility; and

(i) Any personnel within the Department for Community Based Services that the

secretary deems necessary.

(4) In its deliberations, the study group shall include but not be limited to analysis of

improved timeliness and likelihood of permanency su ch as reunification, adoption,

or guardianship; fewer moves for children in foster care; and reduced instances of

reentry into care.

(5) The study group shall report its recommendations by December 1, 2018. The study

group shall cease to operate after the delivery of the recommendations required by

this subsection.

(6) By July 1, 2019, the cabinet shall:

(a) Establish and implement performance -based contracting for licensed child -

caring facilities and child -placing agencies that contract with the department

for services; and

(b) Apply and implement all standards, processes, and procedures established for

performance-based contracting for licensed child -caring facilities and child -

placing agencies in accordance with paragraph (a) of this subsection to all

other cabinet-operated programs that are like those operated by child -caring

facilities and child-placing agencies.

(7) The cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations to implement this section.