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MINUTES <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES <br />February 17, 2020 <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br /> <br />There are still issues with performance data. Some data are still invalid and other data elements are <br />being reviewed for continued inclusion. The FY2020-2021 performance measures will likely include <br />very few of the child welfare measures. <br /> <br />Ann Wilkerson asked whether it was easy to place foster children in Orange County. Ms. Coston <br />responded that some children are easy to place while others are more difficult due to behavioral <br />challenges, mental health issues, or physical needs. <br /> <br />There are funds included for guardianship by outside agencies via contract. This should help <br />manage the workload for guardianship services without adding staff. There is also an increase for <br />in-home aide services included in the budget. There are more funds available for the Community <br />Alternatives Program (CAP) services staffing based on a new revenue model. There are also funds <br />available to make small home improvements that allow clients to remain in their home. <br /> <br />Tamara Dempsey-Tanner asked how things are going with the Exchange Club. Sharron Hinton <br />responded that there was a program formerly paid for through Freedom House that is now utilizing <br />the Exchange Club which seems to be working well. <br /> <br />There was a freeze on using federal funds for child care for most of the year which caused the <br />county to expend county funds and give back federal funds. There are $5.6 million available next <br />year in federal funds for child care which is an increase of several hundred thousand dollars. Staff <br />are working on some proposals to maximize federal dollars to serve more children. <br /> <br />Some of the Maintenance of Effort funds the county pays are included in the DSS budget as <br />revenue for clinical social work services and the Rapid Rehousing position. <br /> <br />Ms. Hinton informed the Board that a conversation was held with Caitlin Fenhagen about <br />transitioning management of the JCPC contracts to her department. The Outside Agency <br />applications were sent to staff today and will be delivered to Board Members later this month. <br /> <br />Tamara Dempsey-Tanner moved that the Social Services Board accept the proposed budget as <br />submitted and forward it on to the County Manager and the Board of County Commissioners for <br />review and approval. Pat Garavaglia seconded the motion. The motion was carried without <br />dissent. <br /> <br />2. Public Charge <br /> <br />Nancy Coston informed the Board that the injunction has been lifted and the public charge rule is <br />now in effect. DSS staff will have some information to hand out if clients have questions. <br /> <br />3. Food Bank Update <br /> <br />Lindsey Shewmaker informed the Board that staff are still working to schedule a meeting with the <br />Food Bank staff to gather information to determine next steps. <br /> <br />4. Directors Report <br /> <br />The Disability Awareness Council is a nonprofit agency that has been located at the Skills <br />Development Center. With the move from the Skills Development Center to Southern Human