Agenda - 02-07-2001-9d - Laserfiche WebLink

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potential savings to the County could total $60,000. As adolescents receive intensive independent living services through this program, it is more likely that they can become fully functioning members of society and avoid entering the criminal justice system and costly incarceration. If the County can retain more of its experienced Child Protective Services Social Workers, this will offer improved services to families and save training costs for the County. Background to Manager's Recommendation Given the State's current and projected budget shortfall, the Manager recommends that the Board establish four new positions at this time, and consider establishing the remaining flour positions as part of the budget process for 2001-02. This provides an opportunity to have a clearer picture of the State's fiscal environment and its impact on Orange County. Social Services advises that if four positions are approved it would use the positions as follows: • Two Child Protective Services Social Workers (to be assigned to a late shift) to handle late day referrals, evening contacts required to assure protection of children, and on-call duties initiating investigations outside regular office hours. • Two Child Protective Services Treatment Social Workers to work with families and children where abuse/neglect,have occurred. FINANCIAL IMPACT: During the 2000 legislative session, the NC General Assembly approved about $7.2 million to assist 31 counties in providing protection services for children. The funding was part of a Federal TANF Block Grant that the State received. Information received in the grant award stipulates that these funds must be used to fund Child Protective Services positions created after July 1, 2000. Full year funding of eight positions totals $392,019 for salaries, fringes and operating costs. In addition, there are one-time start up costs of $23,776 for furniture and equipment for the eight positions. The State has advised us that, if the eight new positions are established, Orange County is eligible to receive additional funds totaling $237,019 to offset the costs of the positions. These additional funds are available through the end of fiscal year 2002-03. In addition, the State has approved Orange County's use of currently budgeted TANF revenues in the amount of $200,108 to offset remaining position costs. If the Board chooses to establish four Social Worker positions for the remainder of the current fiscal year, costs for salaries, fringes, operating and one-time start-up costs total $86,918. The State indicates that we can use the currently budgeted TANF funds to offset these costs and further advises that we will not be eligible to receive any additional funds during the current fiscal year. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: • Approve establishing four new permanent, full-time child protective services positions as shown above effective February 7, 2001, contingent on continuation of grant funding. • Consider the four remaining positions as part of the budget process for 2001-02.