Title
Receive a report from the Department of Social Services on the programs and staffing of Family and Children’s Services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Health, Housing, and human Services Committee of the Board of Supervisors:
Receive a report from the Department of Social Services on the programs and services provided by Family and Children’s Services generated from data provided to the State along with current staffing data.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Monterey County Family and Children’s Services (FCS) offers child protective services, foster care services, and adoption services to children and young adults in Monterey County. The mission of FCS is to prevent the occurrence of child abuse and neglect. Service goals strive to keep children and youth safe and within protection of a permanent family.
In November 2022, FCS received 353 reports of child abuse and neglect, and 113 of those reports were assigned to the Emergency Response (ER) Unit for an in-person investigation. There were no new family maintenance cases open, and there was one petition filed in dependency court. In other words, only one child entered foster care in Monterey County in November 2022. For the children in foster care, there were no children who reunified with their parent(s), no children were adopted, and there were two foster children who emancipated.
In the past month, one social worker resigned from the ER Unit, and there are three new social workers in the induction unit. 21% of the total social worker/social work supervisor positions are vacant.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Monterey County Department of Social Services partners with Behavioral Health, the Probation Department, and various local non-profit organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families in Monterey County.
FINANCING:
There is no effect to the County General Fund resulting from the receipt of this presentation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action correlates to the following Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors:
__ Economic Development: Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
__ Administration: Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
_X_Health & Human Services: Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and health environments in collaboration with communities.
__ Infrastructure: Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
__ Public Safety: Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by Chelsea Chacon, MAIII x 8596
Approved by Lori A. Medina, Director of Social Services, X4430
Attachments:
FCS Report