The CBC Partnership:

Mental health services to children who have been abused and neglected is critical to their well being and to any hope of finding them a permanent home. Historically these services have been disconnected from the goals of permanency and safety. In 2004 the Florida Legislature authorized the development of a Medicaid funded mental health services plan managed by the child welfare community based care (CBC) lead agencies. Under this new Child Welfare Prepaid Mental Health Plan (CWPMHP), mental health services to these children are directly connected to preparing them for a successful life and a permanent home.

The plan was implemented in February 2007 under a contract with the Community Based Care Partnership, LTD (the CBC Partnership). The CBC Partnership has two general partners, Community Based Care of Seminole, Inc. (a CBC lead agency) and Magellan Behavioral Health of Florida (the managed care organization) with the other community based care lead agencies as limited partners. This is a shared governance model with the Operating Committee made up of 50% Magellan representatives and 50% CBC lead agency representatives.

This major change in services to children in the child welfare system has dramatically changed the mental health service delivery system for abused and neglected children. Prior to these changes a child welfare worker referred a child and/or family to a provider for mental health services. The provider determined the appropriate services and level of care needs. With the newly implemented system, the CBC lead agency leads a family case conference with family members, child advocates, community and family supports, legal representatives including Guardians ad Litem, and mental health providers to determine what services best address the needs of the child. This process provides a first line of review for services as well as assuring that everyone involved in the community are reviewing the child's progress and are informed.

From February 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, the CBC Partnership has been responsible for service delivery to over 20,000 enrollees across Florida who are in the care or custody of the CBC lead agencies. The CBC Partnership paid claim during that same period of time in excess of $3 million per month for direct care with an average of 300,000 services provided each month.

During the 2008 Florida legislative session, the Legislature voted to add Hillsborough County (Tampa) due to that community's awareness of the success of the CWPMHP in other areas of the state and their need to have the same integrated system.