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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES February 21, 2022 2 Next, an overview of ARPA requests were discussed. This includes childcare support for families, countywide food distribution, support for low-income families, stabilization of former foster youth, and youth enhancement funds. Pat Garavaglia asked if any of the five-star childcare centers have openings for children. Ms. Coston explained we are seeing spaces open. Ann Wilkerson asked for clarification on the youth enhancement funds, which was provided. Oscar Fleming asked how Outside Agency requests fit into the budget picture. Ms. Coston explained additional funds are transferred to DSS to manage a contract with an outside agency if the County awards the agency funding. Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager, explained performance and workload measures for the agency. She explained county DSS agencies could face corrective action by the State if you fail to the meet the benchmark for three consecutive months. Ms. Shewmaker continued by providing a programmatic overview for the Economic Services and Public Assistance Division. She explained we are preparing for staffing needs as pandemic waivers end and additional public assistance programs are rolled out. An example is the water assistance program, which has served 124 families with over $82,000 thus far; this program is expected to grow. Nancy Coston informed the Board that DSS is shifting from TANF Emergency Assistance to a family support services approach. Using this approach, along with ARPA funding, DSS will be able to assist low-income families with children. Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager, provided a programmatic overview for Child and Family Services. This included discussion about North Carolina child welfare transformation efforts, Families First Prevention Services Act, North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids, and increased board rates for foster and adoptive parents effective January 1, 2022. Pat Garavaglia asked for the increased board rate amounts. Ms. Mitchell shared the following amounts: ages 0-5: $514.00, ages 6-12:$654.00; ages 13-17: $698.00. These are board rates for licensed foster parents. Oscar Fleming asked for an estimate on the number of unlicensed relative placements. Ms. Mitchell explained DSS is making concerted efforts to encourage relatives to become licensed. To this end, Ms. Mitchell estimated 10 or less families are unlicensed. Relative placements are supported in other ways beyond a room and board rate. Mr. Fleming asked for an overview of the foster care population at a future Board meeting. Nancy Coston summarized the budget and stated overall she deems it a positive budget. She pointed out we hope to add another supervisor in the Economic Services Division. Ms. Coston introduced the Board to Rebekah Rapoza, DSS’s new Fiscal Operations Manager. Ms. Coston asked if there were any outstanding questions. Ann Wilkerson asked for clarification on some positions and where DSS holds property leases. Nancy Coston stated both Hillsborough Commons and Europa have leases. Oscar Fleming made a motion to approve the FY 2022-23 DSS budget. Jane Garrett seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. 2. Audit Lindsey Shewmaker informed the board an audit exception was found during the Single County Audit. Oscar Fleming asked the frequency of a Single County Audit; Ms. Shewmaker responded it occurs annually. Jamezetta Bedford stated it is important to note the finding was material and not financial. 3. Work Force Board Alignment