B102605
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.
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Minutes
October 26, 2005
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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
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Minutes
October 26, 2005
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• 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
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