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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-16-2023MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES October 16, 2023 1 THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: October 16, 2023 at Hillsborough Commons. BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Garrett, Pat Garavaglia, Ann Wilkerson, and Jamezetta Bedford. GUEST: None BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: Oscar Fleming STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Social Services Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager; and Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager I. Call to Order and Introductions DSS Chair, Jane Garrett, called the meeting to order at 4:07 pm. II. Board Comments None. III. Public Comments None. IV. Agenda Changes None. V. Action Items On a motion by Pat Garavaglia, the Board approved the minutes of September 18, 2023. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision 1. Quarterly Data Presentation Lindsey Shewmaker presented first quarter data for FY 23-24 on all major program areas within DSS. Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) cases and Work First cases have decreased; this is attributed to recertification periods and clients not being used to meeting recertification deadlines. In the Medicaid area the data shows a stark decline; this is related to the Medicaid rule change. In CPS, reports have increased in the first quarter; this is an annual trend with the start of school in August. The data from Child Care Subsidy shows an increase in July which is attributed to summer camp care. We do expect an increase in our subsidy area as we move forward in the year. Our number of youth in foster care during this quarter is stable. The data for APS shows an ebb and flow. Chair, Jane Garrett asked why there is an increase in APS numbers. Director, Nancy Coston explained some of this can be attributed to a rise in the aging population while other factors include issues with accessing services (mental health). Ann Wilkerson asked how DSS receives APS reports. Lindsey Shewmaker responded reports come from various community members which can include medical professionals and bank staff. Ms. Shewmaker continued with Adult Guardianship MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES October 16, 2023 2 numbers which show an upward trend but with stable numbers this quarter. Chair, Jane Garrett, asked if a large number of our adults are in facilities. Director Nancy Coston stated more are in group care but we do have some living in the community. Ann Wilkerson asked how we assume adult guardianship cases. Nancy Coston stated these start as APS cases and are determined to require further intervention. Ms. Coston reported DSS does contract with agencies who provide guardianship services too. Lindsey Shewmaker reminded the Board we will continue to present quarterly and historical data on our program areas. She pointed out that Work First data was added this time. Board members commented this presentation was very helpful. 2. Medicaid Expansion Nancy Coston announced that Medicaid Expansion is coming December 1st. Staff will make presentations to the Board of Health, Board of County Commissioners, and the NAACP within the next month on the expansion. In preparation for this, DSS created a presentation which will be presented to Board members today; Ms. Coston explained feedback from the Board is appreciated. Ms. Coston explained the presentation focuses on frequently asked questions. Lindsey Shewmaker presented the slides and information to the Board. Jane Garrett asked how many categories of Medicaid are there. Ms. Shewmaker responded there are 15 Medicaid categories and this will add another. Lindsey Shewmaker stated we expect around 5300 applications in Orange County in year one. She shared 138% poverty level charts to give an idea about income guidelines. The slides went over topics such as immigration inclusion, how to apply, and how long it takes to process an application. Individuals who do not qualify may still be eligible through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Pat Garavaglia asked how people will find out about this? Lindsey Shewmaker stated we will meet with Orange County Communications in regards to public release. Director Coston stated medical providers will promote this when they don’t have a get paid. Lindsey Shewmaker shared she has already met with the UNC Health System in Chapel Hill. Ms. Shewmaker also pointed out individuals receiving Family Planning Medicaid will automatically transition to Expanded Medicaid without needing to apply. Jane Garrett inquired about prescription coverage. Lindsey Shewmaker explained it is pretty good coverage with some copays of $4.00. Ann Wilkerson asked if there will be different managed care providers. Ms. Shewmaker explained there are no changes with the providers. 3. Kinship Care Crystal Mitchell shared updates on Senate Bill 20 for an Unlicensed Kinship Program which will allow a partial board payment to kinship caregivers for children in DSS custody will begin on 11/16/23. The definition of kinship according to Senate Bill 20 and eligibility criteria was shared with the Board along with the board rates for each age group. 37% of children in OCDSS custody are currently in a kinship placement. Currently 21 children are in an unlicensed kinship placement that meets eligibility criteria for this program. Ms. Mitchell shared projected fiscal impact per month and the remainder of this current fiscal year. The state will share in the cost with the county by providing a 50% reimbursement. 4. Director’s Report Nancy Coston updated the Board that there are currently 32 vacancies in the agency. She further explained this is a priority area for DSS leadership. Director Coston stated December will be a busy month with the rollout of Medicaid Expansion, the start of energy programs, and the delivery of our holiday programs. She stated family sponsorship for the holidays is underway and Toy Chest will occur December 7th-9th. She further shared County funds were approved in our budget for a food MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES October 16, 2023 3 card distribution at Toy Chest. She advised the Board a contact person’s name will be sent to them if they wish to volunteer. Ann Wilkerson asked if someone can let her know when help is needed the most at Toy Chest. Pat Garavaglia also stated she would volunteer. Director Coston shared Human Services Program Manager, Sharron Hinton is serving an Interim Housing Director while also assuming her DSS role. VII. Announcements Pat Garavaglia moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:12 pm. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. Submitted by: Nancy Coston, DSS Director Jane Garrett, Chair