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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES June 23,2025 the number of placement data and Sue Manner shared we did not count hospitalizations, runaway episodes, or trial home placements as placement changes. Mr. Fleming also asked for clarity on the definition of kinship care. Lindsey Shewmaker, Director, explained this is when children are placed with family or placed with a non-relative but someone who has a prior connection with the child. Ann Wilkerson asked how the information presented will be used. Director Shewmaker explained the next step is to present the data to the child welfare staff. We also want to continue monitoring the data for longitudinal trends as the numbers are small enough that data can be disrupted by a two or three families' experiences. Crystal Wiese stated we want to look at what this data tells us and think about our social work and organizational practice. We want to continue the strong work our child welfare staff is doing to support our strengths and we want to reflect on any practice shifts we could potentially make to impact areas that need attention such as length of time in care. The Board commented they hope the agency can use this data in ways to apply for funding/grant opportunities as well as assisting in prevention efforts. In addition to the presentation by SAS, the Board received a handout detailing mitigating factors. 2. County Budget Update Lindsey Shewmaker provided County Budget highlights. The budget was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on 6/17/25. All staff will receive a 2% cost of living adjustment. DSS staff will continue to be on the step plan. Overall, Ms. Shewmaker expressed satisfaction with the budget and noted we were able to receive the funding we asked for in our major program areas. 3. Director's Report The Board received an updated Child Care Report. We are serving children with no waitlist and spending is steady with no sharp increases. A staffing updated was provided detailing continued frozen positions. A public assistance team is being moved to Southern Human Services Center to replicate services offered in person at our Hillsborough office location. The team includes two Food and Nutrition Services recertification positions, two Medicaid recertification positions, one childcare subsidy position, and one Work First position. Staff have been given ways to provide feedback to management through comment boxes as well as Ms. Shewmaker allowing time for Q&A in a virtual staff meeting format. The agency will host a Job Fair on 6/25/25 at our Hillsborough Commons location. There will be a staff meeting at the end of July. VII. Announcements Chris Barnes moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:51 pm. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. Submitted by: Lindsey Shewmaker, DSS Director Jane Garrett, Chair 2