governmental services - GORacine.org

FUND: SPECIAL REVENUEHUMAN SERVICESHUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTJonathan Delagrave, Human Services DirectorOPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSEThe Human Services Department is mandated to provide an extensive array of social services, financial benefits, andrehabilitation to statutorily designated groups of Racine County residents. The mission of the Human Services Department isto foster healthy, self-reliant individuals and families. It is committed to providing services of value to taxpayers thatpromote independence, strengthen families, encourage healthy behavior, protect vulnerable persons, and prevent individualand social problems.The Human Services Department provides or purchases a wide range of services for the elderly, mentally ill, developmentallydisabled, physically disabled, abused and neglected children, alcohol and drug abusers, juvenile delinquents, and statusoffenders. Statutory authority for the department, including its secure juvenile detention facility, is found in Chapters 48, 46,51 and 938 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Chapter 49 authorizes the Department to administer public welfare programs, such asWisconsin Works, Food Stamps, and Medicaid. The Department is also responsible for a myriad of employment and trainingprograms that are integrated into the Workforce Development Center.EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURESThe Human Services Department’s 2011 workload included: Information and Assistance logged 14,129 calls in 2011, an increase of 9% over 2010. Juvenile intake, court services and case management to 1,350 newly apprehended youth, an increase of 10% from 2010. A reduction in the ADP of Juvenile Corrections from 12 in 2010 to 6 in 2011. 243 child abuse/neglect petitions were filed with the District Attorney’s office in 2011, an increase of 19% over 2010. Providing information or assessment services to 3,851 unduplicated consumers with Aging & Disability Resource Centerresources, and spoke with an additional 1,598 consumers who wish to remain anonymous in 2011. Mental Health issues for 1,405 individuals. Financial Assistance in the form of Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, W2 and Child Care Subsidies to 19,502households. 4,089 job openings were listed with the WDC in 2011.2013 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES Build collaborative relationships with other counties/entities to provide W2 services while maintaining the goal ofutilizing as much W2 reimbursement for County services as possible. Have less then three Juveniles average daily population (ADP) in corrections for 2013. In the last three years we haveaveraged five (ADP). Establish 50 new Foster Care families for 2013 as our Foster Care Program is more efficient and less costly than otherout-of-home placements. Continue to facilitate the Higher Expectations Plan to achieve the goals set within the plan. Provide Temporary Financial and Employment Support for Families. Work with families to obtain the goal of selfsustainability. Continue to have a proactive Fraud Program for Public Assistance Programs in Racine County. Continue to have astrong relationship with the Sherriff and District Attorney’s offices to reduce fraud in Human Services programs. Provide Emergency Services to people in crisis. Continue to offer a positive environment to youth who reside in the juvenile detention center and ensure that theirplacement is as short as possible. We will be as aggressive as possible in managing children out of HSD programs. This includes Foster Care up torestrictive placements such as Corrections or Group Homes. Utilize the ACE 180 program as much as possible for better juvenile services and to reduce correctional costs. Achieve or exceed state performance standards in each of our Human Services programs. Establish a Behavior Health Clinic which includes moving the Mental Health Assessment Center to the RCDKSC. Have an ADP of six individuals at the Assessment Center for 2013. Optimize workforce transit and specialized transportation through grant funding and collaborative relationships.PAGE 37 - 1