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6 <br /> NCACC Health and Human Services Policy Statement <br /> Guiding Principles <br /> • Essential health and human services should be financed through state or federal revenues to <br /> ensure statewide availability and consistency. <br /> • Counties must be actively engaged in setting health and human services policy and program � <br /> req u irements. <br /> • Health and human services programs should encourage responsible behavior and should be <br /> targeted to those citizens least able to care for themselves. <br /> • County health and human services programs should function as a coordinated, unified system <br /> with sufficient automation to support efFicient service delivery, promote flexibility, and reflect <br /> policy simplification. <br /> Introduction <br /> Comprehensive and efficient human services, including social services, health and mental health, are <br /> essential to human well-being in our present society. These services must be clearly defined and <br /> adequately funded.State mandated services delivered at the county level should be financed from state <br /> revenue sources in order for every citizen of North Carolina to receive a substantially similar degree of <br /> service. Federalfy mandated services should be financed from federal revenue sources. Counties should <br /> not participate in the financing of Medicaid services. <br /> The State and County Partnership and Fiscal Relationship <br /> Strengthened and sustained state and county collaboration is essential for effective human services <br /> delivery.The Association encourages ongoing state and county strategies to enhance intergovernmental <br /> communication,cooperation,and conflict resolution. <br /> County commissioners have a significant role in the funding of the human services network. For this <br /> reason, policy changes affecting the counties should be preceded by good faith negotiations in a process <br /> that is fair and equitable. New program initiatives should allow adequate lead time for implementation <br /> within the county budget schedule. The state should consider a county's resource limitations when <br /> implementing new state and federal programs. <br /> Local Authority <br /> Since the counties are the level of government closest to the people, the Association supports <br /> strengthening of local decision-making to respond to local needs.To enhance this principle, members of <br /> all county human service agency boards should be appointed by the boards of county commissioners.All <br /> block grants should be allocated as non-categorical funds. The Association will oppose earmarking of <br /> block grant funds. The Association supports increases in funding for mandated services, provided that <br /> the increases do not require additional expenditures of county funds. <br /> Service Priorities <br /> Health and human service programs should be targeted to those citizens least able to care for <br /> themselves. These programs should encourage families to be responsible supporters of their children. <br /> To accomplish this, the programs should focus on helping individuals find sustainable long-term <br /> employment. County resources should be targeted toward helping individuals become self-sufficient, <br /> helping families remain together and rewarding responsible behavior. The needs of children should be <br /> the primary focus. <br />