MARION COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES BOARD
MEETING OF JULY 16, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT: MARIANNE BAILEY
JOLENE CARTER
DR. HENRY HEINZMANN
ELLEN BRYANT-MESSENGER
JOHN PETERSON
STACI THOMAS
MEMBERS ABSENT: SHAWN JACKSON
STAFF PRESENT: ANN BRISTOLL, CASEWORK SUPPORT SERV. SUPERVISOR
CARRIE GROGAN, PLACEMENT SUPERVISOR
JACQUELINE RINGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The regular meeting of the Marion County Children Services Board was held on Friday, July 16, 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 12:01 p.m. Mr. Shawn Jackson was unable to attend due to a work obligation.
Mr. Peterson called for Public Comment. No public comment presented.
Mr. Peterson called for the review of the Minutes. The May Finance Committee and May Board Meeting Minutes had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Mr. Peterson requested a motion to ratify. Dr. Henry Heinzmann motioned to ratify the minutes as presented. Ms. Marianne Bailey seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. The June Board Meeting Minutes had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Mr. Peterson requested a motion. Dr. Heinzmann motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Staci Thomas seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Peterson called for the monthly Financial Reports. The May Revenue and Expenditures reports had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Mr. Peterson requested a motion to ratify. Ms. Jolene Carter motioned to approve the financial reports as presented. Ms. Ellen Bryant-Messenger seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. The June Revenue and Expenditures reports had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Jacqueline Ringer reported $309,878.63 in receipts and $451,775.32 in expenditures. The primary revenue source for the month was IV-E Training and Administration reimbursement. Placement related costs remain the most significant monthly expenditure. Ms. Ringer provided a six month summary indicating the Agency is in the black. The potential cost shift to local child protection agencies as it relates to the Family First Qualified Residential Treatment Program requirements was discussed. Ms. Ringer indicated efforts continue to prepare for the additional requirements and ensure the appropriate financial resources are available remain ongoing. Mr. Peterson requested a motion. Ms. Bailey motioned to approve the June financial reports as presented. Dr. Heinzmann seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Peterson called for the Agency-Held Accounts. Second quarter use for each account had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Ringer summarized each account use and ending balance.
Mr. Peterson called for the Purchased Care Report. The June report had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Ringer summarized one new placement, three change in placements and four exits from purchase care. The report reflects 33 children in purchased care for a net cost of $676,888.11.
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 Intake unit will be at 50% capacity (3 caseworkers) as of July 22. One caseworker will be transferring to Ongoing once it is feasible to do so. The Intake unit conducted 71 assessments of safety for an average caseload size of 15.1. Ms. Ringer explained the actual caseload size is much higher due to investigations being 45-60 days in length. In addition, as caseworkers resign, this leave cases to be finalized by the remaining staff. At this point in time, each unit caseworker as between 30 – 40 cases. The Ongoing units provided services to 113 families and 225 children for an adjusted caseload of 11.3. The Agency maintained custody of 64 children and 79 children were in the temporary custody of kinship. Independent Living services were provided to 23 children. The Placement unit provided services to 39 foster homes and 35 adoptive homes. One child was adopted in July for a total of six adoptions this year. The Agency currently has 19 children in permanent custody with two adoptions scheduled. Adoption subsidies are being negotiated through mediation
efforts for two children, seven children are in the appeals process and eight children are waiting to be matched with prospective adoptive homes. Post finalized adoption services were provided to 86 children and 47 families. Post emancipation services were provided to three children for the month.
The Essential Worker Hazard Pay proposal had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Ringer noted a 20% turnover rate in casework staff to date. The Agency found it difficult to recruit candidates in 2020 and it has become even more challenging to date. Ms. Ringer went on to discuss the limited personnel resources and the affect it has on current staff. Ms. Ringer noted the current Hazard Pay proposal takes in consideration SB 109 “Hero Pay” and the current discussions of “Premium Pay” for law enforcement, fire fighters, jail officers and EMS. Increases in the State Children Protection Allocation would be used to fund this one-time effort. Ms. Ringer recommended a rate of $250 per quarter worked during the health pandemic, not to exceed $1,000. Part time staff would receive 50% of the rate. Staff hired in the quarter and/or on leave would receive a prorated amount at 1/3 of the rate per month worked, excluding gaps of less than 10 days. Mr. Peterson requested a motion. Ms. Carter motioned to approved Essential Worker Hazard Pay as presented for all staff employed as of July 16, 2021. Ms. Bailey seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Peterson called for Unfinished Business. No unfinished business presented.
Mr. Peterson called for New Business. The Quarterly Reports had been distributed to board members prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Ann Bristoll summarized the two grievances received and the end determination. Ms. Carrie Grogan summarized the Foster Care Critical Incident report. Ms. Ringer summarized the safety & risk management and personnel reports. Mr. Peterson requested a motion. Ms. Bryant-Messenger motioned to approve the quarterly reports as presented. Ms. Bailey seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Peterson informed the board that he will not be able to continue to serve as a member upon his term expiring on December 31, 2021. The board thanked Mr. Peterson for his years of dedication to the mission. Ms. Ringer noted the board is required to have at least five but no more than ten members. The board engaged in general discussion pertaining to future needs of the board. Decisions will need to be made on the number of board members and designation of a 2022 Board Chair.
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 August 20 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. Ms. Bryant-Messenger motioned to adjourn. Mr. Peterson adjourned the meeting at 1:09 p.m.
John Peterson, Chair
Ellen Bryant-Messenger, Secretary
Jacqueline Ringer, Executive Director