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Report to Commissioners, Forum Participants, and Human Services Agencies <br /> from the Human Services Advisory Commission's Annual Forum <br /> "Human Services in Transition: New Opportunities" <br /> November 1995 <br /> Background <br /> The report summarizes the ideas generated during the 1995 Annual HSAC Forum. The forum, <br /> which was held October 2, 1995 at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill, NC, attracted 120 <br /> participants. Two keynote speakers, Betty Lou Ward, Wake County Commissioner, and Carmen <br /> Hooker, Spouse of the Chancellor at UNC and former Massachusetts Legislator, spoke on <br /> current changes and opportunities in Human Services. Small groups were then charged to list and <br /> prioritize opportunities for Human Services agencies in this time of change and uncertainty. <br /> The groups then spent the afternoon brainstorming strategies to address opportunities. <br /> Facilitators briefly presented the results from their sessions to the entire group at the close of the <br /> day. Four county commissioners responded with their thoughts on the current and future status <br /> of Human Services in Orange County. <br /> Results <br /> The following information highlights the ideas generated by the seven groups, as well as <br /> reflections of the HSAC members. The complete notes from each of the seven groups is available <br /> upon request. Several points seemed to be reiterated by more than one group. <br /> • The main concept of viewing human services workers as service brokers and <br /> consultants versus service providers was a consistent theme. In order to effectively make <br /> this shift, many participants expressed a desire to see the client as more of a partner in <br /> determining the needed services, as well as, identifying the method for obtaining such <br /> services. This shift will require planning by each agency and training for employees. <br /> Responsible Parties: Agencies <br /> • Peer support and peer mentoring mechanisms for clients was strongly endorsed. In <br /> order to incorporate some of these changes, human services agencies will have to examine <br /> their current mode of operations, and take a new approach to helping those who need <br /> services. Staff will require training if they are to assume new roles effectively. <br /> Responsible Parties: Agencies <br /> An important message from many participants was that the work done at the forum should <br /> be continued throughout the year. The HSAC recommends the creation of a mechanism <br /> for continued communications among area agencies. This may be achieved through <br /> providing additional opportunities for human services personnel to work together; the <br /> dissemination of a newsletter; or some other means. <br /> Responsible Parties: HSAC, County Government <br />