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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHSAC Forum report 1995Report to Commissioners, Forum Participants, and Human Services Agencies from the Human Services Advisory Commission's Annual Forum "Human Services in Transition: New Opportunities" November 1995 . Background The report summarizes the ideas generated during the 1995 Annual HSAC Forum. The forum, which was held October 2, 1995 at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill, NC, attracted 120 participants. Two keynote speakers, Betty Lou Ward, Wake County Commissioner, and Carmen Hooker, Spouse of the Chancellor at UNC and former Massachusetts Legislator, spoke on current changes and opportunities in Human Services. Small groups were then charged to list and prioritize opportunities for Human Services agencies in this time of change and uncertainty. The groups then spent the afternoon brainstorming strategies to address opportunities. Facilitators briefly presented the results from their sessions to the entire group at the close of the day. Four county commissioners responded with their thoughts on the current and future status of Human Services in Orange County. Results The following information highlights the ideas generated by the seven groups, as well as reflections of the HSAC members. The complete notes from each of the seven groups is available upon request. Several points seemed to be reiterated by more than one group. I. The main concept of viewing human services workers as service brokers and consultants versus service providers was a consistent theme. In order to effectively make this shift, many participants expressed a desire to see the client as more of a partner in determining the needed services, as well as, identifying the method for obtaining such services. This shift will require planning by each agency and training for employees. Responsible Parties: Agencies II. Peer support and peer mentoring mechanisms for clients was strongly endorsed. In order to incorporate some of these changes, human services agencies will have to examine their current mode of operations, and take a new approach to helping those who need services. Staff will require training if they are to assume n_ ew roles effectively. Responsible Parties Agencies III. An important message from many participants was that the work done at the forum should be continued throughout the year. The HSAC recommends the creation of a mechanism for continued communications among area agencies. This may be achieved through providing additional opportunities for human services personnel to work together; the dissemination of a newsletter; or some other means. Responsible Parties: HSAC, County Government IV. The types of change that were expressed by the participants will have to take place at the individual agency level. Each agency will be requested to reexamine its mission and the ..use of its personnel. Responsible Patties: Agencies V. Training resources must be identified for program evaluation; producing outcome measures; shifting from service providers to service brokers; defining priorities in a time of increased demands for assistance; and developing peer support and peer mentoring programs for client, etc. Responsible Patties: Agencies, University, County Government VI. Agencies should join together at common locations such as schools, libraries, or community sites to provide comprehensive assistance to consumers. This group of collaborators could move to different locations across the county to be most accessible. The County could support initiatives such as these with financial incentives. Responsible Parties: Agencies, County Government VII. The development of collaborative efforts among the university, the hospital, and area agencies is needed to combat community issues. If we can take the initiative and decide how we are going to make some of these changes in Orange County, then we can ultimately develop our own unique service system designed for the needs of our citizens. Responsible Parties: Healthy Carolinians Task Force VIII. Two groups focused on the necessity to keep the best interests of our clients, or service consumers, in the forefront during this time of flux. We need to define the "safety net," or minimum standard of life that we are willing to provide, and determine how these basic services will be funded and provided. While a goal of all or our services is to foster independence, we must also help those who become independent to maintain that status. For example, we need to continue services like Medicaid, for people as they obtain employment, and to assist with day care, transportation and other services that can help people keep their jobs. Peer support can be implemented to help consumers develop their own support systems which will foster self - support. Responsible Parties: Agencies, County Government, HSAC Conclusion As the year progresses and changes begin to unfold, HSAC members will continue a dialogue with human services personnel, county commissioners, and consumers to assist with issues of coordination and sharing of information. Each agency will have to look closely at its system of service provision, and find new ways of helping consumers meet their needs. HSAC members will also solicit information and ideas from agency personnel to assist in determining our best role for continuing the dialogue between human services agencies in our county. A list of HSAC members is attached. Your comments and suggestions are requested in order that the work of one day can continue throughout the year. Summary of Opportunities /Strategies Group A - Facilitator, Beverly Foster Opportunity: Time for a paradigm shift from service providers to resource consultants to foster client independence. Strategies: 1. Value the individuals contributions by: training citizen volunteers on advisory boards, responding to Task Force Reports with follow -up, and using the consumers as a source of information and ideas for solutions. 2. Agencies need to reevaluate goals internally and determine the value of their services to the community. Group B - Facilitator, Jan Schopler Opportunity: A chance for effective collaboration and expanded participation. Strategies: 1. Redefine agencies role from service provider to service facilitator. Agencies need to identify outcomes, enable consumer input and advocacy, evaluate program effectiveness, monitor for quality assurance, determine best allocation of resources, promote user - friendly services and easy access, and provide linkages through technology. 2. Use existing collaborative efforts to deal with current issues, and hold forums for agencies to either improve or expand collaboration around specific issues. Group C - Facilitator, Tony Dalton Opportunity: There is a "tornado" coming in 12 -18 months. There is a sense of urgency. We cannot afford to wait. Strategies: 1. Define the net for the most vulnerable, and involve consumers in the definition and redesign of service delivery. 2. Continue the dialogue begun by the forum being sure to involve all agencies and other concerned groups like churches and schools. Consider forming a task force to address human services issues on an ongoing basis. 3. Use HSAC as a voice- for advocating change. Group.D - Facilitator, Barbara Rynerson Opportunity: Support consumers during transition to achieve independence. Strategies: 1. Determine the original need that each family had for seeking assistance service and include families in setting goals. Provide follow -up which includes peer mentoring and peer support. 2. Local administration/leadership needs to convey a genuine desire to initiate a process of change based on consumer input. 3. Identify health insurance provisions for those moving off Medicaid. Group E - Facilitator, Charlotte Jones Opportunity: Provide access to services through decentralization. Strategies: 1. Options for increased access to services; kiosks in malls, automated access sites, use of technology to facilitate access through expansion of the Master Client Index, and automated ability to complete applications and make referrals. 2. Use a team approach for service delivery (such as including nurses from the Health Dept, social worker from DSS, and so forth) and placing the team in convenient community locations. The team could be "circuit riders" and move to various communities in the county. Group F - Facilitator, Ned Brooks Opportunity: Strengthen University and community partnerships. Strategies: 4 1. Create an 800 number to share information easily. 2. Build affordable housing on University land. 3. Work together to solve parking and transportation problems. 4. Give joint University and Orange County Public Service Awards. 5. The University could allocate a certain amount of its resources to helping the community through research, student interns and public awareness. Group G - Facilitator, Phil Cooke ..Opportunity: Now is the time for local planning and decision making. Strategies: 1. Develop a human services planning and evaluation mechanism with adequate staff. 2. Build on governmental and non - governmental structures that are already in place. 3 Involve consumers in the planning and change process. 4. Work to influence state officials to recognize county autonomy and local ability to define and plan for the use of state, local and federal resources.