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Specialized Placement Division

Specialized Placement Division 

The Specialized Placement Division is responsible for statewide residential and shelter placement functions for children in foster care. SPD addresses systemic residential-based treatment challenges and needs, particularly for youth with complex behavioral health needs. In addition, SPD monitors, identifies needs, trends, barriers and strategies to support youth in congregate care to enhance programming and identify solutions and resources. The Division provides supports to help transition youth out of congregate care settings and align closely with departmental behavioral health resources.

Residential & Community Based Placement - Section Manager, DeMona Willingham-Davis

Direct oversight and monitoring of the placement of youth in specialized residential, shelter and intensive community placement statewide. Oversight and analysis of placement tracking and trends and making recommendations for program changes based on trends. Engagement with statewide partners to improve placement practices and opportunities for children and youth.

Placement Oversight & Support - Unit Manager, Kim DeHaven

 Manage and monitor unit operations and activities involving incoming requests for statewide placements youth in shelter, residential treatment, specialized community and reintegration homes, and facilitate shelter care and management of shelter beds and transitions. Manage, track, and ensure timely submissions of referrals to the independent third-party assessment contractor for determining appropriate level of care. Manage data integrity: ensure placement related data, clinical support data, hospital emergency department and inpatient hospital stays, and transitions in care data are collected, maintained and accurate. Participate in the development of reports and updates and develop tracking management tools utilized by foster care, children’s protective services, bureau clinical support.