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CPMT: WRAP funds underused and special‑education vacancies persist in Tazewell County
Summary
Members reported WRAP funds remain underused, Safe & Stable account balance was lower than listed, Family Support and Family Preservation funds are exhausted and $7,266 remains in reunification funding; members also flagged special‑education teacher and provider case‑manager vacancies.
At the Jan. 23 CPMT meeting, members were told that some program dollars remain underutilized while staffing shortages persist in schools and provider agencies.
Melinda Smith reported she will continue reminders to use WRAP funds that have been encumbered for the July 2022–June 2023 fiscal year. The coordinator noted that the Safe & Stable balance listed in meeting materials as $17,458.44 was "actually less," Family Support and Family Preservation funds have been exhausted, and $7,266 remains in reunification funds. The minutes state that PSSF funding is currently being used to provide services.
Smith also raised ongoing vacancies for special education teacher positions, calling them "severely understaffed," and asked members to help publicize openings; she noted that a bachelor's degree is one of the hiring requirements. Separately, members heard that vendor agencies are having difficulty filling case manager positions, which some providers have said is driving requests for higher rates — requests that OCS has instructed CPMTs not to accept as unilateral contract modifications.
Why it matters: Underused targeted funds can delay services for children and families; staffing shortages in schools and provider agencies limit the pool of available services and can increase pressure on county budgets and vendor contracts.
What comes next: CPMT members agreed to continue outreach to fill vacancies and to remind partners to utilize available WRAP funding.
