B050311
New Hanover County
® Board of Social Services
Meeting Minutes
May 3, 2011
Multi Purpose Room A
10 AM -11 AM
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Tuesday,
May 3, 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;
Brian Berger and Diana Woolley
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Stephanie
Monteath, Assistant to the Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 10:02 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. Woolley passed unanimously.
Mr. Nesmith led the invocation. Ms. Woolley 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. Woolley and passed
unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
Stephanie Monteath recognized new employees and employees receiving service
awards. Mr. Nesmith recognized two social workers that were given the Sunrise
Award for exceptional customer service; Roger Sala and Laura Ankrah. Ms. Woolley
noted the increase in Emergency Financial Assistance. Ms. Marino confirmed this is
due to the declining economy. It was also noted Protective Service numbers have
increased. Ms. Marino noted that in March 2011 DSS took custody of 17 children. It
was noted 2011 is the first year numbers have been tracked for Program Integrity.
Ms. Graham clarified several numbers from the Expenditure Review and explained
that the agency is not allowed to tap into the Administrative Reserve funds. Ms.
Woolley would like to see the increased insurance costs come from a funding source
other than salary lag but the line item was identified by the Budget Department.
Ms. Woolley congratulated the staff of DSS for their role in getting the Child Abuse
i Prevention protocols passed in New Hanover County.
No action was taken by the Board.
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STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
In Home Aide Review
Wanda Marino, Leslie Smiley and Wilma Daniels presented information about the In-
Home Aide review. A survey was attached which is completed at the annual re-
assessment and reviewed by Ms. Daniels and Ms. Smiley. Although the survey results
show that participants are pleased with the service provided they would like more
cleaning and health assistance, which falls outside the scope of responsibility of DSS
staff.
Based on the review, NHCDSS was found in compliance of mandates. In Home
Aides clearly state the date and time they will be providing assistance to the client so
that all parties are clear. Eligibility for In Home Aide services is not income based.
Ms. Smiley read a letter of thanks from a client to In Home Aide Dorothy Stewart.
Ms. Bryant asked if there was a limit to the time a person can receive the In-Home
Aide services. People can receive services for as long as they are eligible or until
their condition worsens to the point they can no longer live independently at home.
There is a waiting list of people wishing to receive services. Ms. Woolley asked how
many staff is needed for this unit. DSS is unable to add staff to this unit due to the
limitations of needing social work oversight.
Child Support Amnesty Week
Ms. Harrell discussed Child Support Amnesty Week. She explained that many
people didn't know there was an order for arrest due to outstanding child support
payments. During Amnesty Week, a person is notified by letter that they have an
order for arrest but can have that recalled if they make their payments. Ms.
McNamee clarified when a person is in jail; the ability to pay child support lessens.
Patrick Riley asked if it could be Child Support Amnesty Month. Ms. Harrell
explained people wait until the last week of the month when given a whole month as
there is no sense of urgency. Persons who respond after that one week are considered
for amnesty also.
Additional Items
Ms. Woolley moved to enter closed session as provided in G.S. 154A-98 to consider
information that is confidential pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and or G.S. 154A-98Mr.
Riley seconded the motion. The Board entered closed session at 10:36A.M.
The Board returned to open session at 10:56A.M.
Ms. Woolley moved that neither DSS nor Young Williams staff speak with client
M.L. about Child Support appeals any further until he retains counsel and note it is
the will of the Board of DSS. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bryant and passed
with a unanimous Aye.
Next Meeting Objectives
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Elder Abuse Prevention Month
Title XIX Medicaid Transportation "No Show" policy
Additional Items
As there were no further items to discuss, Mr. Craig asked for a motion to adjourn.
Ms. Woolley moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Riley
and passed unanimously at 10:58.
Respectfully mi ted,
LaVaughn Nesmith,
Secretary to the Board
John E. Craig,
Chairman
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