California Association of Public Authorities for IHSS

IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) is a state program, administered by each county in California for the provision of in-home care workers hired by low-income, blind, aged or disabled individuals requiring non-medical personal care such as bathing, feeding, dressing, and/or domestic services such as shopping, cooking, and housework to remain safely in their own homes.The California Association of Public Authorities (CAPA) supports its members and provides leadership that promotes the availability of services and the rights of older adults and persons with disabilities to live with independence and dignity. To this end, CAPA develops and supports public policy and legislation to improve IHSS, and to improve personal assistance services, primarily in the independent provider mode. More specifically CAPA:- Develops and supports public policy and legislation to improve IHSS, and to improve personal assistance services, primarily in the independent provider mode;- Promotes the independence of seniors and people with disabilities.- Prevents inappropriate, premature placement of consumers in institutions (i.e. skilled nursing facilities, community care facilities or hospitals);- Provides assistance, information, training, and technical advice to its members;- Promotes the welfare and general interest of the members; and- Facilitates effective communication between and among Public Authorities, and county, state, and federal administrative agencies, including the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices.There are 56 Public Authority IHSS agencies throughout California's 58 counties. They serve approximately 600,000 consumers and 520,000 caregivers.During the year ended June 30, 2023, CAPA created a strategic plan for 2023-2028, launched a new website, created an on-boarding toolkit for new directors, and hosted a Collective Bargaining Workshop.Continuing goals include:1. Advocate for policies that support IHSS Public Authorities ability to provide quality In- Home Supportive Services to consumers2. Support the Master Plan on Aging (MPA) initiatives3. Prioritize provider recruitment as an ongoing effort year-round4. Support policies against ageism and ableism5. Collect and share meaningful and relative data to convey the value of IHSS Public Authorities (PAs)6. Offer professional development for PA directors and staff7. Create opportunities for peer training8. Expand educational resources for IHSS Public Authorities9. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with legislators and CDSS10. Create a leadership succession plan11. Strengthen strategic partnerships12. Maintain financial sustainability13. Create opportunities for PA Directors and staff to share information and resources