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Minutes Children Services Committee Meeting 3/10/04 |
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1. Review Agenda, Approve Minutes and Set New Agenda Items |
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Present: Donn Gunderson, Brenda Jackson, Debra Jones, Karen Hoyle, Connie Oxendine, Wanda Bullard, Belinda Sims, Velvet Perdue, Joyce Gardner, Denise Shaffer, Rita Bland, Pam Grantham, Jane Shooter, Karen Adams, John Carroll, Chuck Harris, Margaret Johnson, Cyndy Benson, Denise Boyette, Bertram Wilson, Adgenda Turner, Joyce Edwards, Lisa Roberson, JoAnn Lamm, David Atkinson, Kevin Kelley, Angela Mandell, Vickie Smith, Linda Galacci, Esther high, Chris Sinha |
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Conclusion: Brenda Jackson asked for additions for the Agenda. It was suggested that we look at the malicious CPS Reports concern coming out of the House Interim Committee. It was also suggested that we look at Supervisor to Staff ratios for the new proposed standards. Brenda asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the Minutes from the February Meeting. Karen Hoyle moved that the Minutes be approved as mailed. Margaret Johnson seconded the motion which carried unanimously. |
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Action Items: • N/A |
Person Responsible:
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Deadline:
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2. Fam. Services Case Plans-Beverly Daniels J. LAmm |
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Discussion: JoAnn distributed a revised copy of the policy suggesting that in light of all else that has been going on recently that we look at making the policy effective 9/1/04. There was a concern about putting the Foster Parents address on the form. Rita Bland had asked that there be a place to put individual family member's needs on the case plan. The Committee reviewed the In-Home Service Agreement and the Out of Home Service Agreement.
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Conclusion: Motion by Karen Hoyle to approve the policy as revised effective 9/1/04. Joyce Edwards seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
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Action Items: • Present to Executive Board |
Person Responsible: Co-Chairs |
Deadline: 9/1/04 |
3. Day Care Neglect & Abuse Task Force--Brenda Jackson |
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Discussion: Brenda reported on the Task Force's recommendations and stated that she didn't think much will happen soon on this. She reported that there is no change in caretaker definition. There is a recommendations for a perpetrator data base for DC centers and homes but that it would take funding to develop it. |
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Conclusion: N/A |
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Action Items: • N/A |
Person Responsible:
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Deadline:
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4. Update on House Committee -Brenda Jackson, JoAnn Lamm |
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Discussion: JoAnn reported on the presentations before the House Interim Committee on Child Abuse. Patrick McCoy of the Office of State Personnel reported on the findings of OSP's Child Welfare staffing survey. The report found high turnover in CPS investigations and case management and that it took on average 90 days to replace a worker not counting training time. OSP is creating a new classification Grade 70 for CPS investigators and case managers. JoAnn reported that to get the staff/case ratio one social worker 1 to 8 CPS cases that 829 additional staff are needed The Division is creating a new standard for a lower Supervisor to worker ratio of 1 to 3 for smaller counties where CPS is currently under a supervisor who has many other program areas. (The purpose being to create dedicated CPS supervision for CPS staff). There is no immediate upgrade for CPS supervisors. JoAnn reported on Committee's interest in malicious CPS reports. Some House members think that DSS workers are spending too much time on these cases. They are looking at penalties for malicious reports. |
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Conclusion: N/A |
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Action Items: • No |
Person Responsible:
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Deadline:
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5. DV Policy Training Update--JoAnn Lamm, Tracy Turner NCACDSS |
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Discussion: Tracy Turner reported that before the training was halted that they had provided a o ne day overview for CPR's and held three three day sessions with county supervisors. She reported that they got DSS policy questions that they could not explain, as the DV training was not well integrated to DSS forms and procedures. There were concerns with the policy itself-Supervisors felt like we were protecting the parents, not the children which is contrary to historical DSS CPS policy. JoAnn stated that they would revise the implementation schedule, plan, and policy. They would then reset the schedule. JoAnn stated that there would be a conference call 3/12 and invited participation. |
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Conclusion: N/A |
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Action Items: • N/A |
Person Responsible:
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Deadline:
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6. State Program Improvement Plan-JoAnn Lamm |
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Discussion: Feds say that they are still planning on coming back to review compliance. NC's PIP ended 12/31/03, and the feds are still evaluating data. They have renegotiated two of our outcoming measdures A/N in Foster Care,(.87%) and repeat maltreatment to where we are in compliance. Placement stability is still an issue and penalties are possible. JoAnn was asked if more new policy is coming to ensure compliance. JoAnn stated that they had done what could be done policy wise and that no major new policy initiative is underway or planned. |
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Conclusion: |
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Action Items: • N/A |
Person Responsible:
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Deadline:
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7. IV-E Policy Question |
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Discussion: If child never comes into DSS custody, such as in a direct kinship care placement off of a CPS investigation, can they be eligible for IVE-FC assistance or Adoption Assistance? The answer is no. JoAnn noted that NC's use of IVE is under question by the Feds.
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Conclusion: |
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Action Items: • |
Person Responsible:
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Deadline:
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8. Miscellaneous |
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Discussion: In reference to the Federal Adoption Recruitment Campaign, Esther High reported that the NC Kids organization would help with this. There is virtually no new money ($32,000) to implement it. The Division will issue a letter in May generate inquiries for Adoptions.
AOC Criminal Records Access Pilot Counties have all signed agreements, the contract is with the provider who has yet to hire staff. They don't expect it to be long. |
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Conclusion: |
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Action Items: • |
Person Responsible:
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Deadline:
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