From: SSVF

Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 10:02 AM

To: SSVF

Subject: SSVF Program Update Monday July 10, 2017

Topics:

1. Register Now: SSVF National Webinar on July 13, 2017 at 2:00 PM EDT

2. Quarterly Certifications Now Available in GIFTS – Due July 20, 2017

3. Reminder: Program Change Request Process

4. New: Process for Submitting SSVF Travel and Training Requests

5. VA Fact Sheet: Emergent Mental Care for Former Service Members

Title: National Privacy Guidance for Sharing VA Homeless Program Data with Non-VA Community Providers

Presenters: Nicole Harelik, MPA, MBA, Clinical Operations Homeless, VHA Homeless Programs. John Kuhn, MSW, MPH, National Director, Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Audience: SSVF Grantees, VA Medical Centers (Privacy Officers and Homeless Staff, CoCs, and Community Providers

Webinar Description: This webinar will review VHA’s legal authority to disclose Veteran information and demographics, which is considered protected health information (PHI), to community partners who assist in serving Veterans who are currently homeless or those with a prior episode of homelessness. Specifically, this authority supports By-Name List management and in cases where there is no formal data sharing agreement or prior signed, written authorization from the Veteran, IF the requirements of the legal authorities are followed. Community examples will also be provided.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6671864428749690627

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Participants, who register, even if they are unable to attend, will receive a link to the recording.

Quarterly Certifications Now Available in GIFTS – Due July 20, 2017

The Quarterly Certifications are now available in GIFTS. This certification will cover the second quarter period of 04/1/2017 – 6/30/2017. The certification covers multiple SSVF program requirements including: Compliance with the Final Rule, Grant Agreement, Data Quality, Trainings/Webinars, and Expenditure & HHS Subaccount Drawdowns. Submissions are due no later than July 20th via the GIFTS grants management system.

The SSVF Companion Guide to Quarterly Certifications may be found at:

https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/official_guide/reporting_and_monitoring_requirements

Reminder Program Change Request Process:

All requests for program changes, including budget modifications, must be submitted to the SSVF program office though the GIFTS grant management system. The Program Change requirement form can be submitted until August 15, 2017. Grantees are encouraged to review the Program Change Companion Guide prior to submitting their change request in GIFTS. The Companion Guide provides detailed instructions for completing the Program Change requirement form and includes information on timelines for submission and approval of requests. The link to the Program Change Companion Guide on the SSVF website can be found here:

https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/Companion_Guide_to_Program_Changes_FY2017_Final.pdf

New: Process for Submitting SSVF Travel and Training Requests

The SSVF Program Office has implemented a new process for grantee requests for travel and/or training. This process change will be effective immediately and applies to all travel and training over $200. In order to assist grantees, the Program Office is pleased to provide two guidance tools for grantees.

1. Overview of the New Travel and Training Request Process

2. Companion Guide for Travel and Training Requests

SSVF grantees are required to submit requests to use SSVF grant funds for the purpose of participating in events that are not mandated by VA under the SSVF grant agreement and approved budget. Such events are conferences, trainings, or meetings that require the use of SSVF funds, beyond budgeted personnel and regular duty expenses, in order for staff to participate. The new Travel and Training Request form can be found in the online grants management system (GIFTS); the form will allow grantees to submit requests for travel and also training authorization to the SSVF Program Office through GIFTS.

The Travel and Training Request form should be submitted for any travel or training that has a combined value of more than $200.00 and has not been mandated by the VA. VA mandated training includes SSVF Regional Meetings and SSVF Program Launches; travel and training authorization is not required for these mandated trainings. Please review the tools provided. If you have additional questions, please contact your Regional Coordinator.

The Link to the Companion Guide for Travel and Training Requests on the SSVF website can be found here:

https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_Companion_Guide_TravelandTrainingRequest_FY17_Final.pdf

The Link to the SSVF travel and Training Request Process recording on the SSVF website can be found here:

https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_TravelandTraining_Webinar_Audio_FINAL.pdf

VA Fact Sheet: Emergent Mental Care for Former Service Members

VA has issued national guidance on Emergent Mental Care for Former Service Members. This fact sheet is designed to explain services available to former service members with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative discharges and urgent mental health needs. Please review with staff so as to facilitate referrals as indicated. The fact sheet is attached to this update and also available on the SSVF website at:

https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.asp?page=/official_guide/supportive_service - under Connection to VA resources.

Thank you,

SSVF Program Office

NOTE: If you are receiving this email in error, please disregard. We request your patience as the SSVF Program Office continues to address system issues with the grants management database.