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HomeMy WebLinkAboutB102605 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES • MINUTES OCTOBER 26, 2005 The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 9:00 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the New Hanover County Department of Social Services. ATTENDING: Frankie Roberts, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice Chairman; Ann Pitts; F. Wayne Morris ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Stephanie Monteath, Assistant to the Director The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. Mr. Caster moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Pitts and passed unanimously. Mr. Roberts delivered the invocation and Mr. Morris led the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Caster moved for approval of the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Pitts and passed unanimously. Mr. Caster then read the approved Adoption Awareness ® Month Proclamation. INFORMATION AGENDA Service Awards Alice Moore and Mary Beth Rubright were recognized for 5 years of service with New Hanover County. Cynthia Grindstaff was recognized for 10 years of service. Mary Beth Strickland was recognized for 15 years of service. Gloria Bowden was recognized for 20 years of service. Personnel Change Report Stephanie Monteath introduced new employees: Candy Gore, Heidi Laufer, Frances Caston, Dorothy Smaldone, Sara Karanikos and Heather Copley. Promotions Mary John Brantley was recognized for her promotion from Economic Services Supervisor to Economic Services Manager (Chief) in Food Stamps and Adult Medicaid. Asami Martin was recognized for her promotion from Administrative Support Technician to Administrative Support Specialist in Personnel/Payroll. i Item 2 Page 1 Minutes October 26, 2005 Page 2 of 3 Significant Services Delivery Indicators (SSDI) for September 2005 The Board reviewed the SSDI report for September 2005. Mr. Caster commented on the number of new clients in 2005 as compared to 2004. Mr. Nesmith noted that the amount of children in custody of DSS is fewer than 500 for the first time in many years. County Budget Expenditure Report for September 2005 The County Budget Expenditure report for September 2005 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments. Medicaid Family Planning Waiver Policy Karen Vincent gave a brief summary of the Medicaid Family Planning Waiver Policy. Mrs. Pitts asked if there were any participants yet. Liz Schulz verified that there are many people participating in the program. Child Care Community Forum Update Liz Schulz reviewed the highlights of the Child Care Community Forum. Ms. Schulz said there was good representation from a cross section of the community. The • participants of the forum decided that the Share the Care Initiative is something that the group would like to put more energy into. The group also discussed trying to mount a campaign to utilize more of the Faith Community. Ms. Schulz explained that the group is really making an effort to get the word out about child care to the media. Mrs. Pitts suggested that public housing development recreation centers may be an ideal place to house child care centers. STRATEGIC/ACTION AGENDA Leading by Results Indicator Update - Work First The board members watched the "Poverty Tour," a short video presentation breaking down the costs of living for families living in poverty. Christine McNamee reviewed the Leading by Results indicator for Work First. Ms. McNamee shared some statistics from Work First. In Fiscal Year 2004-2005, 14.61% of able bodied adults were assisted in finding work in New Hanover County. In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2005-2006, 31.7% of able bodied adults have been assisted in finding work in New Hanover County. The target for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 is for 75% of able bodied adults to find employment. The second goal for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 is to keep people employed and not have them return to the program after six months. Ann Barkley shared how her section is using prevention services to help with the Work First goals by front loading services, keeping one worker with one family, etc. The Prevention Unit has dedicated one social worker as a Job Retention Specialist. As well, this unit has developed partnerships with Cape Fear Community College and the Employment Security Commission. Ms. Barkley went on to explain that a challenge for Item 2 Page 2 Minutes October 26, 2005 Page 3 of 3 • this program has been assisting adults with mental health and/or substance abuse problems who bring in medical statements from their physicians stating that are unable to work. It is mandatory that the above population be served under the Work First program. Ms. Barkley explained that a second challenge for the program occurred when welfare reform switched its focus from education to work. As a result of this reform the people being served by this program do not have the skills or education they need to obtain and retain a job. Lastly, Ms. Barkley explained that the jobs available (for adults with minimal education) do not pay well and do not offer benefits. As a result, clients still end up needing all sorts of services (benefit diversion, child care, food stamps etc.) even after they get a job. Mr. Caster asked to sit down with Ms. McNamee to go over the Leading by Results indicators to gain a clearer understanding of the definitions. Ms. McNamee agreed to this and gave a short summation of some acronyms. NEXT MEETING OBJECTIVES • Leading by Results Indicator Update - Medicaid • NC Fast Update BOARD SELF-EVALUATION • Each member of the Board completed the self-evaluation. ADDITIONAL ITEMS Mr. Roberts moved to enter closed session as provided in G.S. 143-318.11, to consider information that is confidential pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and/or G.S. 154A-98. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caster and passed unanimously. The Board entered closed session at 10:14 a.m. The Board returned to open session at 11:02 a.m. There being no further business the Board by consensus adjourned. Re pe ful sub itted LaVaughn Nesmit Secretary to the Board Frankie efts • Chairm Date approved: LN: scm B 102605 Item 2 Page 3