DSS Board Minutes 042114 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES April 21, 2014 2 learn to manage in the database management system NCWORKS. Four participants received non- accredited GEDs under the previous contractor and staff had to work with those participants to resolve these problems. Participants engage in community service activities, workshops, and other development activities. They also receive supportive services including uniforms, professional work attire, eye glasses, comprehensive guidance and counseling. Several participants are graduating this year and others are currently working. The program is currently recruiting new participants for the program. Claire Millar asked whether there are incentives for business to hire participants. Ms. Hinton responded that the agency pays the salaries of the participants. There are currently participants at Hargraves Community Center, Orange County Asset Management, Orange County IT, Orange County Parks and Recreation, and a child care center among others. Nancy Coston added the employment part is just starting. Ms. Hinton noted the summer youth employment component will be starting soon. Pat Garavaglia asked whether transportation was an issue. Caraina Garris responded that transportation is a challenge but staff work with the participants to try to get them to their location. Ms. Coston added that staff are planning to have more of these kinds of informational sessions at meetings so Board Members can learn about programs and services. 2. ACA and NC FAST Lindsey Shewmaker gave an update on NC FAST and ACA progress. Staff have continued to work to get cases processed in NC FAST. Although Food and Nutrition Services is and has been going well, Medicaid is continuing to present challenges. County staff are working with the state to identify priority items to fix and/or enhance. Ms. Shewmaker added the agency continues to focus efforts on working with providers and pharmacies to prevent any clients from being harmed by the system transition. Cheryl Young added that staff had done a great job managing the implementation of NC FAST and the county was appreciative of their efforts. 3. Update on Budget and Staffing Issues Nancy Coston informed the Board that staff were told there were funds remaining in the Social Justice Fund that could be used for child care or other needs. She passed out a draft agenda for an upcoming Board of County Commissioners’ meeting that requests $150,000 from the Social Justice Fund to pay child care subsidy costs for June of 2014. She reminded the Board that this years’ allocation for child care subsidy is over five million dollars. It would probably take over six million dollars to keep a waiting list from forming. Cheryl Young asked how many kids are currently receiving services. Ms. Coston responded that 845 children are currently being served. The average cost of monthly care for the agency is $550 per child. Arthrell Sanders moved the Social Services Board recommend the Board of County Commissioners authorize the DSS Director to utilize existing budgeted funds and $150,000 from the Social Justice Fund for child care expenses in June 2014. Claire Millar seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.