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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-17-2024MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES June 17, 2024 1 THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: June 17, 2024 at Hillsborough Commons. BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Garrett, Ann Wilkerson, Sally Greene, Oscar Fleming, and Chris Barnes GUEST: Elijah Barnes, Tara Andrews, and Lauren Andrews. BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Social Services Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager; Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager; Rebekah Rapoza, Budget Officer; Kim Lassiter Fisher, Adult Services Supervisor; and Sharron Hinton, Human Services Manager. I. Call to Order and Introductions DSS Chair, Jane Garrett, called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm. II. Board Comments None. III. Public Comments Elijah Barnes spoke in support of Lauren Andrews. He shared that Ms. Andrews is a great person and a good mom and stated he does not understand why her children were taken away and put up for adoption. Tara Andrews spoke in support of her sister, Lauren Andrews. She explained the impact on the family of the children being placed in foster care. She asked that her sister be given a second chance. Lauren Andrews spoke about the difficulty of her children being placed in foster care and the subsequent termination of rights and adoption process. She informed the Board that she would like to be involved in the lives of her children. IV. Agenda Changes None. V. Action Items On a motion by Chris Barnes, the Board approved the minutes of May 20, 2024. Sally Greene seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision 1. Board Member Reappointment Sally Greene moved that Ann Wilkerson be reappointed to the Social Services Board. Chris Barnes seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES June 17, 2024 2 2. Chair/Vice-Chair Selection Ann Wilkerson nominated Jane Garrett to serve as Chair of the DSS Board. Chris Barnes seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. Ann Wilkerson nominated Oscar Fleming to serve as Vice Chair of the DSS Board. Chris Barnes seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. Sally Greene made a motion to move the July meeting to July 22, 2024. Oscar Fleming seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. 3. In-Home Aide and CAP/DA Program Kim Lassiter-Fisher presented information on the in-home aide and CAP/DA programs in adult services. The in-home aide program places an aide in the home of elderly and/or disabled adults in need of assistance with tasks of daily living. This program allows an adult to remain safely in their own homes and within their community. There is no cost to this program for clients with lower incomes and it is based on need, not income. In-home aide services are provided via contract with companies. The companies are required to certify, assign and recruit aides based on the needs of the clients. Clients are seen by their social worker at least quarterly and needs are assessed annually. The current rate for in-home aide services is $31.42/hour to the agency for provision of aides who earn a living wage. All Orange County clients need level 2 care and there are currently 24 clients receiving services. The CAP/DA program has 46 people receiving services in Orange County. These clients can receive supplies and other services to remain in their homes and has a broader budget. The amount that can be spent on CAP cases is capped at the amount of skilled nursing care. Social workers have to make a plan that ensures safety 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Jane Garrett asked how the agency collaborates with the Department on Aging. Ms. Lassiter-Fisher responded that there are two DSS social workers stationed at the senior centers. The two agencies also share contract providers and staff cases together and/or make referrals. 4. Energy Outreach Plan Lindsey Shewmaker presented the FY2024-25 Energy Outreach Plan for Board approval. Ann Wilkerson moved that the Board approve the Energy Programs Outreach Plan. Sally Greene seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. 5. Director’s Report Registrations for the Social Services Institute are due shortly although there is no agenda yet. Chris Barnes indicated interest in attending. VII. Announcements Chris Barnes moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:08 pm. Sally Greene seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. Submitted by: MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES June 17, 2024 3 Nancy Coston, DSS Director Jane Garrett, Chair