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