Children & Families Commission outlines strategic plan shift, highlights LassenLinks and diaper pilot

Tim Clark, Executive Director of the Lassen County Children and Families Commission, presented the commission——annual strategic plan, the FY23-24 external evaluation, the annual audit and the annual report and described a shift in the commission—s work from direct home-visiting services toward systems-building.

Clark told the board the commission canceled its primary local home-visiting contract last October, which prompted a reorientation toward smaller projects and coordination work. He described LassenLinks, a countywide referral network started during the COVID period that now lets partners and residents make online referrals (lastlynx.org) and helps connect families to services such as Medi-Cal enrollment, WIC, SNAP and childcare resources.

Clark described two program initiatives: a diaper distribution pilot run with Lassen County Public Health and the purchase of fluoride varnish supplies to sustain school dental screenings after funding changes left gaps. He also said the commission received a new grant to support transitional kindergarten (TK) teacher professional development and is pursuing a regional collaboration with Plumas County Office of Education for training.

Clark presented that the commission receives an external evaluation and an audit (the audit "came back clean") and asked supervisors to review the packet—materials; supervisors thanked him and asked a few clarifying questions about remote contracting and oversight given Clark now lives and works remotely.

The commission did not request an action vote beyond acceptance of the report in the meeting packet.