B101106
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
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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: