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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: November ], 2001 <br />AcBOn Age tla <br />Item No. ~~ <br />SUBJECT: Proposetl New Child Protective Services Positions Funtletl from Fedeal TANF <br />Funds <br />DEPARTMENT: Spcial Services PUBLIC NEARING: (Y/N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Nancy Cason, Social Services Director, <br />Extension 2800 <br />TELEPHONE NUMBERS: <br />Hillsborough ]32-81St <br />CM1apel Hill 9884501 <br />Durham 688~T131 <br />Mebane 336-12T-2031 <br />PURPOSE: To mnsitler establishing two new permanentfull-time chiltl protection sadal <br />workere end one chlitl proteMlon supervisor to atltlreae the nestle of abueetl and neglesetl <br />chiltlren in Omnge County. Fetleralfuntls through Temporery Assistance for Neatly Families <br />(TANF) are available for 100%of the personnel costs as well es to prepare oif space end <br />acquire equipment nestled for these poaitlona. <br />BACKGROUND: The protection of vulnerable chiltlren from abuse/neglect is an important <br />County responsibility. The Orenge County Department of Social Services (DSS) is mentletetl to <br />invea[ige[e reports of abuae/negleM, make a tlsernination as to whether or no[ abuaelneglect <br />has omurt¢d, provltl¢ treatment 9¢rvice9 [o retlUp¢ rt8k Of harm b chiltlreb, p¢tNOm (h¢ peurt to <br />remove chiltlren at imminent dsk of harm, and place children in Serial Services cusfctly in a <br />safe environment. <br />To enhance Satery for chiltlren and families, Social Services must complete the following cMW <br />protective services responsibilities: <br />Initiating invesigations as soon as possible to ensure prompt esaeaement of risk or harm to <br />children <br />• Visiting chiMren frequen8y tp tleteimine Nat protecion plans are being lmplementetl entl <br />children are not continuing tc be vkbmlzea <br />Provitling intensive reunRCatlon services to children in foster care <br />• Wonting to move cases eNeditiously through the coud process <br />• Achieving permanence for children ins reasonable timeframe <br />Over the last 6 years, the number of Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations has <br />inaeasetl over 35% (from 586 to T64j. Families open for CPS Treatment services s the end of <br />