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34 <br /> III. SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ADULT WORKGROUP <br /> First SWpss: These recommendations should be accomplished within a relatively short <br /> period of time <br /> 1. Facilitate the establishment of the long-discussed"single portal of entry"for any human <br /> service. <br /> 2. Use client's Social Security number as identification number, case number,etc. <br /> 3. Share basic information on the master client index(or whatever it is called)so all <br /> providers know where a person is receiving services. <br /> 4. Assign as case manager for each client a staff person from the agency with the most <br /> regular direct contact with the client. Give the case manager both authority and <br /> responsibility to: <br /> a. Oversee the development of a service plan agreed to by all agencies <br /> and the client,plan to include focus on client responsibility and accountability. <br /> b. Coordinate and monitor provision of services and client compliance. <br /> c. Keep all parties informed; seek further collaboration as necessary. <br /> 5. Promote and provide meaningful incentives for Orange County employee suggestions to <br /> improve the effectiveness and efficiency of human service. Meaningful incentives include <br /> bonuses, vacation days,etc. <br /> More substantive and time-consuming efforts: The following recommendations will take a <br /> longer time to evaluate and implement,as well as a considerable investment of money <br /> and effort on the part of many people. <br /> 1. Make a thorough"audittanalysis"of each human service agency using UNC graduate <br /> students from appropriate disciplines. Audit should include: <br /> a. Documentation of all services provided to judge appropriateness <br /> b. A flow chart of all steps taken by client and staff in each program, to eliminate <br /> duplication and waste. <br /> c. Identification of all regulations,routines, guidelines,limitations,etc. by funding <br /> source, so as to identify whether they are federal, state, or locally imposed. <br /> d. A careful analysis of all regulations routines, guidelines,limitations,etc.,to <br /> ensure that none proves a disincentive to clients or agencies. <br /> 2. Mount an intensive lobbying effort by the County Commissioners, HSAC, and others <br /> for increased local control over funding allocation,reporting requirements,service <br /> documentation,etc. <br /> 3. Give staff the freedom,resources,and responsibility for using common sense and <br /> judgment in making decisions toward achieving the ultimate goal for each client. Base <br /> evaluation on whether or not that client's situation an potential has improved over time. <br /> 4. Make optimal use of technology to avoid waste. Give all staff adequate training in use <br /> of computers, but avoid expecting everyone to be a secretary;. Provide more clerical <br /> support as becomes necessary. <br />