HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSS Board minutes 082019MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
August 19 , 2019
1
THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: August 19, 2019 at the
Hillsborough Commons, Hillsborough, North Carolina.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, Pat Garavaglia, Ann
Wilkerson, and Jamezetta Bedford.
GUEST: None.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBER S ABSENT: Susie Enoch.
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager; and Crystal
Mitchell, Human Services Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm.
II. Board Comments
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner asked about experiences at the Social Services Institute. Ann Wilkerson
noted that she attended the board leadership training and really enjoyed the Medicaid Tran sformation
session. Nancy Coston noted that the agency won an award for the development of a work experience
program for children in foster care.
Ms. Dempsey-Tanner noted that if the budget does not get passed, Medicaid Transformation will be
delayed.
Ms . Dempsey-Tanner also announced that there are some trainings related to disaster management for
people with functional support needs.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Pat Garavaglia, the Board approved the minutes of July 2019. Ann Wilkerson
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Raise the Age
Nancy Coston informed the Board that she had attended the Raise the Age presentation at the
Social Services Institute. Raise the Age refers to raising the age for juvenile court proceedings and
allows some juveniles to remain in the jurisdiction of juvenile court up to a maximum age of 20. The
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
August 19 , 2019
2
law goes into effect December 1, 2019. Ms. Coston provided a handout presentation that was
given at the Institute for the board’s information.
2. Food and Nutrition Services Categorical Eligibility Rule Change
Lindsey Shewmaker presented information on the proposed rule change that impacts categorical
eligibility. These changes would impact working families who make between 130 -200% of the
federal poverty level. There are downstream effects on the ability of children in those families to
continue to receive free breakfast and lunch at school.
3. Rule Change for Public Assistance Benefits and Legal Immigrants
Lindsey Shewmaker presented information on the final rule for the “public charge.” This rule
changes the language in the public charge for determining whether immigrants to the United Stated
will be admitted or allowed to change their immigration status.
4. Social Services Records Retention Policy
Jamezetta Bedford moved to approve the 2016 County Social Services Agencies Records
Retention and Disposition Schedule. Tamara Dempsey-Tanner seconded the motion. The motion
was carried without dissent.
5. Social Services Board Procedures
Lindsey Shewmaker gave the board information published by the UNC School of Government on
procedures for small local government boards.
6. Director’s Report
The county was offered a tw o-year grant through the Community Response Program with $100,000
each year to work with families with a child 0-5 years old. This program would offer services on a
voluntary basis to help prevent further referrals for child welfare services. Alexa Hamel is the staff
member who provides services and she can provide parenting training as well as assistance with
child development, housing and other services. The grant requires a case limit of no more than 15
families. All this work focuses on prevention efforts.
The county issued the RFPs for attorney services and in-home aide contractors. The RFP for
attorney services was awarded to Stephenson & Fleming, LLP.
VII. Announcements
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:18 pm . Pat Garavaglia seconded the motion. The
motion was carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston
DSS Director
Tamara Dempsey-Tanner
Chair