HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-2022MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
October 17, 2022
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THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: October 17, 2022 at
Hillsborough Commons.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Jamezetta Bedford, Jane Garrett, and Ann
Wilkerson
GUEST: None
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Garavaglia and Oscar Fleming.
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Social Services Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager;
Sharron Hinton, Human Services Manager; and Crystal Mitchell, Child Welfare Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Vice-Chair, Ann Wilkerson, called the meeting to order at 4:12 pm.
II. Board Comments
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Jamezetta Bedford, the Board approved the minutes of September 19, 2022. Jane
Garrett seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Building Updates
Nancy Coston updated the Board on the HVAC renovations at SHSC and the related staff moves.
Child welfare staff will move to the Europa Center and Public Assistance staff will stay on site but
move around. There will be space there to drop off toys for the holiday program.
Orange Works has reopened and elections will be there shortly for early voting.
2. Energy Changes
Lindsey Shewmaker discussed the opening of the energy provider portal and noted that payments
for LIEAP and CIP will be coming directly through the portal instead of the County budget.
3. Child Welfare Planning
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
October 17, 2022
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The agency is working on salary adjustments for staff to be more competitive with other counties.
There are currently 7 vacancies in child welfare and 24 overall.
Nancy Coston discussed statewide work on increasing placement options for children in care. Staff
have discussed increasing support for kinship care, including financial support. There are also
conversations with some of the private providers about contracting for space. The current
contingency plan is to rent a hotel suite and identify staff teams of two to supervise. There are also
efforts to lower the time for kids in custody and work on developing capacity for a visitation center
that would allow for overnight and supervised family visits with the potential for overnight stays for
kids in care if needed in an emergency.
4. Holiday Programs
Sharron Hinton informed the Board that the Toy Chest will be held 12/14-12/16 from 9a-6p for
children birth through age 12. Parents will be able to schedule appointments. Families will receive
food cards in addition to toys.
Social workers have worked with their families to complete wish lists and sponsors are being
matched for the sponsorship program.
5. Director’s Report
The recent tropical storm caused staff to prepare to activate for sheltering.
The position for the SOAR worker was moved to the Housing Department.
VII. Announcements
Jamezetta Bedford moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:56 pm. Jane Garrett seconded the motion. The motion
was carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Ann Wilkerson, Vice-Chair