Definitions

As used in 101 CMR 421.00, unless the context requires otherwise, terms have the meanings in 101 CMR 421.02. Assertive Treatment and Relapse Prevention. A supportive housing program for persons at risk of homelessness, who have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance-related addictive disorders. The model is an intensive clinical outreach service designed to provide individualized support in community housing placements. The intensive clinical outreach services promote housing retention, assistance in accessing treatment, and other resources so that the individuals served can achieve recovery. Client. An individual who receives adult housing and community support services purchased by a governmental unit. Cost Report. The documentation used to report costs and other financial and statistical data. The Uniform Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report (UFR) is used when required. Dual Diagnosis Shelter. This service model is a specialized shelter for homeless individuals who have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance-related addictive disorders. The specialized shelter provides emergency beds and clinical support. Staffing is provided 24 hours a day and seven days a week. On-site shelter support includes assessment of needs, service coordination, crisis intervention, assistance with activities of daily living, assistance with medication, and nutritional education. Enrolled Month. In general, an enrolled month is the unit of service used to bill the governmental unit, applicable in homeless support services where there are specialized residential supports in a system of closed referrals. An enrolled month is a calendar month where an enrolled client is authorized by the governmental unit to receive services, including lease management or lease management with other supportive services as determined by the governmental unit. EOHHS. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services established under M.G.L. c. 6A. Governmental Unit. The Commonwealth, any board, commission, department, division, or agency of the Commonwealth and any political subdivision of the Commonwealth. Housing Options Program. Low-intensity services for homeless individuals with disabilities who qualify for specialized housing subsidies with supportive services. Level 1 services include assistance in maintaining housing subsidies provided by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Level 2 services include supportive help with life tasks, such as ensuring adequate food, paying bills, mediation with landlords, and/or help with social interactions with the goal of housing retention. Outreach and Engagement Services. These services, provided by an outreach team, focus on making contact in the community with individuals who are experiencing homelessness in an effort to engage them and facilitate referrals for essential treatment, including behavioral health and primary care, employment services, housing, and assistance in applying for benefits for which they may be eligible. Services include engagement, assessments, crisis intervention, and information and referral. Program Staffing Supports. This service provides direct care staffing assistance to help ensure successful outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness. The service is typically provided as a part of a larger project of which the governmental unit purchasing the service is a funding partner. Direct care staff may range from nonspecialized to licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSW). Provider. Any individual, group, partnership, trust, corporation, or other legal entity that offers services for purchase by a governmental unit and that meets the conditions of purchase or licensure that have been adopted by a purchasing governmental unit. Reporting Year. The provider's fiscal year for which costs incurred are reported to the Operational Services Division on the Uniform Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report (UFR). Safe Haven. This service model is an alternative to shelter for individuals whose symptoms of mental illness make it difficult to use shelters and who may have otherwise been sleeping outdoors. Safe Haven programs are residential in design, transitional in nature, and are targeted for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Services beyond housing include help with benefits, other housing applications, social support, and crisis intervention, with staffing provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of stabilization and assistance in transitioning into long-term housing.