Agenda - 10-21-1997 - 10c - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 Orange County Board of Commissioners Agenda Item Abstract Meeting Date: October 21, 1997 Action Agenda Item# 1,04, SUBJECT: Welfare Reform Designation Department: Social Services ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Marti Pryor-Cook,Ext.#2802 1. Pros and Cons of Standard Program and Electing Program Designations TELEPHONE NUMBERS Hillsborough-732-8181 Durham -688-7331 Mebane -227-2031 Chapel Hill -967-9251/968-4501 Purpose: To decide whether or not to request a Standard Program or an Electing Program designation for Orange County Welfare Reform initiatives. Background: The Welfare Reform Legislation recently approved by the N.C.General Assembly establishes The Work First Program as a program of public assistance,replacing the old Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)Program. The purpose of the Work First Program is to provide eligible families with short-term assistance to facilitate their movement to self-sufficiency through employment. In addition to outlining the requirements for operating and meeting the goals of the Work First Program, the legislation stipulates that the Board of County Commissioners decide by three-fifths(315)majority vote whether the county will request designation as an Electing Program County or a Standard Program County. Electing counties may pilot eligibility criteria and benefit levels. Standard counties will operate under statewide eligibility criteria and benefit calculations,established by the N.C.Department of Health and Human Services(DHHS). The designation request must be submitted to DHHS by October 31, 1997. Regardless of designation,the legislation provides for all counties to have maximum flexibility to tailor strategies and services to move recipients from"welfare to work". The Social Services Board voted on September 16, 1997,to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners that Orange County request a standard county designation. The presenters at the September 17,1997,Human Services Forum also expressed preference that the county request a standard program designation. The DSS Board and forum presenters shared the opinion that an Electing Program designation assumes too many of the administrative tasks that are now performed by the DHHS. The Social Services Board also agreed to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners utilize the Human Services Task Force to assist in developing the local Welfare Reform Plan. The local planning process will include a steering committee and several work groups. The work groups will focus on employment and training efforts,support services,emergency and diversion services,and special populations. The Plan will be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for review and approval by January 1, 1998. Representative Verla Insko will serve as the task force facilitator. Dr.Jan Schopler, Associate Dean,UNC-School of Social Work and DSS Board Chair,and Commissioner Moses Carey,Jr. will serve as co-chairs. Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board take a formal vote to decide the program designation for Orange County's Work First Program,Standard Program or Electing Program.