Greetings CPA Providers,

As discussed during our SAFE webinar hosted on July 9, 2019 with our SAFE Partners and the Office of Provider Management (OPM), the Division is preparing for the statewide implementation of the SAFE Model within our SHINES system on July 20, 2019. OPM learned today that the SAFE deployment in SHINES will be delayed. 

For all initials / “new” families, providers are allowed to utilize the traditional process until September 30, 2019.  As of October 1, 2019, the entire state of Georgia will be required to utilize the SAFE model only.  In regards to processing of initial “new” families, below is the following process to ensure that all prospective foster homes that are currently in progress are processed in the “traditional” format before the implementation of the SAFE Model. Please adhere to the following steps to ensure that prospective homes are processed under the “traditional” approval process:

• Complete the initial inquiry process in GA+SCORE for each prospective family;
• Send an email to opm.leadership@dhs.ga.gov with a list of all of the prospective families that were entered into GA+SCORE system.

All re-evaluations processed after August 1, 2019 will have to utilize the SAFE Model. OPM is requesting all re-evaluations due in the month of July be submitted by midnight on July 27, 2019.

Thanks,

The Office of Provider Management