[0:00] It is 4:30 of the department of human services

[0:04] Wednesday August 5th 2026. This mean all other meetings of this

[0:10] committee are open to the public. Proper notes have been posted given to the

[0:13] media and queries were sent from statute so the citizens may be aware of and

[0:17] place an agenda of this meeting. Uh roll call shows that we have sufficient

[0:23] numbers for a quorum. Correct? >> Correct.

[0:27] » All righty. review and approve the agenda as handed out.

[0:34] » I move to >> that too. [laughter]

[0:40] » Motion made and second to approve the agenda.

[0:45] » Just the sound of my name. >> Oh,

[0:51] there's a bar. We got to change that. >> Yeah,

[0:54] » we'll get the name right. >> It's all right.

[0:57] » Venturing. that right. Um the motion made second to approve the agenda handed

[1:03] out with the um correction of name spelling. Any further discussion on the

[1:08] matter? All in favor say I. >> I.

[1:11] » Any contrary? So move. We have the minutes of the previous meeting July 1st

[1:16] of 2026. Any additions or corrections that we may have on that?

[1:23] » Not a motion to approve the uh minutes. So I'll second

[1:28] » motion made senator to approve the minutes of July 1st 2026. Any further

[1:32] discussion at all? All in favor say I. >> Any contrary? So move

[1:39] for public comment. I think we have anything

[1:44] for comments today. It will be apparently u Mary gave me a thing here

[1:53] that talks about individual will be given five minutes present their

[1:57] information and such if they have public comment on this sort of thing um

[2:03] certainly make us aware if five minutes seems wrong on that or something and a

[2:08] maximum of 15 minutes is what they have suggested here so um that's what I will

[2:15] go ahead and work with at at other meetings. Um

[2:20] this is something we you live and Mary right that we had as part of your

[2:25] » in my time here I don't recall that we've had public comment but this is

[2:29] what is in items that we have for

[2:34] » okay if anyone does have any next meeting actually change it whatever

[2:46] think we're aware that we have that Um, next we have program presentation,

[2:51] behavioral health wraparound treatment services.

[2:55] Mary, you want to introduce our H everything with that?

[3:00] » I I will let Kim >> Kim get

[3:04] [laughter] the manager of the uh wraparound

[3:08] behavioral health division wraparound treatment services which she'll go into

[3:12] like what that means. >> Hi.

[3:16] Um so last thing I'm in the other half of the so um I

[3:25] supervised our two wraparound programs they are comprehensive community

[3:29] services and community support program a lot of similarities and also a lot of

[3:34] differences so I made some lovely handouts for all of you um so we'll

[3:39] start with let's start with CCS first.

[3:52] So I talked about this all day every other day and I probably talked fast. So

[3:56] please stop me as a question. Oh, thanks. Um but really in a nutshell,

[4:02] right? Um starting with CCS. So round program rehabilitative in nature. So CCS

[4:09] serves people all throughout the lifespan. So kids through adults um and

[4:14] really families. So like if a child is in our program, we really see the family

[4:19] as the client. So serving the individual and really all the people in their

[4:24] family or kind of around them, their supports. Um so like I was saying it's

[4:28] rehabilitative in nature meaning they're you know coming in for mental health um

[4:35] concerns anxiety attachment trauma um disruptive behaviors those types of

[4:41] things and average length of stay um in the program definitely varies um

[4:46] probably like one and a half to two. So get in, get the skills, get out, like

[4:52] get on your way,

[4:56] right? So that's kind of uh that's that's important there.

[5:02] Um CS is really consumer driven. So consumers pick their own goals. So we'll

[5:08] have kids whereas, well, I don't want to get angry anymore. Okay, yep, hear you.

[5:13] And so then um um case manager will work with that

[5:18] person to okay well what does that look like right what are some realistic goals

[5:21] okay we want to work on coping skills or you know finding some healthy hobbies

[5:25] things like that but really taking the consumer's words and building from there

[5:28] we find that really empowers people seveny olds in the program where it's

[5:34] like yeah I get to choose the goals right and they get to choose their

[5:37] providers as well so within the CCS program um there's different providers

[5:42] So there's always a therapist on the team um and they can provide individual

[5:47] and family therapy and then there's um let's say a mentor um type person. So

[5:54] they um different skills. So they can teach daily living skills, maybe anger

[5:58] management skills, uh skills to manage anxiety, social skills, um all of those

[6:04] things. And so um the the consumer gets to then choose um from a pool of

[6:12] providers and let's say it's you know what it's not it's not working very well

[6:17] right like the relationship just didn't match then we can go back to the pool

[6:21] and choose something new. So it really does focus on what do they need to

[6:25] summing on their strengths.

[6:30] That is it in a nutshell. Again, there's more information on this as far as

[6:34] requirements and things like that, but

[6:38] any questions before I move on to the next one?

[6:42] » Strictly MA type program. >> Yeah. So, everyone in the program has to

[6:47] have MA. Um, that being said, so for children, there are state programs that

[6:53] can help them get MA if they don't have them. And that's important because I

[6:56] think some people outside of the county, you don't know that. And so if a child

[6:59] does not have MA feel free to refer anyway because we can work with the

[7:03] states of

[7:07] » how much of an outreach you have for that you know I look at these programs

[7:11] is very important and how much are we able to I'll use the word since you said

[7:18] consumers uh how much are we doing to market it we're getting it out there so

[7:23] that people are aware of >> well here's an I I love that question.

[7:27] Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to jump to my last handout because

[7:32] um we have so many um relationships formal and informal within the

[7:37] community. And so that's a big way that we quote unquote market I would say. Um

[7:43] so coming around you'll see um a whole list of different team relationships

[7:49] that both represent have. There are contracted providers at the top so they

[7:53] are specially trained to provide CCS services. Um, then we have our internal

[7:58] DHS programs. And I know that you all know the internal DHS programs, but I

[8:02] wanted to list them out so that you knew that you know which ones that the

[8:05] referum program specifically interact with daily. So, ADRC, right, is one of

[8:10] our big connection points as well. And then it's a very extensive list and I'm

[8:15] sure there's more in forgetting, but um, of different community partners. Yeah.

[8:19] So there's schools on there, there's food pantries on there, you know,

[8:24] housing authority. Um, and we get also a lot of hospitals,

[8:35] » you guys.

[8:39] » Yeah. So actually we get a lot from Yep. I get and and that's more for um our

[8:45] community support which we'll talk about next but we have some people in CPS that

[8:49] use man organization we get referrals from the organization

[8:54] um so for you guys probably already know this but right they need to go through

[8:58] the count to get on managed care organization and then they sometimes

[9:03] will then back and reach out to us saying hey I work with this person they

[9:08] can relate you with rep service because with both rep wrap around services. The

[9:13] goal is to remain in their community of fortune. a really big deal when we look

[9:17] at you like say 20 30 years ago but Alan probably you know 40 50 years ago right

[9:24] like a lot of these individuals would be in out of home placement in hospitals in

[9:29] group homes and so repar programs do a lot um to really keep them in their home

[9:37] right seeing this list it's really like a testament right because all especially

[9:41] the community partners that last list right there you know We connect people

[9:46] to them, but then people can ask them on their own, but sometimes you don't know

[9:51] about them, right? Like even because I had asked my staff to help with this

[9:55] list, there were some that I even forgot about. So, I think it's just good to um

[10:00] to know all of the community resources so that you can feel, you know,

[10:04] connected. >> And follow up on that question is how

[10:09] are we connecting with these community partners? We do the meet groups of them

[10:15] at once, twice a year, something that goes out to them.

[10:21] I don't want to say a newsletter, but something similar that kind of makes

[10:24] them aware of things to help remind them of that. I kind of wish we had doctor

[10:28] here today because certainly has mentioned many times about resources

[10:34] that that she needs and her colleagues need in order to refer because they see

[10:38] these families and everything. Um but that so the question that marketing part

[10:44] of it sure that we're we're catching earlier than later one thing. Um the

[10:50] other question I have too and this because we're talking budget here and

[10:54] everything on that MA program is there any additional taxing monies that have

[11:01] to go into this or is the MA pretty well cover it

[11:04] » for CCS is 100% >> 100% reimbursement. and it is covering

[11:09] the overall cost in there. So it's basically spread out to the state all of

[11:13] us as a nation as it were in provide these services. That's very important

[11:18] for us to know because when push comes a shove and we do have six supervisors up

[11:24] to county number 27 and uh it's important for us to be able to form our

[11:30] fellow supervisors that something like this program

[11:39] don't want to touch those programs alone

[11:44] » you think so yeah little budget side. Okay. The CSP.

[11:49] » Um well, I just want to get back to your question about marketing, right? Because

[11:52] so we do with um the majority of the school listed on here. So we meet with

[11:58] them monthly um New London we're starting monthly. I know Wy

[12:05] and then we've also been invited to different

[12:08] um I know two years ago now um I presented at Theta Care. they had asked

[12:15] me to come present. So I did that. >> Y

[12:18] » um so and and to right like there's just different relationships that come with

[12:23] having community partners. So I think as a and I think like marketing right like

[12:29] makes a lot of sense to me and we have our staff that programs right like they

[12:35] have long-standing relationship housing authority people at DVR right like

[12:39] neuroscience things like that and so I think those speak a lot to that

[12:45] » I'm certainly yeah no but I just want to make sure that

[12:49] support [clears throat] that we are making for

[12:54] and it is one of those things done. So whatever

[13:00] much need but it's very thank you

[13:06] clarifying some of those things any other

[13:12] question.

[13:17] All right, CSP.

[13:27] I've been around a really long time. Kevin

[13:31] saying she is perfect.

[13:35] Let's go ahead and give you >> so um CSP again wrap around program

[13:43] rehabilitative in nature but different in a way and that we're really we're

[13:48] really just stabilizing people right so um within this program um we serve

[13:52] adults so 18 and up um and to be in this program you need to have um serious and

[14:00] persistent mental illness so a lot of people think

[14:05] um foster current psychosis, um a history of hospitalizations, difficulty

[14:10] living safely at home. Um and so this program really aims to um reduce those

[14:17] psychiatric hospitalizations, prevent them if we can of course and then you

[14:21] know um individuals in their community of

[14:25] origin again, right? Like 40 years old, they would have probably been living in

[14:30] hospitals. So um everyone in this program lives on their own um which is

[14:36] really cool right and right now everyone in the program is also their own person.

[14:40] They don't have guardianship over um anyone and so um like I said the main

[14:45] purpose of this program is stabilization. So really helpingers

[14:50] uh navigate the world around them. So that can look like helping someone with

[14:55] grocery shopping um going with them. We do a lot of um helping alongside. So

[15:00] grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, we do with not for. We really encourage

[15:05] that. Um so the consumers are um doing these these activities along with the

[15:12] workers. Um and then med checks is um a really big part of our program. And so

[15:19] we'll go as frequently as twice a day, so morning and night in person to see a

[15:24] consumer and make sure that they're taking their um psychiatric medication.

[15:28] So, like I said, that's a big part. Um, and it also provides um a social outlet,

[15:34] too. A lot of our consumers are pretty isolated. Um, so we find that that

[15:39] definitely helps in their mental health. Um, we do have our two psychiatrists

[15:44] that are contracted with the county. They help to oversee our program. They

[15:48] see the majority of our consumers. Um, and they provide weekly supervision to

[15:53] us. Um and you can see there that I listed out um just the um CSP consists

[16:01] of like I said that community support staff to provide those daily living

[16:04] skills um and med checks. We have two case managers um that are coordinating

[16:10] you know necessary mental health um medical dental um appointments all those

[16:16] good things. We do see um a good amount of overlap um with um medical and mental

[16:24] health and especially in this program right um a lot of our consumers are you

[16:30] know aging a bit and so we kind of see that crossover and so um CSP right the

[16:36] main focus is mental health but right we also need to look at the medical side

[16:40] and so that's really where we partner so much with the ADRC and so grateful for

[16:44] that we're always you know calling saying

[16:48] help us what would make sense and so um consumers can be duly enrolled um in the

[16:53] ADRC in a lot of our usually on an MCO

[16:58] managed care organization kind of helps

[17:02] um CSP just like CCS um there's a process right to evaluate and assess and

[17:10] make sure that the program makes sense um for CCS specifically it's kind of

[17:15] like a tier So tier one is like um just once a week

[17:19] outpatient therapy and CCS is already in a little bit more. So um it's um

[17:24] multiple hours a week of services. Um so when consumers go through this

[17:29] assessment process and let's say they're found in knowledgeable or it just

[17:34] doesn't make sense, right, to move forward with the program, they cannot

[17:37] leave empty-handed. that's really important um [clears throat] with these

[17:41] programs is they're left either with a referral or a warm handoff to okay maybe

[17:46] try outpatient services first or right like okay well it sounds like you know

[17:51] um food and transportation are really your main issue. So here's you know list

[17:56] food pantries and then here's the numbers to taxi. So that that's also a

[18:00] big piece of this too. If they're not in the program, you know, they are.

[18:07] » So your numbers, if I recall correctly on this you have within the program 30

[18:15] plus clients and I always I'm sorry

[18:20] call clients simply because I think you are high professionals come to you for

[18:26] clinical type services. call clients case manager with social workers and and

[18:33] uh not economic support workers but anyways it it because I I see that as a

[18:39] high level of service for both programs and such I mean really very high level

[18:44] of service um but we have easily two full-time case managers working um and

[18:52] the support staff you have which is wonderful uh especially you have

[18:56] full-time nurse um psychiatrist do the outpatient as

[19:00] well and uh but a wonderful program and very

[19:06] important as you point out what the costs are per day to be hospitalized

[19:10] just the fact that you deteriorate if you have a psychotic break you know come

[19:15] back same as you were a little bit each time so it's very important program but

[19:21] the question I have is is it I want to at capacity, but are are we

[19:29] pushing that 30 or a little over 30 people in the program or we're still

[19:35] doing around the 20 right now? And I I guess I would think

[19:42] that,000 population that we have. Um, and I

[19:46] understand you talked about as a volunteer program, but I'm certain you

[19:50] do have those who would definitely benefit that

[19:54] may not have some choices in their treatment as it were. Um, once again,

[20:02] the outreach type thing. We're going to fund it for uh say 30 125

[20:09] per full-time social worker. Um

[20:14] yeah, we almost I'm just curious as to what we can do so

[20:20] for next year to uh increase that number. Not that I want to work, but you

[20:26] definitely have the capacity to go up to 151 for a full-time social worker and

[20:31] it's at 40 hours a week now social worker has. So you got 80 hours for 30

[20:36] people and I understand that you know and all that stuff in there but you

[20:42] still have adm

[20:50] people again >> majority are MA it is long-term

[20:55] pervasive mental illness so they're unable to disable

[21:03] just I guess encouraging

[21:07] seeing those numbers up to cover the staff we have which is really nice to

[21:12] have as we have to uh always justify the cost of of fee and it really helps to

[21:18] say hey we're at the you know we're really busting at the seam as it is so

[21:23] come on you must have a question >> I do um the three community support

[21:28] staff members um do they have specific qualifications

[21:34] Is this an area where volunteers could be utilized or that really not?

[21:43] Yeah. Um so as far as qualifications um

[21:51] I was volunteer that is there is specialist training

[21:55] that we have them all. Um and then just the piece uh so uh a part of our program

[22:02] is to involve staffing. So by stat because of how many people we have to

[22:15] I volunteers I like that idea. I think it was

[22:19] that we serve also um these

[22:24] really

[22:31] They're service aids. I use essentially they are those helpers in

[22:38] the community, eyes and ears. uh because you only have two social orders uh case

[22:44] managers and they basically create I'm assuming they create case plans pretty

[22:49] much overall and then intervene or step up as needed assistantness or thing but

[22:55] those those uh wonderful people there are services actually do so much of the

[23:00] hands on the program and everything really are the key for us other than the

[23:07] fact you mentioned medication Without all medication, we may as well throw

[23:11] everything out because the medication's required in order to maintain

[23:17] so important. >> Yeah, I would say it's both you. I

[23:19] appreciate that piece of right like the those three community support staff,

[23:24] they are so important and I definitely, you know, agree with that and they're in

[23:28] the community% of the time. You know, Case Andrews, they really split their

[23:32] time though because yep, they're, you know, greeting the all that. They

[23:36] typically see their consumers once a week as well. And so they're they're

[23:40] really in their, you know, eyes and ears too because again they're speaking

[23:45] creating those treatment plans with the clients. I think it's really important,

[23:49] right, that they are connecting them versus just sitting behind a desk,

[23:53] right? It's kind of hard to I think create a plan that meets the consumer's

[23:56] needs to

[24:00] do you mind if I add to that just from question too um with these typically the

[24:07] clientele that have these diagnoses to to meet qualifications to be in this

[24:12] program have a high level of paranoia um and trust and social socializing

[24:19] to meet new hard Um,

[24:24] and we get in their seats. We're in their business. So, to build that trust,

[24:28] but repeat helpful to build rapport and trust so

[24:34] that if they're having a bad day and like, I think that you poisoned my

[24:37] medication. I'm not taking it from you. That trust. It's like, hey, it's me.

[24:42] Like, we do this every day. I'm like, oh, okay. I'll take it. Right. And so,

[24:46] that piece is really important. Um and then also we just talked about this

[24:52] um

[24:57] just talking about uh shifts or changes. So, we have three staff that are

[25:05] constantly going in uh one to two times a day for our folks depending on what

[25:10] kind of regimen they have. To use eyes to see, oh, you look

[25:17] slightly different. Maybe if you had a new face every day,

[25:21] you wouldn't know that, right? Like maybe their clothing is different, their

[25:26] affect is different, maybe they're responding to you, but like their affect

[25:30] is not matching the situation. really early signs that we can intervene

[25:34] on before we go into a full-blown psychosis which brain matter and you go

[25:39] you slide backwards every time and intervenes faster

[25:44] like the same eyes if that makes sense. So kind of like yes and right it's a

[25:50] little complicated especially with a very

[25:55] special population when they're very vulnerable um individuals that need a

[25:59] lot of support.

[26:08] I do recall the fact that parents are learning something for something

[26:16] um a member down Moda uh taking them out to

[26:20] their local grocery store whatever it is but when they got to their home

[26:24] community they couldn't carry that learning over they had to go to Europe

[26:28] grocery store had to go to your particular aisle of that grocery store,

[26:33] whatever. It it it hard to understand unless you're working in that system is

[26:39] that these individuals, as Kim just point out, we're talking fragile

[26:44] actually might not quite understand what's going on with that person. I

[26:48] mean, it's just a few moments, but you scratch it and you'll find out that

[26:54] there are all kinds of areas that need support in order to maintain them.

[27:01] place in which it's basically

[27:07] but things don't always well

[27:14] fortunately but it's the one on and trust

[27:26] Yeah.

[27:32] Unless you really enjoy just that kind of challenge.

[27:35] » Keep on your toes, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. Keep you going. There's

[27:38] other groups that run out of anyway. Thank you on that. Does anyone

[27:44] pretty much covered everything you wanted? Anything else? Any comments or

[27:47] anything? enjoyable

[27:51] because once again

[28:04] » let's move on

[28:07] board which is the advisory committee reports that we have we have the ADRC

[28:13] and advisory committee report the transportation coordinating committee

[28:16] for join us and the nutrition advisory council

[28:20] July 16th. Do we have any questions or anything up from staff to bring up

[28:27] anything special that's going on with them? Nothing in particular. Then we'll

[28:31] just simply place it on file. Martha, are you so kind on that? Uh DHS programs

[28:37] 14 students.

[28:43] » Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot. Nutrition program. Okay,

[28:46] » I jumped ahead. Okay. So, I'll get us launched with a little bit of an

[28:49] introduction on that. So, we have our ADRC manager, Melissa Anderson, as well

[28:54] as our nutrition and wellness supervisor, um, Lauren Eert. So, we we

[28:59] have revisited um some concerns relative to one of our nutrition areas last um

[29:07] within the last couple of months, we we've done that. So, we wanted to loop

[29:11] back and take some opportunity at this meeting as well to get grounded on some

[29:15] updates. So Melissa, I think is going to get launched in that space this evening.

[29:19] » Absolutely. Um happy to be here. Thank you so much for having me. Um I want to

[29:25] start by saying that um feedback is necessary and vitally important that we

[29:31] are providing quality products, quality services to our people without the

[29:36] comments, without the reports that we're hearing from people. Um yes, mostly

[29:41] things that could be improved upon. Want to hear that. We want to make those

[29:46] necessary adjustments. Um look into those things that people may not like

[29:50] and make the the necessary change.

[29:55] This is um continual feedback we're hearing from participants um throughout

[30:00] the program in every community. Um you know, you have people's likes and

[30:04] dislikes. Um those those reports that we're getting from people, we look into

[30:08] every one of them. um get as much information as we can gathered about um

[30:14] that specific um situation that that individual may not like or maybe there's

[30:19] a a group of people that may not like that specific thing. Uh gathering the

[30:24] necessary information, really get to the root cause so that we can address

[30:27] whatever that concern is um and help educate the participant on the reasons

[30:33] why maybe something is a certain way or work with the caterer um volunteers to

[30:38] improve

[30:41] and things in the future. So, specifically within the Clintonville

[30:45] area most recently, um we started with Peter, JJ's in Bowler, JJ's on Maine,

[30:51] which um they are new to us. They've been with

[30:55] us for a few months now. Um and through that process, we have gotten some

[31:00] feedback from some of our participants that were not happy with the quality of

[31:04] that they were receiving. Um so with those reports um we did a survey to the

[31:11] participants in Clintonville, asked them all the same questions to get a better

[31:17] understanding of where they were at with the the meals, what they thought about

[31:22] the I'll read the specific question that um that they were asked. Um overall,

[31:27] what is your satisfaction with the meals that you eat? Um how would you rate the

[31:32] overall quality of the meals? How would you rate how the meals taste? Have you

[31:38] experienced any packaging problems? If so, what are those um what are those

[31:43] problems? How satisfied are you with your meal delivery service? And have you

[31:47] noticed any change in the meals over the past few months? If so, what have you

[31:52] noticed a change in? What improvements would you like to see? Are there any

[31:56] foods on the menu that you especially enjoy or do not enjoy? Um and is there

[32:02] anything else that you would wish to tell us? So, we had an intern that was

[32:05] working with us for a couple of months. Um, who really happy to have her help.

[32:10] She was able to call everybody individually, all of our participants up

[32:13] there. Um, roughly about 35 roughly. Um, so have a one-on-one

[32:20] conversation with learned a variety of things through that survey. Um, and some

[32:26] of it was educating our volunteers and our our participants. And we also gave

[32:32] the same information to our volunteers as well um about what the program is and

[32:36] what the program is not. Um one of the things that was repeatedly told to us

[32:42] was condiments. They don't receive dressing. They don't receive ketchup or

[32:46] mustard if if there is a food item that would require one of those types of

[32:50] condiments. Over the years and working with our caterers, um the prices for

[32:55] food, as the price for food has continued to go up, there are some

[32:58] things that aren't able to be consistently provided to people.

[33:02] Condiments is one of those things along the way over the years that we've needed

[33:05] to cut back to keep a better handle on the food costs.

[33:10] Um, so we tell individuals when they're starting the program, um, the ketchup,

[33:16] mustard, dressing, have those in your refrigerator when those meals, um, when

[33:21] you want something to be added to your meal, you have that on hand. That won't

[33:24] be part of your meal. Um, we had some comments about specific vegetables or

[33:31] specific fruits that were given. Um, it sounded like there needed to be a better

[33:35] variety of fruits that were given. Um, so we took a look at that. Um the size

[33:41] of the meal was commented. Um the portion size was small

[33:47] as well. Um they commented that there wasn't a dessert and some of the

[33:51] vegetables were hard to eat. Um so in educating our our participants, we let

[33:57] them know that overall in the menu the fruits and vegetables need to be part

[34:01] are a staple and need to be part of every meal. the portion sizes um are set

[34:07] the caterers are following a set menu with the set portion sizes that they

[34:12] need to follow. Um we obviously like I had just explained um about the

[34:17] condiments. We explained that to them as part of the letter. We explained that

[34:22] another part of controlling the cost was the desserts as well. Desserts are not

[34:27] unfortunately part of what the state requires us to provide to folks. um as

[34:34] part of their meal. Everybody loves desserts unfortunately

[34:39] to always provide those desserts. We like the caterers to try to incorporate

[34:43] them when they can. Um but it used to be something that um folks would get almost

[34:49] every over the course of time that has changed

[34:54] unfortunately, but it it's a it's a necessary change that we maybe didn't

[34:59] explained to everybody. So this provided an opportunity to kind of get everybody

[35:03] all on the same page um in providing everybody with the same information. Um

[35:09] so with regards to those letters then that went out we were also

[35:13] simultaneously working with our caterer. So we shared these survey results with

[35:17] our caterer um who Jessica the owner of um JJ's on main is very thankful for the

[35:24] feedback um and made necessary changes immediately. One of the comments that we

[35:29] were getting from participants was the meal packaging. So the packaging of the

[35:34] meals looked different from what it has been previously with the other caterers

[35:38] that we had been working with. That feedback um to the owner and she

[35:44] has she has made those changes um including not just the meal packaging

[35:49] but also the cooler and the transport of the meals being different as well.

[35:57] decided

[36:04] for the meal so that nothing is tipping so everything is staying in place. Some

[36:08] really good things she did and she's also providing us with um if you want

[36:16] to um we can give a couple of this way.

[36:23] Um, so Ajessa is providing us with daily pictures of the meals that are being

[36:29] served. Um, more recently there was a article in the Waka County Post for

[36:35] those of you who may have read that. Um, and we don't know where that meal that

[36:42] was pictured if that was our meal. Um, we're not sure if that was or not. um we

[36:48] don't have eyes on those meals every day to be able to confirm or deny that that

[36:53] was or was not our meal. This is a better way for us because we're not

[36:57] physically present in being able to see those meals. Our volunteers are our eyes

[37:01] and ears up there. Our participants are as well, but if nobody's telling us,

[37:06] we're not aware of it. So, um that is one of one of several things um that

[37:11] Jessica has put in place. Um, we also are looking at making some additional

[37:18] improvements within the community of Clintonville. Right now, we're doing a

[37:21] meal pickup at the library. We're having conversations with some community

[37:25] partners in Clintonville to see if we can have um maybe a person that they can

[37:31] touch base with when they drop off the coolers or in the very least if

[37:35] volunteers are dropping off the coolers and there's still a meal inside the

[37:38] cooler that the staff member can discard that meal. Um AJ's was saying that our

[37:44] our caterer was saying that there were times that they would go to pick up the

[37:47] coolers and there had been a meal in there from Friday or Thursday and it was

[37:51] Monday. >> Um so problems Anna with a soft cooler

[37:55] and all of that what kind of smell that would be. Um

[38:00] » we we are thankful for the library for partnering with us and allowing us to be

[38:05] able to put our cooler of the caterer with their supplies. the

[38:10] library, the smell, and all of that. We want to come up with a system that works

[38:14] well for everybody. Um once we get a better handle of if we can find a

[38:19] community partner to partner with, um within the next month, um Lauren and our

[38:26] nutrition receptionist, Trace, are going to be having a meeting with all of the

[38:30] volunteers in Clintonville to touch base with them to let them know what some of

[38:35] these additional steps for improvements are going to be. Um but we wanted to get

[38:42] confirmation that able to happen before we set up that that's the only reason

[38:47] why it hasn't happened. >> Um so

[38:50] » how big of a space >> in Clintonville

[38:54] » for the bags we have a tote right now that the bags

[38:58] are put in. Um how big

[39:04] the bags don't next to

[39:08] » Okay. cuz they don't think >> good good shelf. Okay. It's just a tote

[39:13] sitting in the in the library

[39:17] room and there's a tote there. But >> what I

[39:21] » four or six bags >> I can talk with this

[39:26] find out if there's >> I know we used to pick up at the

[39:30] community center which was really really community. So, the community center um

[39:39] required rent for us to be able to continue

[39:44] this cost savings with not having a site there. We were looking for a spot that

[39:50] didn't have a cost associated with it. So, when we're talking to we are in in

[39:55] conversation right now with one of our community partners that's looking

[39:58] favorable. Um I don't want to call them out in this meeting just in case it

[40:02] doesn't happen >> um because this is being live streamed.

[40:05] Um, but Darl, thank you for that offer. Um, can I reach back out to you if that

[40:11] doesn't happen? I do appreciate that being

[40:14] » Yeah, I I know some as well. >> Okay. Thank you, Lori. I will reach out

[40:17] to you as well if that does not >> Okay. Okay. Um, so good things come from

[40:25] the feedback that we receive. And just so that everybody knows here, we we do

[40:30] we get this kind of feedback all the time. This is the first though that

[40:34] we've had on social media and in the paper. This is the first for me. In the

[40:39] 10 years I've been with the program, this is a first for me. So, um, this

[40:43] isn't the only thing that we take seriously. We take all of the reports

[40:46] that we receive everything. Um, not just meal and welld

[40:53] [laughter]

[40:56] chicken with gravy. I delivered that meal and it was very well received.

[40:59] » Yeah. I'm getting [laughter]

[41:12] » to the meeting tomorrow. >> Any questions? Anything that you would

[41:18] like us to look into?

[41:25] » Great. that was looked in.

[41:31] » My dad, like I said, when we had a problem up in Clintville there with the

[41:35] cemetery, I said what my dad always said that

[41:40] there's a problem, there's always that solution. Something bad happens, there's

[41:44] always a good part of it here again. Something bad happened, but look at

[41:52] again. Great job.

[41:56] Great job. >> And I would say too, the JJs, I mean,

[41:59] they were the owner was very committed. >> Great job.

[42:03] » Communication. Great job on JJ.

[42:10] » We just didn't we could have easily sat on our hands when Lori was talking about

[42:14] some of the things. >> Great job.

[42:16] » And >> I didn't expect something,

[42:18] » but but you took the ball and great work. Great work. I mean,

[42:23] » I did reach out and I said, "Hey, please call me."

[42:28] » I wanted her to know that we were already discussions with

[42:32] » I didn't know that the newspaper was go back on our meetings and quote

[42:39] » sometimes it's easy to put out that negative press and then you're damage

[42:42] control. >> Yeah,

[42:44] » we don't get this press like we're taking care of it now,

[42:48] » right? >> You never hear that part. So, that's

[42:49] unfortunate. Spread the word. We're on top of it and it's as good as we can

[42:55] make it. >> It might be worthwhile sometime in the

[42:59] future to actually have the press as a showm

[43:10] controversial part of it. Um great job. >> Yeah.

[43:16] They were very responsible and everything somehow make them aware

[43:21] of that >> because I I think

[43:25] pat on the back for stepping up right away rather say forget it

[43:29] » move on to something else. But Melissa, I think you and your your your staff

[43:34] here have up on something that is fairly negative sounded let's

[43:42] give an opportunity then for us shine show a good program we do have and

[43:49] and the staff we have that car and the volunteers

[43:55] is one of them. Thank you for that.

[44:02] It helps us. They can't have it can't be everywhere.

[44:05] » Voices that is always well received. >> Anything else that we have during that

[44:12] Melissa? You have any comment on that? I thank you very much for that. Sorry, I

[44:16] almost missed you. That was a senior moment on my part.

[44:22] » We do. >> Okay, let's move on. DHS program

[44:26] supporting students. >> All right. So, we have another hand out

[44:30] here to

[44:33] » All right. So much. >> So in the spirit of continuing um with

[44:40] providing information to this particular ward about what it is that we do

[44:46] partners um in the month of August as promised we are bringing you information

[44:49] about our connection with our um our school partners through through our

[44:54] collaborative efforts there. Um, so this is a handout that just highlights um

[44:59] some of our public school districts, well all of our public school districts

[45:03] that um that we some of whom we Hana had mentioned that we meet with like Waka on

[45:08] a monthly basis and we have other districts that um that we meet with with

[45:12] a similar frequency or some that you know less of a frequency or on as needed

[45:18] basis. But um but we have done outreach to all of our public school districts to

[45:23] offer that opportunity to connect to talk about um what it is that we do by

[45:28] way of programs, what it is that you know we can offer, how we can get

[45:32] referrals. Um we've done certainly some work within DHS in our space about

[45:37] trying to streamline a process and make it make their um make it a central point

[45:42] for access. um saying to our community partners, our schools in particular of

[45:46] if you get us the information, we'll figure out what to do with it. We'll

[45:49] figure out what program um that an individual or student needs to be

[45:53] connected with. And so just working through some of those pieces. Hannah had

[45:57] mentioned the opportunity to provide some education to know to our schools.

[46:00] And so um we're always willing to step in and do formal presentations if that's

[46:05] what our schools need. Um and um and so we're really just trying to connect with

[46:09] our schools um to be able to meet families where they're at, to be able to

[46:13] make sure that there is an [clears throat] awareness within our

[46:15] school districts about what it is that we need and what it is that we can

[46:20] provide by way of services, whether it's wrapping around a family, whether it's

[46:24] through mandatory reporter training in our child welfare space, you know, so so

[46:28] a number of different things that we look to do um as the Department of Human

[46:32] Services, you know, offering flexible engagement um you know, We talk about

[46:37] our early intervention programs. We talk about warm handoffs, access integration.

[46:41] So those are, you know, again some of the things that we've done. Um and then

[46:46] just noting on the second page, we see the program area, the service

[46:50] description, target population, those all being things that we run through um

[46:54] with our schools. So again that they we draw back on what it is that we do and

[47:00] um so that they understand how that may be of benefit to the students that um

[47:05] that they intersect with every day. you know, I I I think about people that we

[47:09] intersect with as educators and they're with um they're with these students for

[47:13] multiple hours in a day and so they really have a great opportunity to have

[47:17] eyes on a student and to be able to um you know work with families in a way

[47:23] that um that we we don't know all of the families, we don't know all of the needs

[47:27] and we rely on those community partners to make those connections. Um so we we

[47:33] then um thought it would be helpful to um do a a program spotlight. So our

[47:40] third page of this particular handout um highlights a student snapshot again

[47:45] deidentifying um you know the student um and so identifying a student as um age

[47:52] nine um great but a real life um scenario. So um of a student that has

[47:58] intersected with our program um in in our county and so the work with the

[48:06] program um I I don't know that I necessarily need to like read through

[48:09] all the pieces but we thought it would be helpful to um talk through in this

[48:14] narrative for our board here this particular student identifying the goal

[48:19] um developing relationship with trusted adults um making sure that you know kids

[48:24] all kids should have a safe person. All kids should be able to identify somebody

[48:28] that in their day that that they lean on and go to for, you know, those tough

[48:32] moments. And so, um, and so working through that, um, this also highlights

[48:37] the tremendous strides that, um, that this little one has made, um, you know,

[48:42] identifying that he began by hiding under a chair and avoiding

[48:44] participation, now sits upright, engages confidently, openly, shares his thoughts

[48:49] with with the group. So just um really seeing um through this snapshot the

[48:55] progression and the growth um you know of of a student that that we're working

[49:00] with outcomes achieved emotional self- advocacy peer connections school

[49:04] inclusion uh family alignment all really really

[49:08] important and and wonderful and great things for um for again every kid should

[49:13] handle that you know coming to um coming into so um and I'll just highlight too

[49:19] this family's biggest hope for Jay to feel safe and connected to his peers,

[49:23] his school community. Now comes to school each day excited to tell his

[49:27] parents or comes home rather each day excited to tell his parents about his

[49:30] experience at school. So um so it's just some really neat able to see with with

[49:36] the kids and helpful to have those school partnerships to then draw back on

[49:40] to be able to get those referrals um and have those come our way. Um and then

[49:45] again we one of the other things we look to do if you look to the following page

[49:48] CPS guidelines um so the objective of um our our child protective services world

[49:55] to protect child welfare prevent harm preserve family integrity wherever it's

[49:59] safe to do so. So working with our schools to talk through mandatory

[50:03] reporting standards. Um you know educating about our assessment um when

[50:07] we receive report concerning neglect. What does our assessment process look

[50:11] like? Um making sure that that our schools are understanding the

[50:15] confidentiality of the nature of you know when those reports come in and then

[50:19] what um what that schoolbased access looks like. So, um I think we've done a

[50:25] bit of work within um these recent years to um to enhance that relationship with

[50:31] our schools and I and I think that's really off from you know some of the

[50:36] feedback certainly that we've we've received um with the schools. I know

[50:39] that Shauna and I had highlighted in one of our more recent meetings um a

[50:44] presentation that we had done um at the Wisconsin Human Services Association and

[50:49] where in that presentation we were able to highlight the partnership with our

[50:53] schools and had a couple of representatives from our school

[50:55] districts um that really spoke positively about our engagement. So um

[51:00] so again when we think about the access that we have with schools and um and

[51:04] being able to change that and then the next thing program overview with the

[51:11] justice and diversion programming um so one of the things that we've really

[51:15] looked at um and sought a a grant opportunity and we we did provide I

[51:20] think a little bit of highlight on that um not recently though so thought that

[51:24] it was it would be helpful to just loop back on that when we think about our

[51:28] work with kids And in particular, we think about our wraparound services. We

[51:32] think about what it is that we do, you know, with within um within many of our

[51:37] teams that are working with kids like just trying to get ahead of of the

[51:41] things and really um really sit in a preventative framework. So um so our

[51:47] youth justice and diversion programming that particular team we had applied for

[51:52] a grant and we have a um an individual who manages um our diversion programming

[51:59] and so working with you where maybe they're intersecting with law

[52:03] enforcement or they're intersecting with our schools in a space where it's like

[52:06] oh I can see that this is this is gradually creeping up into a concerning

[52:11] um space and so getting those referrals from law enforcement getting those

[52:14] referrals from our schools so that we can um start to work with those youth

[52:19] and develop positive pro-social, you know, relationships, talk about goal

[52:24] setting, talk about again looping back to that one connection, having that

[52:28] positive support within the school, within the community. And so really

[52:32] working in that space um from a diversion perspective or from a group's

[52:36] perspective working on self-esteem, self- advocacy to really give um you

[52:41] know to give a boost to our youth um because um it's been a little bit since

[52:45] I've been in in school and in high school in particular, but but I you know

[52:49] you think about those those are delicate years. Those are tricky years and

[52:53] there's a lot of spheres of influence. And so how do we really work with our

[52:56] youth to be able to provide support to help them to make healthy choices? Then

[53:01] uh the program spotlight for youth justice which on the very last page um

[53:07] it just highlights a group of teen boys um court ordered supervision

[53:11] restitution. though um receiving a referral um burglary, property damage,

[53:17] breaking even um so talks about court supervision um and then our intervention

[53:23] approach um enrolling youth in moral recog recognation therapy MRT um that

[53:30] 12step cognitive behavioral curriculum focused on moral reasoning decision-

[53:34] making personal accountability working through outcomes um with

[53:40] um and then just drawing down to that detailed case narrative. We're we're

[53:44] working with these youth and um and one of the things that we look to detail in

[53:50] the youth justice um programming in particular is looking at where youth is

[53:54] at um at one point in time and then fast forwarding to another point in time and

[53:59] just saying have we received more referrals? what is that feedback from

[54:02] the schools and from you know from potentially u law enforcement about how

[54:06] they intersected with with the and so just being able to create markers that

[54:10] way so that we data track some of the things. Um so so really some some

[54:17] exciting and positive things going on I would say with within our

[54:22] our schools

[54:29] questions

[54:34] such

[54:38] go ahead >> I used to sit on a regional

[54:42] but it kind of tends the C SC that they would bring

[54:49] the regional meeting they would actually bring

[54:53] some of these participants the children or whoever give thank you for and it's

[54:59] so powerful the students relay what they've done and how they've gotten

[55:04] better it's quite amazing when you read this it's it's like the things I heard

[55:09] from these committee meetings when they did bring these children and and young

[55:13] adults and and tell them how did it help you? Well, I'm this much better. I do

[55:18] this better. It's amazing. It's it's worth it when you hear something

[55:22] firstand probably not just from one that the from the

[55:28] program. It's believe me it's wow

[55:35] court used to actually have doctors board.

[55:41] » Yeah, they've done that. I mean it's I think that impression upon me. I often

[55:46] think that the group here probably hears an awful lot and has the relationship

[55:52] » but the uh it is warm in here.

[55:58] I couldn't even see >> but anyhow um Scott

[56:04] I I question I wonder you know are there some barriers or something? Obviously

[56:09] the school districts are so important in this thing. Is there school district

[56:14] because we're here in Waka often they said that Waka gets lot of services

[56:20] versus up in Clintonville for instance or Marion um I didn't say that but the

[56:26] the fact is I guess I'm asking question and then be very specific about it but

[56:33] are there any barriers that can be that a board like this can

[56:39] be of help in order to uh allow this kind of program which is very

[56:44] helpful. Make sure that's available for all all the juveniles, all the school

[56:50] districts and such. That's

[56:54] any any barriers you can think of challenges regarding school districts?

[56:59] » Yeah, I would say this. Um, one of the things that we look to do with their

[57:04] schools um is making sure that there's an equal access opportunity with every

[57:09] district. So, so districts are getting the same email. They're getting the

[57:13] same, you know, the identical outreach when if I take by way of an example of

[57:16] youth diversion programming. all schools when we were leaning into um you know

[57:21] launching the the program with the grant funding that we had received um just

[57:26] everybody gets the same communication and so the referral process there's an

[57:30] equal opportunity um and we have I'm trying to think of like with this

[57:33] particular board um you know I I think just the continued encouragement of the

[57:38] community to loop back and if there are you know if there are things we talk

[57:42] about the concern that we you know that we highlighted with nutrition and so the

[57:45] same would apply to this where it's like if of hearing things to be able to loop

[57:49] back to us as you know within our our management team to have those

[57:53] communications or um we also appreciate hearing like the highlights of where

[57:57] things are are going well so we make sure that we keep the things that are

[58:01] going well um so just just that communication where you think there's

[58:05] programming and things just back to us I I think that spreading the word about

[58:10] what it is that I think that we've even talked about that um you know Kevin

[58:14] certainly within space of when our community knows what we do

[58:18] » then it makes it um it it makes it easier to kind of create those lines of

[58:23] connection to be able to help people.

[58:28] Oh, I just sometimes I I I think when I go back to my home county um where Ripen

[58:34] was far from Fland City and most of our services were in the city of Flight

[58:40] that's where most of the people live you know and here we are in Waka on this

[58:44] corner of the county and sometimes I don't know for sure but sometimes very

[58:51] including sometimes I northward he um wonder if if they really are aware of or

[58:59] services seen as available to them even though they are available to them. I

[59:03] understand all that but sometimes you may have to make some extra effort make

[59:07] sure that they feel that uh we're also providing services for them as you did

[59:13] in nutrition. I mean my god you you stepped up and you really appropriate a

[59:18] lot of of services for them and and look at the uh reaction we had. It's going to

[59:24] be a very positive up there. I'm certain they're just very

[59:28] grateful what sites that Melissa is in charge of. So I

[59:34] I'm just the same, you know, just maybe more more and more positive

[59:40] type of impact and there something that would barriers of any kind challenges

[59:45] that we have serving some of the outlying communities that we have. Um

[59:51] just being be aware of them down the road.

[59:54] and and perhaps sometimes we help most of them just money that's the issue

[1:00:04] in those that are in trouble all over the

[1:00:09] county um in different various school districts

[1:00:14] when they are have a provider when they have a social worker when they have a

[1:00:18] juvenile just or in juvenile justice when they're in any of the programs that

[1:00:22] are through the county, you know, it doesn't really matter which school they

[1:00:26] go to because they're getting the services, they're getting the

[1:00:30] information, getting the wraparounds and all the things that we've talked about

[1:00:35] and I really enjoy, you know, the little scenario about these juvenile justice

[1:00:39] kiddos because we um and so it really nice to, you know,

[1:00:47] have that for people for us to share the posit positive outcome from programs

[1:00:54] like that, the moral reasoning program where that is so needed. I mean, that's

[1:01:00] that's just something they don't have and they don't understand cause and

[1:01:03] effect and to be able to do that for kids and do that now and they can get it

[1:01:10] now when they're young rather than waiting until they do something very

[1:01:16] serious.

[1:01:19] Where our money needs to go is

[1:01:29] Dr.

[1:01:33] for something to look at. Perhaps

[1:01:41] you're part

[1:01:50] number

[1:01:57] agency. the county may have to somehow figure out how to make that happen. Um

[1:02:04] 30 years ago, we were the only game in town basically for kids and and that was

[1:02:10] very difficult. um have more services obviously with

[1:02:16] private services and such hospital that's an area that I think the county

[1:02:22] as a whole probably is a little weak in as well as every county I suspect

[1:02:28] everywhere has it's hard to find a child psychiatrist

[1:02:32] such and even regular MDs serve

[1:02:38] tough situation anything else uh regarding Morning. Our students have a

[1:02:43] very nice handout. Again, very helpful to have for us to be able

[1:02:48] to let other people know as well as other supervisors to be aware of that.

[1:02:55] » You want to throw that across the room for me?

[1:02:58] » It's not [laughter] that.

[1:03:02] » Okay, this is my check compared to my other phone. I am

[1:03:07] going to just simply derive it. I thought I dropped it down low enough.

[1:03:15] » I didn't want to do that. >> You could have done that. Yeah, I like

[1:03:19] my little old flip phone. I move out of here.

[1:03:23] But anyways, it's outdated. Um, anything else to talk about on this otherwise?

[1:03:28] Um, something wrong.

[1:03:33] » We just did that. Yeah, Shauna Hansen, this was her bullet point a conflict not

[1:03:39] able to attend. So I said speak on her behalf. Um the state had some extra

[1:03:45] money uh floating and so they offered counties throughout Wisconsin uh to be

[1:03:50] able to apply for the CST supplemental grant award. Shauna applied for it. Um

[1:03:54] and then the two categories that the money's

[1:04:00] on are one workforce development and then two family support. Um so the

[1:04:05] family support uh lump of money is for engagement

[1:04:13] engage in their where they live. Um, and with these bunnies choosing purchase

[1:04:20] certain uh fidgets like hand uh things like fidget balls or um sensory objects

[1:04:27] to one help children their bodies and also for staff to be able to go to

[1:04:33] events like um Terill was just talking about there's an event this week that

[1:04:37] staff are going to and handing out certain items, right, to engage in their

[1:04:42] community and allowing children and their families to um you know uh be able

[1:04:48] to grab some things and then enjoy enjoy the event that they're going to. So

[1:04:51] those monies were were spent on fidgets and things like that and sensory objects

[1:04:56] and then the other funds for that workforce development which is going to

[1:05:01] training. Um, so these monies were meant for um, leadership to be able to enhance

[1:05:08] their skills to be able to then help staff uh, the best that we can in their

[1:05:14] agency. So, just another positive um

[1:05:19] one of that that noted that it's it's a positive thing to be able to be able to

[1:05:23] grab some extra funds from the state and be able to again repurpose that or put

[1:05:28] that back into our community services that we provide. Is the dollar

[1:05:34] a month or >> you know what I as I was sitting here I

[1:05:37] was like you know I I did not write that number down but if you would like me to

[1:05:40] follow back up with you I can the dollar >> you're basically there isn't additional

[1:05:47] staff or anything that's up to provide more um support of more things because

[1:05:53] » yeah they're very particular with like the fine print of how you can use the

[1:05:57] money um right so each each dollar amount they're lumped into those two

[1:06:01] categories and they have to sensor third way

[1:06:05] » one one that sensory to help children engage in their community families

[1:06:09] engage in and then that workforce development how are we training staff

[1:06:12] how are we giving back um to our leadership to make sure that we are

[1:06:16] doing the jobs that we invented services yeah

[1:06:20] » not that it's not an additional cost in that

[1:06:27] » that's fine I just thought if you had >> hearings I have no problem circling

[1:06:34] uh AI has some things to I don't know what to

[1:06:37] » believe [laughter] just around 11,000 right

[1:06:43] » 11,000 was something

[1:06:47] you have to compliment your >> staff for

[1:06:53] just Sha does a really nice job um another staff too about writing the

[1:06:57] narratives to be able to be awarded the funds you don't have to get the funds

[1:07:01] right? And she works really hard to capture dollars where she can to then

[1:07:05] reinvest. Um she just wanted to let you guys know

[1:07:10] that >> that's a skill

[1:07:13] grant writing

[1:07:17] » that's still actually yeah

[1:07:20] » you're sitting in a building because of a grant writer that had good skill. I

[1:07:24] mean because it was competitive grant so I mean if you write a good grant

[1:07:30] » can make a difference >> some funds.

[1:07:32] » Yeah. >> Any other questions on that or comments?

[1:07:36] Otherwise we move down to discussion and possible action regarding support

[1:07:41] exploration of outsourcing transportation services.

[1:07:46] » Okay. Okay. So this particular item again request to support exploration

[1:07:49] outsourcing transportation and support services with no commitment to

[1:07:53] implementation at this time and to authorize um us as staff to prepare and

[1:07:57] issue an RFP. So request for proposal for transportation services options. And

[1:08:03] so I I'll get up and launch with this particular um agenda item and then

[1:08:07] Melissa is here as well as as well as um Jana

[1:08:11] transportation coordinator. Um so so um we're definitely here to field um

[1:08:18] questions you may have but um but so I'll I'll back up a little bit. So when

[1:08:22] we think about our role and our responsibility as a department of human

[1:08:27] service in a public sector, county government um space, one of the things

[1:08:32] we feel like we've been tasked with is making sure that we are maximizing our

[1:08:36] reach to our community and that we are um we are able to serve the people

[1:08:42] in um within our county and and um and so and we also have a finite amount of

[1:08:49] dollars to do that with. And so one of the things that we've talked about in

[1:08:52] particular within the management team or within our department is looking at

[1:08:56] services we provide and thinking about community entities that are providing

[1:09:02] like related services um or um or there might be an opportunity to um to expand

[1:09:07] our reach. So, um, so those conversations have occurred again within

[1:09:12] our management team. And as Melissa and I were having the conversation about,

[1:09:16] um, about programs within ADRC, um, in aging space, one of the things that, um,

[1:09:21] that we had spoken about was transportation. And um and so what we're

[1:09:27] looking to do is we are looking to explore whether or not there is that

[1:09:33] entity that might be able to provide um the transportation service um in a in a

[1:09:40] way with a reach that we're not currently maybe able to or just do a

[1:09:44] point of comparison to say are we really maximizing what it is that we can do

[1:09:49] within our DHS space. And so if we were to go out for RFP on this um we would

[1:09:54] work through and model um we've got some sample RFPs um you know from um from I

[1:10:00] think from some other counties who aren't doing who are outsourcing

[1:10:03] transportation. Um really to work with and to be able to push an RFP out. Um

[1:10:09] we're aware of other counties who outsource transportation. Um I know that

[1:10:14] we've had some conversation with um Janna in particular about you know like

[1:10:17] what are the pros and cons of doing that? What role might she play? um in

[1:10:21] that space if if the work were to be outsourced. Um, and so really looking to

[1:10:27] potentially push an RFP out and then loop back to our board here with the

[1:10:32] findings and and again I think it's something we're tasked with doing like

[1:10:36] are we doing the best that we can be doing? um and are we being as you know

[1:10:41] as um as good as we can our our reach um you know we recognize that there's a

[1:10:46] space where you know in conversation with Janet right we talked about the

[1:10:48] fact that there's that personal touch to being able to provide the service within

[1:10:53] the DHS space and do we lose that by um by another entity providing the same

[1:10:58] service or if we have an entity that were to write for the RFP because

[1:11:02] they're doing like related work um potentially um you know are they able to

[1:11:07] to do it in uh in a way where we didn't even realize you know some of the

[1:11:11] opportunities that could exist. So really again just an exploratory phase

[1:11:16] right now that we sit within and then what we talked about between Melissa and

[1:11:20] Janna um and myself and then um we did have a conversation with our finance

[1:11:25] director as well as our HR director because it involves you know a potential

[1:11:30] um change to an employment position as well as you know some um some financial

[1:11:35] considerations. So, um, so we had those conversations and we talked about would

[1:11:40] it be reasonable if this board were to approve us to go out to RFP to then move

[1:11:45] back um with the way that the timeline would push out to um our meeting in

[1:11:50] October and then bring those results and those findings back to this board so

[1:11:54] that we could have an educated conversation about what it is that we do

[1:11:58] well in house and what opportunities may of another entity. So, I'll rest with

[1:12:03] that much. >> I don't think that what her

[1:12:06] know what's out there. >> What kind of transportation? When you

[1:12:10] say services, what are you referring to? >> Yeah, transport services. So, um we

[1:12:17] received two grants from the Department of Transportation that provide services

[1:12:24] specifically targeting seniors 60 and older and individuals with

[1:12:31] disabilities. So [clears throat] the specialized

[1:12:36] transportation case is focusing on those specific target groups. So our funding

[1:12:42] the grants that we've the reporting that is um shows the numbers the number of

[1:12:48] people that we're serving in different categories um

[1:12:54] who is that we're serving how many people we're serving and all of that.

[1:12:58] Um, our current, just so you know, our current specialized transportation

[1:13:01] program, um, we operate with volunteers that are providing that service.

[1:13:06] » And this is the Waka County catch a ride >> separate from that.

[1:13:11] » Okay. >> So, you've got multiple programs already

[1:13:14] available >> already. Yes.

[1:13:17] » But this one has grants that will cover costs.

[1:13:20] » Yes. Grant does cover costs. Yes. >> So, this is going to basically try to

[1:13:26] replace kits. Get a medical transport. >> No. Well, that's a little bit different.

[1:13:33] So, um that's medical transport. So, specialized transportation

[1:13:39] from medical transportation. >> Our specialized transportation program

[1:13:44] provides transportation for individuals to get to doctor's appointments and

[1:13:48] things, but ones that are able to independently transfer in and out of our

[1:13:52] volunteers vehicles. Um but we do have people that do contact us that are not

[1:13:57] able to afford wheelchair transportation.

[1:14:00] » We assist those people as needed as we hear about them. Um medical

[1:14:05] transportation is very expensive. >> But do you also like from say a nursing

[1:14:10] home to doctor appointments too because he did that kind of stuff?

[1:14:14] » We do not. >> Okay. Um,

[1:14:16] » there are a few assisted living facilities that we do assist with. They

[1:14:22] pay full price for our service though, so we don't use our grants for those

[1:14:26] trips. >> Um, there are other facilities though

[1:14:31] that have their own transportation. Um, it's a mixed bag. Some facilities do

[1:14:36] have their own, some facilities. Well, in the nursing homes, um, funding

[1:14:42] and grants from the state and that's part of their benefit.

[1:14:53] » So, these are volunteer drivers that utilize their own vehicles and with our

[1:14:58] funding and grants, they're reimbursed for their mileage.

[1:15:02] » A liability with that though. I mean, >> they utilize their own insurance and

[1:15:07] then the county also has insurance.

[1:15:12] » There's certain minimums that are minimums that are required.

[1:15:18] » They need to a certain level of liability coverage in order to be by the

[1:15:24] county for the trips that they >> similar to what

[1:15:29] » it is exactly the same actually. Yeah, I assume they're saying

[1:15:35] it's a volunteer driver. The county has had it forever.

[1:15:40] » I mean, it has decades >> reimbured

[1:15:49] and they're not

[1:15:53] » volunteers if you have people willing. Absolutely.

[1:16:01] the question obviously providing

[1:16:05] more service better service through this sort of

[1:16:10] thing but is there cost savings I mean are we really having I imagine we are

[1:16:18] are we having difficulty with the amount of money available to pay for the

[1:16:22] mileage so I'm not sure exactly how the private sector would be able to step in

[1:16:28] And for less cost or more service receiving

[1:16:32] a grant for it to cover that then >> that's where it saves us money

[1:16:39] » until the grant goes away >> or yeah

[1:16:43] » well the RFP is what will tell you whether it's financially going to be

[1:16:48] beneficial or not. But my question is um how do you ever anticipate the level of

[1:16:54] conflict for ride availability? You're outsourcing to a company that's also

[1:16:59] providing rides to multiple other

[1:17:04] programs. >> Um is there a way for them to measure

[1:17:10] » are there going to be conflicts? Are they going to be there 100% of the time?

[1:17:14] Are your volunteers able to provide it 100% of the time? Well, that's something

[1:17:20] maybe other counties that do outsource help you figure out how to manage for

[1:17:28] » being volunteers. Are they going to commit be committed?

[1:17:31] » Well, they're volunteers now. I think they're planning to outsource to a

[1:17:35] company. >> Gotcha.

[1:17:37] » Who would conceivably absorb our volunteers and then manage the

[1:17:42] » that way? Okay. And and I just want to make sure to loop back to um supervisor

[1:17:47] Shi as well about the question about if we um as a county so we've got the 8521

[1:17:53] um grant all these numbers 8521 we have the 5310 um planning and zoning has the

[1:17:58] 8520 um and and that and we have had the conversation about what does that look

[1:18:03] like to bring those those programs together. what you know so just

[1:18:07] exploring all those options going out to RFP would help us to also get grounded

[1:18:12] on um on just what are those opportunities

[1:18:16] so so if this board is so inclined we we um just a motion to provide the support

[1:18:22] for us to do >> well basically for a motion see allow

[1:18:29] you to possibilities and bring it back then to

[1:18:34] the um ask how does this work and cost and

[1:18:39] everything your volunteers wonderful program it's

[1:18:43] been around forever and

[1:18:48] volunteers >> I'll make a motion on that

[1:18:52] » issue RFP with no commitment oration for trans services

[1:19:01] to allow for the looking to multi clarification services.

[1:19:09] Any further discussion? >> Wanted to say to Paty

[1:19:14] the board um I've been doing this over 12 and a half years and since I've been

[1:19:20] doing this we're pretty much at 100% right fulfillment or that we say no. It

[1:19:26] might be that we shift a

[1:19:31] » with their flexibility, but our volunteers.

[1:19:38] » Yeah. >> Might be a concern when we

[1:19:41] » absolutely >> discuss it

[1:19:44] as a company because you know dollar bills get in the way and

[1:19:49] may not be the >> That's awesome. Well, it's it's a great

[1:19:55] statement. Wonderful program.

[1:19:58] » That's some great volunteers. >> They are.

[1:20:03] » That's the reason I love my job. >> Hard job. Any further discussion at all?

[1:20:09] Otherwise, all in favor of the motion has been allowing a

[1:20:18] service. All in favor say I.

[1:20:21] » I.

[1:20:26] Okay.

[1:20:35] Okay.

[1:20:41] » Okay.

[1:20:45] » All right. So the we um sorry we embedded um this particular the quality

[1:20:51] assurance economic sport update with along with our employee updates

[1:20:57] a recruitment. So just an update for um for this board here that we are

[1:21:01] currently in we are currently in the process of um

[1:21:06] we've done the internal posting for the quality actually it's quality control um

[1:21:10] position within economic support. Um and so we are actually tomorrow we start

[1:21:15] interviews for that position. Um so so we'll I anticipate we'll be looping back

[1:21:21] then in our September meeting with an update there. Um so wanted to make sure

[1:21:25] to provide that information um to our board here to see and then uh in

[1:21:30] addition to that that position once filled then we'll create the vacancy per

[1:21:35] the state direction we couldn't supplement the funding um with uh the

[1:21:39] quality control position. Um, so we received that funding. Um, that was so

[1:21:44] this position will be filled with no levy draw, but um, but so that will

[1:21:47] create a full-time economic support position and so we'll then look to

[1:21:51] recruit for that position. Um, so so we'll work our way through the process

[1:21:56] and and I mean it'd be wonderful if we had that update too at the September

[1:22:00] meeting. Um, so so that's one thing. Um, and then we um we had a recent so now

[1:22:06] I'll flip to uh children and family services and let's just tag team with my

[1:22:10] um my here but um if if I miss anything but we've got um an access TSSF case

[1:22:17] manager um that uh position will be vacant. Um so we had a resignation there

[1:22:23] August 14th. Um so that particular staff member um has decided to go stay within

[1:22:29] the the field but um but pursue um a um child welfare, right? We talk about the

[1:22:35] the heart of of those spaces and so just um that individual decided to pursue um

[1:22:42] something else um within a similar space. So that um and then we had um we

[1:22:48] had a vacancy that I think I made mention of last month within our youth

[1:22:52] justice team. um we had one of our teammates who who had come from the DOJ

[1:22:57] so from that system um within the the prison setting so decided to make a

[1:23:02] return to that setting and so that created a vacancy and then we had

[1:23:06] somebody um who had started within the initial assessment space who said wait u

[1:23:10] I'm going to raise my hand because I I really think that I have a strong

[1:23:14] interest um has a um an SRO background within the school setting so um we we

[1:23:21] talk that through so that individual has made a transition to the youth justice

[1:23:24] space and we want people in positions where you know where they're um they're

[1:23:28] feeling connected to the work. So, so then that ultimately though created an

[1:23:32] initial assessment vacancy. Um we're fortunate that that individual though

[1:23:36] had had just been in the initial assessment space for just a short pocket

[1:23:40] of time. So making that transition um u just that that was a a good and healthy

[1:23:45] um transition. And then we also had an individual start in initial assessment

[1:23:51] um actually after our last meeting who comes to us with um with some years of

[1:23:57] experience. So that's been a pretty exciting opportunity to have somebody

[1:24:00] start in child welfare with experience. Um so um and and so she's really um

[1:24:07] doing a nice job acclimating within the team and they're and they're making some

[1:24:10] good connections that way. There's that. Um then CCS facilitator. So, uh,

[1:24:17] recruiting for the CCS service facilitator concluded, um, interviews

[1:24:21] and just kind of wrapping up that piece. So, hopefully next meeting we'll have an

[1:24:24] update there as well. Our speech there position, which still

[1:24:30] remains. So, um, there's so that that really concludes that by

[1:24:39] way of our personnel updates. I did as long as I have the a moment. Um did also

[1:24:44] want to make mention of um from the the fiscal perspective, we'll be looking to

[1:24:51] um come to our next meeting. We've been doing a lot of meeting um with um with

[1:24:56] Heidi and our finance director and Tara, our assistant finance director, with our

[1:25:00] budget, working through the new pieces of workday and how the budget um

[1:25:04] preparation process looks different. So, um really spent uh a lot of time um

[1:25:10] working within the program there and just making sure that all managers um I

[1:25:14] think Heidi and Ter have done a nice job of making sure we've got things um set

[1:25:18] within the workday system as we're um working on our budget. So, we will be um

[1:25:23] coming back to um this board um in September. what we're working through is

[1:25:30] trying to come up with um and see if we can solidify things to come back at the

[1:25:34] September 2nd meeting. Um otherwise um what Heidi had indicated was um an ask

[1:25:39] to this board um about holding a special meeting um in September just to make

[1:25:44] sure that we get um those budget conversations and discussions um held

[1:25:49] early enough um in September to really be able to put some thought um and have

[1:25:53] some you know good um and and helpful healthy conversation about our budget.

[1:25:57] So there's there's that piece I wanted to just make note of. And then we also

[1:26:02] have the financial report um you know for

[1:26:06] for 20 26 that came out with the agenda. And so no um no major concerns there as

[1:26:12] far as trending. And so I just wanted to make mention of that before I

[1:26:21] found a question on that. um speech therapist part

[1:26:28] um Stephen's Point has a speech therapy program right

[1:26:32] » we do >> and I think previously you mentioned the

[1:26:35] fact that you know I have had some contact with them and everything but I

[1:26:41] it's me looking at things but um things are very competitive obviously for those

[1:26:48] others mind you but uh we've been going a couple of years it seems like we're

[1:26:52] just struggling with on that. I don't think we should look

[1:26:57] outside of the box as to approaching something. I I know the law enforcement

[1:27:04] we actually pay for some of that. um go through the program they have for patrol

[1:27:10] officers and such and might have to look at some way of

[1:27:15] spending some money to have someone who's maybe fresh out of school

[1:27:21] to make sure they come or a lot of medical uh fields coming that way too.

[1:27:27] state of Clark or state scenes are actually approaching those students and

[1:27:33] helping to pay some of the costs provided that they work for us for a

[1:27:37] period of time. I encourage that kind of talk and everything anytime you have a

[1:27:42] vacancy there anything that HR committee does or just HR the department talk to

[1:27:48] you all about how you know look at that to ensure that yeah it's a viable

[1:27:55] position program you definitely have to have

[1:27:59] anything with the human resources >> and I would say in particular as to the

[1:28:04] speech therapy position because we need to have it those are conversations we've

[1:28:08] with the HR committee. We've also had conversations with um

[1:28:11] » or not with the HR committee but with our HR director. We've had conversations

[1:28:15] about um about what are we doing from a recruitment effort um perspective like

[1:28:19] what sites are we getting on to, what outreaches are we doing? Um we've had

[1:28:23] conversations with um Nicole who um you know program um you know about

[1:28:30] the with WP about you know the potential there. Um I

[1:28:36] one of those in particular was as a result of a conversation that we had

[1:28:41] about okay about the potential for um how could we get creative and after we

[1:28:46] come back to this board with if it is a a tuition type you know and and it is

[1:28:52] contracting for a commitment to our county for x period of time. So, we've

[1:28:57] had those conversations. Um, and the candidate pool unfortunately is just

[1:29:04] really small, >> right? And that's way

[1:29:10] a few years heavy,

[1:29:20] which is kind of an interesting concept. It worked. It worked well like

[1:29:27] didn't have a very good relationship with the speed test and the virtual for

[1:29:34] the same building and they did virtual because it was just easier for him.

[1:29:37] » Yeah. Yeah. So

[1:29:41] » it worked for him. >> It works. Yeah.

[1:29:45] » Do people at UWSB who are in studying in this field have required internships?

[1:29:53] Is there a rotating internship provide

[1:29:59] compensation? >> I know WSB has many internships with

[1:30:04] organizations that they provide um and fulltime job um in his field with a

[1:30:13] company that every year they get the new interns. They provide that guaranteed

[1:30:19] spot.

[1:30:26] have to look at you know approaching this sort of thing market is different

[1:30:32] but it was many years ago I think you are allowed I believe now to get have

[1:30:39] paid internships for social work and stuff like this where at one time there

[1:30:45] wasn't any right >> you were not allowed to on the C

[1:30:48] compensation for your hours that you had to put

[1:30:52] and stuff. is it

[1:30:58] be encouraging on that just you know anything and just the fact that I know

[1:31:03] there's question always when we have a vacancy

[1:31:06] um in fact here's a policy somewhere in there at 6 months or something it's open

[1:31:10] I don't think it's been followed for years um

[1:31:15] and certainly there are some of the newer uh supervisors come board that

[1:31:21] always question opening really need to tell. That's why I was asking HR make

[1:31:27] sure you know that you know they're comfortable with it because uh as much

[1:31:32] as we provide some direction perhaps or prioritize some degree uh HR human

[1:31:39] resources the committee as well as the department itself really kind of makes

[1:31:44] decisions on like this >> that says you know what we can have or

[1:31:49] can't have and personnel that we have to some degree

[1:31:53] that way. So good though. I'm glad pass you brought

[1:31:57] that up. Any ideas we have will help. Anything else at all regarding other

[1:32:04] we'll move on and just talk about any supervisors? Anyone going for the fall

[1:32:08] conference?

[1:32:12] I'm not the chair. We're really promoted. Well, February has one in

[1:32:16] Madison which is legal. I know some are going. Yeah,

[1:32:20] » we'll go. Yeah, I know. Two others are I know.

[1:32:23] and

[1:32:31] » we're pretty well done already. I mean, they already it's pretty close to hand

[1:32:37] now. I think it's beginning or something.

[1:32:40] » Yeah, I don't remember. I'm not going to >> February though. There is a a very good

[1:32:46] I've never been to it. I've always wished to go to it. Wasn't able to

[1:32:49] because um I'm sleeping in Florida. not for the Alabama thing. Um but the um you

[1:32:56] might in your mind think about for the uh supervisors that you might want to go

[1:33:01] to the February one has to do with legislative

[1:33:06] actually go and meet legislators in Madison

[1:33:10] » talk to our which reminds me Mary that we have some

[1:33:15] things that we need to promote some things and resolutions that we maybe

[1:33:20] should have >> that we should have those kind of things

[1:33:23] in can to give to our legislative people. Um I don't think they've been

[1:33:27] doing that for many many many years. Not that I was aware of you have any for

[1:33:32] that. >> I think that's in February.

[1:33:34] » In February and I'm not sure.

[1:33:40] Yeah. >> You could ask some things you wish to

[1:33:43] promote or tell the WCA and everything maybe have some things that you wish.

[1:33:48] » Yeah. I think it's kind of Yeah. to compote. What we need is state and state

[1:33:53] legislators to loosen up drinks. We need this

[1:34:01] house. Our next meeting is September 2nd. It'll be at the highway department

[1:34:07] and I have to thank you to take a beautiful building. I think if I may

[1:34:14] make mention I I don't know if there's an opportunity for us to tour but I just

[1:34:18] because this is a public no business will be conducted on the

[1:34:23] tour but yeah just

[1:34:28] for

[1:34:33] a motion to

[1:34:37] » don't have to I know we don't we don't have to

[1:34:42] would say that's

Human Services Board Meeting 8/5/26

Transcript