B040511
New Hanover County
Board of Social Services
Meeting Minutes
Multi Purpose Room A
10:00a.m. -11:00 a.m.
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Tuesday,
April 5, 2011 at 10:00 in Multi Purpose Room A of the New Hanover County
Department of Social Services.
ATTENDING: John Craig, Chairman; Patrick Riley, Vice Chairman; Evelyn Bryant and
Brian Berger
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Director; Stephanie Monteath, Administrative
Support Specialist
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Craig asked for a motion to
approve the agenda. Mr. Riley moved for approval of the agenda. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Bryant passed unanimously.
Ms. Bryant led the invocation. Mr. Riley led the pledge of allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Craig asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Riley moved to approve
the minutes. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bryant and passed unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
Ms. Bryant asked about the numbers for February 2010 and 2011. Mr. Nesmith noted
folks have a bit more money this time of year because of tax returns. Mr. Riley asked if
unemployment has dropped and affected DSS. Walker Biggs of Employment Security
Commission noted New Hanover County has less unemployment than some areas of
North Carolina but the extended benefits program will be ending in April. This could
impact DSS because many people will no longer be receiving unemployment benefits.
Ms. Bryant noted the group home number dropped and wondered if that was due to the
Family Find program. Mr. Bocnuk explained that last year several group homes closed
which decreased the number of children moving into group homes. No action was taken
by the Board.
John Ranalli explained the new page on the Service Delivery Indicator section for
Program Integrity.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
NC Job Connector
Walker Biggs of the Employment Security Commission presented a power point about
the North Carolina Job Connector program. No action was taken by the Board. Wanda
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Marino noted the Work First program is losing the contracted job coach and feels the Job
Connector program may help fill that gap.
Sexual Abuse/Assault Response Protocol
Wanda Marino let the Board know about an event on April 15th, 2011 where several
different protocols will be signed including the sexual abuse/assault response protocol.
The forum is called "Child Abuse, An Adult Problem" and will take place at the North
East Library from 9AM - 4PM. There will be an amazing guest speaker and the Board is
encouraged to attend.
Foster Care Awareness Proclamation
Alice Moore, supervisor for Foster Care invited the Board to attend the Foster Care
Appreciation picnic at Hugh McRae Park Shelter 2 on May 21, 2011 from 1 IAM - IPM.
Mr. Riley read the Foster Care Awareness Proclamation. Mr. Berger moved to support
the proclamation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Riley and passed unanimously.
Young Williams Contract
Mr. Nesmith noted the contract with Young Williams is expiring and based on the data,
he is endorsing a continuation of the contract. Mr. Riley moved to support the
continuation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berger and passed unanimously.
County Government Month
Angelina Bernard updated the Board that New Hanover County declared April as County
Government Month and starting Wednesday, there will be a department showcase at the
Government Center and several other events celebrating veterans.
Next Meeting Objectives
In-Home Aide Review
Child Support Amnesty Week
Appeal of the General Assistance Policy
J.S. asked to appeal the decision to not give him further General Assistance (GA) funds.
J. S. did not show up to appeal the decision on the April 5, 2011 meeting. Ms. Marino
read over the list of services J.S. has received through Adult Services and General
Assistance. J.S. is not living within his means - to include living in an apartment that
costs more than he brings in income each month. The policy states the maximum any
person can receive of General Assistance each year. J.S. has received beyond the
maximum amount and would like more. Ms. Bryant stated she felt the policy should not
change as the goal is to promote self sufficiency not dependence on DSS. Mr. Berger
concurred the policy should remain the way it is. Ms. Bryant moved to send a letter to
J.S affirming the decision to cap off the General Assistance co-pay and signed by the
Board Chair. The motion was seconded by Mr. Riley and passed unanimously.
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Additional Items
As there were no further items to discuss as provided in G.S. 154A-98-to consider
information that is confidential pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and or G.S. 154A-98, the board
by consensus adjourned at 11:27 p.m.
Respectfully, bmitted,
LaVaughn Nesmith,
Secretary to the Board
U
John E. Craig,
Chairman
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