Local advocate urges council to address access and responsiveness at Department of Social Services; city manager to follow up

At the Aug. 12 meeting, Ashley Van Noot, who identified herself as "a mother of 8 and a community advocate and nonprofit leader," told the City Council that families seeking help from the Department of Social Services (DSS) face confusing processes, delays and inconsistent information.

Van Noot told council members she waited two weeks after referring a case for respite care with no contact, then had to go in person before a worker was assigned. She said that, after a financial crisis related to caregiving needs, she was told assistance was unavailable and believes relevant funding streams had been exhausted even though the fiscal year had just begun. "When families are in crisis, the Department of Social Services, the process for seeking those resources is not straightforward," Van Noot said.

Van Noot noted the city’s published budget included funding for family stabilization and referenced $127,000 in Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) funding that she said is intended to stabilize families through services such as respite care, rent or utility assistance and therapeutic services. She urged the council to make follow-up in the next month a priority and to check whether families are being given accurate information.

Council response and next steps: the council asked the city manager to collect Van Noot’s contact information, have staff meet with her and report back with recommended actions. The manager's office confirmed it will follow up with a meeting and advise the council on appropriate steps.

Ending: Van Noot framed the issue as urgent and actionable; council directed staff to meet with her and return with recommendations on how to improve access and consistency of services.