Agenda - 12-04-2000-8j - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 4, 2000 Action Agenda Item No, ~ SUBJECT: Orange County Work First Plan DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): Work First Plan (Under Separate Cover) INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin Whitt, Ext. 2858 Gwen Price, Ext. 2885 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 33fi-227-2031 PURPOSE: To approve the Orange Caunty Work First Plan. BACKGROUND: North Carolina General Statue Chapter 108A-27 requires the County Board of Commissioners to appoint a committee of local leaders to assist in developing the County Work First Plan. In January 1998, Orange County's first biennial Work First Block Grant Plan was submitted to the NC Division of Social Services outlining the county strategies for the implementation of Work First. The Plan was effective from July 1998 through June 2000. In an effort to synchronize the County and State planning process, the state has extended the current county plans for one additional year. Orange County's current plan will extend through June 30, 2001. In September 1999, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners took a proactive step and appointed members to the Welfare Reform Task Force. The Task Force was charged with reviewing progress toward goals and developing strategies for three major areas relating to Work First challenges -employment of hardest to serve, job retention, and strengthening independence. The Task Force met from September 1999 to March 2000 to develop recommendations. On March 22, 2000, a Community Forum was held to obtain public comment and support. The forum was well received and participants were encouraged by the strategies around responsible fatherhood and employment. The Orange County Board of Social Services approved the County Plan on November 21, 2000. Legislation requires that the Board of County Commissioners approve the County Plan prior to submission to the NC Department of Health and Human Resources. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The County Plan identifies services that will be provided for Work First participants and individuals with income up to 200 percent of poverty. Funding to provide the services are included in the current year budget with additional funding to be included in the upcoming 2001-02 fiscal year budget. Grant funds will offset the cast of providing many fo the ServICeS.