DSS Board Minutes 041811 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES April 18, 2011 2 do not have a lot in common with Orange County. One option would be to approach Durham but this would take some time to work out. Valerie Foushee recommended that Orange County sign off on the current request to assure that funding continues. The county could then proceed to explore other partnerships that may be more advantageous. 2. Legislative Updates The state budget has been released. Some of the issues include: Smart Start would only serve children receiving subsidy; child care has additional cuts in funding; difficult to determine if funds are included for the Adolescent Parenting Program; Medicaid cuts such as eliminating dental care and hospice have serious implications. There has been much discussion regarding the Consolidation Bill. The DSS Director’s Association is recommending amendments to allow the DSS Board to continue and to maintain state merit. There are some services provided by DSS where local political influence or interference could pose a substantial problem. Two examples would be in the areas of child protective services and adoptions. The current proposal allows the County Manager to hire and fire the DSS Director. A significant concern is that once a county makes the decision to consolidate, the current proposal would prohibit changing back if this proved to be a poor plan. Allowing small counties to partner with neighboring counties may be a benefit. Consolidation has become a very contentious issue. Ms. Coston has additional material available for the Board members to review. 3. Job Fair Robert Gilmore reviewed the Job Fair which was held April 13th. It was very successful particularly for a first effort. Costco provided breakfast and lunch for employers. There was much collaboration involved in making this happen particularly in advertising the event. Forty-one employers were present and there were 600 attendees with 62% being from Orange County. The majority of employers and attendees responded they would like to have additional job fairs in the future. The agency will be following up with employers to determine who was hired as a result of the fair. 4. Director’s Report April is Social Services Appreciation Month. Nancy Coston shared that Friends of DSS came to the staff meeting and expressed a big thank you to the staff. They gave out door prizes and mugs. This was very much appreciated by the staff. VII. Announcements The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Hillsborough Commons, Mayo Street, Hillsborough, North Carolina. On a motion by Arthrell Sanders and seconded by Valerie Foushee, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 5:15 P.M. Submitted by Nancy Coston Director Pat Garavaglia Chair