Barrier Busters Utilization Recommendations

Recommendation 1 : Institution of Cap

It is the recommendation of the Utilization Subcommittee that Barrier Busters not implement a cap system for fund requests. Institution of a cap would reduce agencies flexibility, and could further complicate the request process. It is the conclusion of the Subcommittee that improving other aspects of the request process would be more effective in ensuring proper fund usage. Barrier Busters should continue to assess each clients situation on an individual basis.

Draft Recommendation 2 : Request Process

It is the recommendation of the Utilization Subcommittee that changes be instituted in the request process, so that more consistency in requests is possible and so that funds are used most effectively. Firstly, specific changes to the Encompass form, to be approved by Barrier Busters, would contribute significantly to the clarity and usefulness of the request form. Secondly, regular audits by an impartial party should be implemented, so that long-term consistency is encouraged. Thirdly, Barrier Busters should designate two standing agenda items in order to better utilize meeting time and improve Barrier Buster request processes: 1. Regular Case Review and 2. Information Sharing and Community Resources Updates.

Draft Recommendation 3 : Repeat Requests

While it is the stated policy of Barrier Busters that The consumer may receive funds from the Emergency Unmet Needs fund once every 12 months, the Utilization Subcommittee raised concerns regarding the waiver to this guideline (This requirement may be waived at the request of the referring agency.). However,after a review of the history of all requests, the Subcommittee learned that repeat requests have remained roughly steady since 2004, at approximately 7% of all requests.  With such a small number of cases concerned, it is clear that no additional oversight of repeat requests is necessary. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the Utilization Subcommittee that Barrier Busters not impose any additional limitations for repeat requests to the Barrier Busters fund.

Updated 13 July 2007 3:00 pm.