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Home My WebLink AboutB101106 New Hanover County Board of Social Services Minutes October 11, 2006 The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in Multipurpose Room A in the Department of Social Services. ATTENDING: Bill Caster, Vice Chairman; John Craig; Ann Pitts ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Stephanie Monteath, Assistant to the Director The Vice Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Craig moved for approval of the agenda. The motion to approve was seconded by Mrs. Pitts and passed unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Craig moved for the approval of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Pitts and passed unanimously. INFORMATION AGENDA New Hires Stephanie Monteath introduce the following new hires: Deborah Benton, Temporary Economic Services Caseworker; Maria Brown, Economic Services Caseworker Zone 2; Cherie Couse, Social Worker; Tarasha Lloyd, Temporary Economic Caseworker; Emika Barbour, Social Worker; Julie Nemmers, Administrative Support Technician; Jette' Ferrell, Fiscal Support Technician. Promotions Stephanie Monteath introduced Roxanne Paluso who was promoted to Food Stamps Supervisor. SSDI Mr. Nesmith shared information about the 10 year study Mr. Caster had asked for. The data showed no trends. September transportation data was not completed in the SSDI as some of the information can not be compiled until later in the month. Mr. Caster also inquired about the Child Care Subsidy decrease. Mr. Oxendine responded that the decreased number reflected both a decrease in available subsidy funding and the return of some children to school. STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA Ms. Marino shared that November is Adoption Awareness Month and asked the Board to Page 2 of 2 approve the Adoption Awareness proclamation. Julie Steinbeck invited the Board to an Adoption Awareness event at Hugh McCrae Park. Bill Caster suggested contacting Mark Boyer to announce the event to the public. Bill Caster read the Adoption Awareness Proclamation. John Craig moved to approve the proclamation. The motion was seconded by Ann Pitts and passed unanimously. Wanda Marino, Chris McNamee and Pat Jessup presented information on Leading by Results Indicator Update for the Multiple Response System. Chris McNamee handed out an updated Leading by Results Task Force booklet highlighting how LBR has become incorporated into the agency's management strategy. Ms. Marino shared how MRS strategies have assisted with gaps left by mental health reform. Ms. Marino noted the MRS process in working together with law enforcement to lessen stress while interviewing a child has been very successful. DSS has fully implemented Shared Parenting since the last MRS update. Mr. Marino explained the difference between Assessment and Forensic tracks as a response to a child neglect/abuse reports. Pat Jessup reviewed MRS accomplishments for FY 05/06. Ms. Jessup discussed challenges with recidivism. Mrs. Pitts asked what happens to children whose parents with no previous services from DSS call the agency and say they can't handle their teenager and want DSS to take custody. Pat explained different strategies the agency employs to deal with those situations. Ms. Marino added that Child Support Enforcement works to ensure biological parents support children while in DSS custody in those situations. Ms. Marino discussed the successes of the Prevention unit. Ms. Jessup noted that the increased use of heroin and Methamphetamine has impacted on the rate of domestic violence and CPS reports in our community. Pat Jessup shared that a more diverse community has presented a challenge due to cultural differences which have legal ramifications in the United States. The presentation ended with an overview of strategies used, including outreach and contracts with outside agencies, to keep families intact. NEXT MEETING OBJECTIVES Funding Streams and Personnel Report - Result 6 Part 1 As there were no items to discuss in closed session as provided in G. S. 143-318.11 pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and/or G.C. 154A-98, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00a.m. Respectful , LaVaughn Nesmith Secretary to the Board Frankie Roberts Chairman Date approved: