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r. <br /> 1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 27, 2002 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. <br /> SUBJECT: Legal Services Contract— Department of Social Services <br /> DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Nancy Coston, ext 2800 <br /> Contract <br /> TELEPHONE NUMBERS: <br /> Hillsborough 732-8181 <br /> Chapel Hill 9681501 <br /> Durham 688-7331 <br /> Mebane 336-227-2031 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider approval of the Fiscal Year 2002-2003 contract for legal <br /> representation for the Department of Social Services. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) requires extensive legal <br /> representation particularly related to child welfare cases. All actions related to agency cutody of <br /> children, protection orders, adoptions, adult protective service orders and guardianships require <br /> court hearings. There is an increased emphasis on assuring that all child welfare cases are <br /> handled as quickly as possible to assure that children live with permanent safe families. <br /> The law firm of Northen Blue, LLP, has provided legal representation for Social Services since <br /> 1979. Carol Holcomb of that firm has provided consultation and representation for children and <br /> adult services at Social Services for over 10 years. She has comprehensive knowledge of <br /> juvenile law and Guardianship proceedings and litigates court hearings with skill. She remains <br /> on-call after hours to assist staff when the agency must assume emergency custody of children <br /> at night and on weekends. Her knowledge is valued by the DSS social work staff, the Guardian <br /> ad Litem office and the courts. <br /> Social Services files petitions with the court for custody of an average of five children per month <br /> and participates in court reviews of approximately 37 children per month. There are additional <br /> court actions necessary to terminate parental rights and pursue adoption and to handle adult <br /> guardianship cases. <br /> The Social Services Board has reviewed this contract and recommends that the Board of <br /> Commissioners approve continuation of the current contract with Northen Blue at the same rate <br /> of$100 per hour. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: Social Services estimates that$95,000 will be spent on legal fees during <br /> next year's budget. Approximately half of this cost will be paid by state and federal revenues. <br />