Meeting of August 20, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT: MARIANNE BAILEY
JOLENE CARTER
DR. HENRY HEINZMANN
ELLEN BRYANT-MESSENGER
JOHN PETERSON
MEMBERS ABSENT: SHAWN JACKSON
STACI THOMAS
STAFF PRESENT: DAN DOWNES, BUSINESS MANAGER
JACQUELINE RINGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The regular meeting of the Marion County Children Services Board was held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at noon in the main training room of Marion County Children Services. Board Chair, Mr. John Peterson called the meeting to order at approximately 12:04 p.m. Mr. Shawn Jackson was unable to attend due to a work obligation and Ms. Staci Thomas was ill.
Mr. Peterson called for Public Comment. No public comment presented.
Mr. Peterson called for the review of the Minutes. The July Board Meeting Minutes had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Mr. Peterson requested a motion to approve. Dr. Henry Heinzmann motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Marianne Bailey seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Peterson called for the monthly Financial Reports. The July Revenue and Expenditures reports had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Mr. Dan Downes reported $1,753,258.42 in receipts and $425,675.16 in expenditures. The primary revenue source for the month was Real Estate Property Tax, State Child Protection Allocation and IV-E Training and Administration reimbursement. Placement related costs remain the most significant monthly expenditure. Mr. Peterson requested a motion. Ms. Ellen Bryant- Messenger motioned to approve the July financial reports as presented. Ms. Jolene Carter seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Peterson called for the Purchased Care Report. The July report had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Ringer summarized two new placements, two change in placements and one exit from purchase care. The report reflects 33 children in purchased care for a net cost of $755,137.68.
Mr. Peterson called for Committee Reports. Mr. Peterson called for the Executive Director’s Report. The Monthly Services had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Ringer reported the search for casework candidates remains ongoing. The Intake unit conducted 80 assessments of safety for an adjusted caseload of 17.1. The Ongoing units provided services to 113 families and 225 children for an adjusted caseload of 12.5. The Agency maintained custody of 61 children and 72 children were in the temporary custody of kinship. Independent Living services were provided to 22 children. Ms. Ringer noted the Placement Supervisor and Community Education & Recruitment Coordinator both resigned. The Agency is committed to filling the direct service/casework vacancies prior to these positions. Training and Program Administrator, Francis Hernandez, will ensure the supervision needs for the unit. The Community Education & Recruitment Coordinator has agreed to continue some of the job responsibilities through contract work and Ms. Ringer will cover the remaining items. The Placement unit provided services to 37 foster homes and 33 adoptive homes. One child was adopted in August for a total of eight adoptions this year. The Agency currently has 17 children in permanent custody. As a result of the changing needs of the unit, Ms. Hernandez will assess personnel needs and develop recommendations. Post finalized adoption services were provided to 87 children and 47 families. Post emancipation services were provided to three children for the month.
The Board discussed the potential of tenure and/or step increases to help combat the consistent turnover issue facing the Agency.
Mr. Peterson called for Unfinished Business. No unfinished business presented.
Mr. Peterson called for New Business. Ms. Ringer noted the need to discuss Board Composition. The role of Board Chair will need to be filled for 2022. Ms. Ringer agreed to send out an email to the Board-at-Large requesting consideration. The Board reviewed current composition and determined it best to maintain membership at seven. Ms. Ringer noted a need for human resource or mental / behavioral health expertise. Board members will consider and reach out to potential individuals to ascertain their interest and availability.
Mr. Peterson called for Miscellaneous/Other. No miscellaneous/other presented.
Mr. Peterson moved on to the date and time of the next board meeting. The next meeting will be held on September 17 at noon in the main training room at Marion County Children Services.
There being no further business to come before the board, Mr. Peterson requested a motion. Dr. Heinzmann motioned to adjourn. Mr. Peterson adjourned the meeting at 1:04 p.m.
John Peterson, Chair
Ellen Bryant-Messenger, Secretary
Jacqueline Ringer, Executive Director