County to accept $125,000 revenue amendment from Partners Health Management to cover foster-youth housing costs
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Sign Up Free
Summary
Partners Health Management proposed increasing its reimbursement to Forsyth County from $50,000 to $175,000 for costs tied to temporary housing of foster-care youth in the county DSS building; staff said payroll and food expenses July–October totaled $49,385 and the county currently has three children housed temporarily.
Forsyth County Social Services briefed the Board of Commissioners on an amendment to the county's revenue agreement with Partners Health Management to increase reimbursement for nonclinical support of children housed in the Department of Social Services building. Cindy Birkin said the original contract reimbursed up to $50,000; the amendment would add $125,000, bringing the reimbursement ceiling to $175,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
Birkin said payroll and food expenses for July through October totaled $49,385. County staff reported that the program typically has two to three children in the building at a time and that the department spends about $12,500 per month with three children present. Commissioners asked for additional data on average cost per night, staff-to-child ratios and historical trends; Birkin agreed to provide averages and follow-up data.
Commissioners discussed placement challenges and noted legislative conversations about level 2 care centers that could accept more intensive youth placements. No formal vote was recorded during the briefing; staff presented the amendment for authorization and said Partners had been invoiced for the July–October expenses.
Ending: Staff committed to providing commissioners with historical data on the number of children housed, average cost per night and staffing patterns to inform potential long-term solutions.