Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DSS reports falling foster caseload, SNAP/LIEAP funds and local aid available for residents
Summary
Ashe County DSS said the number of children in foster care is falling due to permanency work; SNAP funds were released by the federal government, LIEAP funds of roughly $120,000 are available for older residents in December, and several targeted crisis funds remain for emergency assistance.
At the Dec. 15 meeting, Ashe County Department of Social Services Director Tracy reported operational updates and aid availability for residents.
Tracy said foster-care numbers are declining because of permanency actions including returns home, guardianships and adoptions. She noted a high accuracy rate (98.57%) for the county's child-care subsidy program and said there were no paybacks to the state for that program. On federal benefits, Tracy reported that SNAP (food) funds released by the federal government should be flowing to residents' EBT cards after state processing; residents experiencing problems were instructed to contact their worker.
The department has about $18,450 remaining in SIP (crisis energy) funding for immediate energy-related assistance and reported roughly $120,000 in LIEAP funds for people aged 60 and over in December; an additional $90,000 remains for the general program in January. The county also received reallocations for APS and CPS essential funds and a $244,000 grant to help with hurricane-related repairs distributed to nonprofits for reimbursement of roofs, flooring and septic work.
Tracy briefed commissioners on outreach to people experiencing homelessness, including transport options to Hospitality House and work by outreach coordinators; staff said some people remain in donated campers while others are couch-surfing. The department is also monitoring the new Medicaid children and family specialty program (managed by a private contractor) and noting potential implications for foster-care case supervision.
Commissioners thanked Tracy and asked staff to continue outreach and program promotion so residents can access available assistance.
