Peer Case Management Institute and Certification Rules Approval Resolution of 2025
Summary
This resolution approves final Department of Human Services rules creating the Peer Case Management Institute (PCMI) and the Peer Case Manager Certification within the District’s homeless services system. The PCMI is designed to train District residents with lived experience of homelessness to work as peer case managers for DHS-funded Continuum of Care providers, including homeless services agencies and certain Medicaid-reimbursable housing stabilization and navigation providers.
The rules set out the program’s eligibility, application, selection, training, practicum, dismissal, and certification requirements. To participate, an applicant must be a District resident age 18 or older and either a current or former consumer of CoC services or someone who has experienced homelessness. Participants must complete at least 120 hours of classroom training and an 80-hour field practicum before receiving certification. The rules also allow a Department-funded CoC provider to substitute the certification for certain education and work requirements in its job postings under DHS contracts.
Impact
The resolution gives Council approval to new Chapter 114 of Title 29 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations, thereby authorizing DHS to implement the PCMI and issue Peer Case Manager Certifications. It affects DHS, homeless services providers in the Continuum of Care, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness who seek employment in case management roles. The rules do not create a license or guarantee employment, but they can change hiring standards for participating providers by allowing the certification to stand in place of some education and work requirements. The fiscal impact statement estimates program costs over FY 2026-FY 2029 and indicates implementation depends on available funding and completion of required review periods.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears favorable and supportive. The Mayor urges prompt approval, the Attorney General found the resolution legally sufficient, and the final rules reportedly drew no public comments. The program is framed as a workforce-development and service-quality initiative that leverages lived experience to improve homeless services and create employment pathways.
Contention
There is little visible opposition in the record, but the main policy questions are operational rather than ideological. The rules give DHS broad authority over selection, training standards, practicum evaluation, and whether providers may use the certification in hiring, which could matter to providers and applicants. The program also imposes dismissal standards and requires successful completion of both classroom and field components, so the practical burden of meeting those requirements may be a point of concern for participants. No committee debate or recorded votes are included, so no specific contested positions are documented.