HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-15-2022MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
August 15, 2022
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THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: August 15, 2022 virtually
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Garavaglia, Jamezetta Bedford, Jane Garrett,
Oscar Fleming and Ann Wilkerson
GUEST: None
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Social Services Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager;
Sharron Hinton, Human Services Manager; and Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Pat Garavaglia, called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm.
II. Board Comments
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Oscar Fleming, the Board approved the minutes of July 11, 2022. Jane Garrett
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Planning for Future Meetings
Jamezetta Bedford made a motion that the Orange County Social Services Board recognize
members, staff and the public through virtual attendance, specifically online or by phone. Jane
Garrett seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
2. Social Services Institute Report
Oscar Fleming presented on the Social Services Institute. He felt the information was helpful and it
was good to meet members from other counties. Mr. Fleming noted that workforce concerns came
up repeatedly. He attended two sessions and had many questions coming out of them.
3. Medicaid Administration Funding Changes
Nancy Coston explained the issue with the Medicaid reimbursement structure and changes that are
coming to counties as a result. Overhead costs that were currently cost allocated for the agency
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
August 15, 2022
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may not be able to be reimbursed at the higher rate for Medicaid. While the details are not all yet
known, it is likely this will cause a significant loss of revenue for the County.
4. GARE Update
Nancy Coston updated the Board on the kickoff with SAS. SAS will be working with an Orange
County team on statistical work in child welfare related to racial equity in child permanence.
The GARE team will soon be scheduling training for elected officials.
5. Director’s Report
There is a group picketing out in front of some local DSS offices as well as the personal homes of
some Directors and Board Members. DSS staff are concerned this could happen here and
management is having conversations about how this could be managed.
There are first amendment auditors filming in government facilities, particularly DSS offices. Unless
there is a policy stating that it is not allowed, they are able to film inside a DSS agency. This is a
confidentiality concern for clients in the agency for services. Staff are working with the County on
the approval of a policy for the agency public areas.
Staff are updating training for disaster management in anticipation of hurricane season and winter
weather. DSS is responsible for staffing and operating mass care shelters.
Staff are beginning to work on holiday program plans.
VII. Announcements
Jane Garrett moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:53 pm. Oscar Fleming seconded the motion. The motion was
carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Pat Garavaglia, Chair