B01172012 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. January
17. 2012 at 10:00 in Multi Purpose Rooms B-"C of the New Hanover County Department of
Social Services.
ATTENDING: John Craig. Chairman: Patrick Riley. Vice Chairman: Diana Woolley and
Jonathan Barfield. Jr.
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith. Secretary to the Board: Stephanie Monteath.
Assistant to the Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Craig asked for a motion to approve
the agenda. Mr. Barfield moved for approval of the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Riley and passed unanimously.
Mr. Nesmith 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
consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barfield and passed unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
Retiring employees Dave Smith and Angela Robinson were recognized for excellent service.
Ms. Woolley noted the rise in Emergency Financial Assistance. Substantiation of abuse:neglect
cases and Adult Services cases in the Significant Service Delivery Indicators (SSDI). Wanda
Marino explained that the hospital. family members and neighbors all make reports on adults
who are self neglecting.
Director Nesmith and Chris McNamee discussed Child Care Subsidy. Mr. Barfield asked for
clarification about eligibility for Child Care Subsidy. Ms. McNamee explained the process of
re-certifications and eligibility.
Karen Graham reviewed the monthly budget expenditures.
No action was taken by the Board.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Leading By Results
Patricia Robinson explained that Leading By Results is the management tool used by the
Department of Social Services to measure successes. deficits and budget implications.
Christine McNamee explained that Economic Services has been extremely successful in
meeting the goals of connecting potentially eligible people to services at DSS. noting that
numbers of program participants have more than doubled but staff working the programs have
not. She discussed strategies. including new technology that is implemented to assist staff in
addressing the increasing service demands.
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Ms. Marino discussed the increase in the aging population that are trying to "ace in place- and
stay in their homes but are often incapable of caring for themselves.
Ms. Marino also discussed an increase in repeat maltreatment of children. exacerbated by the
decrease in mental health serN ices aN ailable for families.
Ms. Marino lastly discussed families with a confirmed report that previously had an
unconfirmed report in the past. Families seem to be struggling economically. with cases of
substance abuse and domestic violence. Ms. Marino noted the Prevention Social Work unit
played a key role in helping families before they ended up with substantiation or a removal by
front loading services.
Ms. Woolley asked for clarification about mental health services and leveled facilities. Ms.
Marino responded. Brian Bocnuk clarified that leveled placements will discharge children
exhibiting certain sexually explicit behaviors and the children end up out of state as NC doesn't
have sufficient facilities that provide the needed mental health services for those children.
Nesmith requested the Board postpone February's meeting until a later date to enable the
agency to incorporate State estimated budget numbers:mandates for the budget.
Mr. Barfield moved to hold the budget retreat on the 29111 of February from 10A-2P in lieu of the
Board meeting scheduled the 21'1 The motion was seconded by Ms. Woolley and passed
unanimously.
Next Meeting Objectives
Budget Retreat 02'29'2011
Additional Items
Ms. AWoolley noted the Board Chair's term will expire in June. Nesmith explained that
advertising usually begins in April and the Board would need to have a plan of action by March.
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 12:18 PM
Respectfully u.bmitted.
LaVaugh i Nesmith.
Secretary to the Board
John E. Craig.
Chairman