Don Horan, commissioner of social services, told the Human Services Committee that program-integrity recoveries rose from $6,004.16 to $30,002.48. Horan said the increase included a $14,000 restitution payment from a person who was indicted by a grand jury and a $7,225 recovery on an older case, plus smaller recoveries.
The committee approved multiple grants supporting the county Child Advocacy Center (CAC). Horan said the county will accept a five-year award of $50,000 per year (maximum $250,000) to support a mobile unit for the CAC; the money will reimburse salaries, fringe and operating expenses for the RV unit. The committee also approved an Office of Victim Services award Horan described as $398,093.86 per year for three years, totaling $1,194,281 to support CAC operations, including salaries, fringe, supplies and rent. Horan said the county is the lead agency that applies for and holds the grants for the CAC; he confirmed the neighboring Kent County participates in the CAC but does not apply for the same grants.
Horan presented cooperative agreements between social services and the county employment and training unit to refer clients for job support; the committee approved the current-year agreement and a similar agreement for 2024. Horan also requested approval to fill two account clerk typist positions (one promotion backfill and one retirement replacement); the committee approved the fills by voice vote.
Committee members asked about consequences for people found to have taken benefits improperly. Horan described the department’s approach: staff seek restitution and will pursue liens, judgments or reductions to future benefits if necessary. He acknowledged prosecution and court processes can be time-consuming and that recovered funds help return money to county taxpayers.
All grant acceptances, agreements and personnel fills were approved by voice vote with the chair announcing each motion carried.