Mm-hmm.18 COMM. AMBROSE: So, hopefully,19 we'll be able to provide some technical20 assistance as we move along. And this21 would be something that we talk about in22 the meetings leading up to the service.23
Well, those24 individuals who are interested in doing25 440 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 business with DHS, are they becoming more2 and more aware that they have to apply --3 respond by computer?4 COMM. AMBROSE: Oh, yes. And5 when we did the transition from services6 to children in their own homes, we met7 with the providers on a monthly basis for8 a year, letting them know that this9 transition was going to occur and letting10 them know that e-contracting was going to11 be the way to respond to the new RFP.12
Okay. In13 your testimony, you discussed a new14 hotline-guided, decision-making tool,15 which allows DHS to divert cases to more16 approach services. As a result of this17 hotline, the number of children entering18 the DHS system has decreased19 significantly.20 What was the implementation and21 training process for this new hotline, and22 how is DHS ensuring that children who23 really need protection are not being24 screened out?25 441 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: This was2 actually a part of the original Child3 Welfare Review Panel recommendation. So4 this process began pretty soon after5 Danielle Kelly's death and long before I6 came to the Department, implementation.7 So what we did with many of the8 services and changes that we made to the9 Department is that we've had the support10 of Casey Family Programs, which is one of11 the national child welfare foundations.12 They've put us in touch with the national13 experts in a lot of these areas on14 front-end redesign. And we've really done15 our homework with the help of some16 consultants that Casey supported.17 So it's been kind of looking at18 what our system looked like, what have19 other child welfare systems implemented,20 and how we can do that in Philadelphia.21 So about a year of that was22 planning. Implementation occurred in23 April of 2008. And so we have been24 closely tracking those outcomes 'cause25 442 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 what we learned from the national experts2 who have sort of been in Philadelphia for3 the last two years after the Danielle4 Kelly case is that we were taking too many5 cases into our system, that we weren't6 really looking at safety first and7 foremost.8 And so, what we've implemented9 is a structured decision-making model at10 the front end that screens out those cases11 that don't have active safety threats.12 Those cases that are screened out are now13 going to a new service called Alternative14 Response Services. Those are mostly15 poverty-related issues. You know,16 families that are unstable, not because17 they're abusing or neglecting their18 children and there's a safety issue, but19 they just need a little bit help. So20 those services are going to be available21 in the Prevention Division.22 In cases where we receive a23 report and we've done the hotline-guided,24 decision-making and the safety assessments25 443 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 and there are still active safety threats2 but the child can remain at home with a3 safety plan, we're implementing In-Home4 Protective Services.5 So there's been a very long and6 intentional process in coming up this.7 And it's really been informed by best8 practice.9 And I delivered today to all of10 the Councilmembers sort of a literature11 review what we've done at the front end,12 because it can be complicated. So all of13 you can read that. And if you have14 additional questions, I'd be happy to put15 you in touch the experts, most of whom are16 sitting behind me, 'cause they've done all17 of the work here.18
So when19 someone calls the hotline, they get a20 series of questions and a thorough review21 of their concern and may be referred to22 someplace else?23
Correct. And24 there's a lot of collateral contacts that25 444 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 are done, depending --2
Mm-hmm.3 COMM. AMBROSE: It's a very4 structured tool that the hotline and -- I5 mean Darlene's here, who's our director of6 the hotline, and Darlene could answer more7 specifically what the questions are.8 And it leads to the next9 question. There's also ways of checking10 collateral contracts to verify some of the11 information.12
Mm-hmm.13 COMM. AMBROSE: We've done a lot14 of training at hospitals, in schools so15 that people understand what we're doing.16 And she's kind of the expert here and has17 done a great job.18
No.22 We have a number of Councilmembers that23 want to be recognized.24
Okay. I25 445 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 didn't get the clock; she doesn't know how2 to use the clock.3 (Laughter.)4
Thank7 you, Madam Chair.8 Again, I'll reiterate that this9 was -- we don't have sufficient time to10 really get through a lot of the issues11 related to DHS 'cause, again, it's such an12 important safety net.13 But I thought it was important14 for me to outline the reductions and the15 rebalancing in light of what you said16 about the proposed further cuts coming.17 We had a reduction in Violence18 and Delinquency Prevention, an elimination19 of Home Visiting Program, the reduction in20 Community and Family Support, the21 reduction in Positive Youth Development22 After School, the elimination of AVRP, the23 elimination of Curfew Centers, the24 reduction of Regional Truancy Courts, the25 446 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 reduction in Violence and Delinquency2 Prevention, the reduction in parenting3 programs, you had some administrative4 reductions, reduction in Out-of-school5 Time programming.6 In light of all of these7 reductions during the rebalancing and what8 you foresee to be a potential additional9 cut at the State, how are we protecting10 all of the hundreds, potentially11 thousands, of participants through that12 program?13 COMM. AMBROSE: Many of the14 reductions that were made were based on a15 review of what we were currently doing in16 places that we thought we were either17 duplicating services or we weren't really18 making the right kind of investments in19 the most at-risk kids and families, and it20 really got to Councilman Jones' point21 about what should the agency be.22 With the refocus on safety, we23 fell very comfortable that the proposed24 FY '10 budgets is going to meet, and25 447 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 adequately meet, the needs of kids and2 families that we should be serving at the3 Department of Human Services.4
The5 question becomes, in terms of your6 approach, because in your realignment, as7 it relates to SKOH in particularly -- and8 let me just go on the record as saying --9 and you and I had this discussion before.10 We -- there were a lot of mistakes that11 were done through the Safe and Sound, and12 Councilman Tasco and I participated in a13 very lengthy hearing and discussions14 around Safe and Sound. And then we moved15 a lot of that contracting now over to16 PHMC.17 And one of the issues that you18 brought up was that the State was doing19 these kind of brutal cuts in mid-year, but20 in both of those realignments, we also had21 stakeholders that were cut midstream and22 not given an opportunity to transition23 into other programming.24 And I'm all for the reform. As25 448 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Councilman Jones said, you have a huge2 bureaucracy, how you reform this, but my3 concern is that we had stakeholders who4 were delivering services that we asked5 them to deliver. And then we realign6 other focus, but we didn't have the7 conversations with them about how they8 transitioned into potentially becoming a9 different type of provider.10 So the question is -- and one of11 the decisions that was made, a policy12 decision that I still disagree with, with13 DHS, is going to less providers.14 In light of the fact that, all15 morning, we've gone talking with the16 Department of Health and Behavioral17 Services about the importance of having18 community-based programming, that goes19 counter to what everybody has been saying,20 that we need to be able to be closer to21 people to get services, but you keep going22 at doing less, providing less, having less23 providers.24 And your assertion is, We want25 449 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 to provide better services. And2 everybody's all for that it. Sounds good.3 But it -- how are we4 transitioning? Going back to -- I think5 this is where Tasco was going transition:6 How are we going to transition our current7 stakeholders? 'Cause I got to remind you,8 they're not just providers; they're9 stakeholders, they're advocates, and10 people who have worked with us to deliver11 the services that we need.12 What are we doing to transition13 potentially anybody who's not going to get14 funded in this new round into other15 services?16 COMM. AMBROSE: I think there17 are two issues here. The SKOH, transition18 from SKOH to In-Home Protective Services,19 that was done in partnership with the20 providers who were providing the SKOH21 service.22 There was a series of monthly23 meetings for at least a year, letting them24 know that this was what we were doing.25 450 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 The were stakeholders in that process,2 they knew why we were doing it.3 And based on what we were, you4 know, advised and recommended by the5 Community Oversight Board, based on what6 other jurisdictions --7
Who's the8 Community Oversight Board?9 COMM. AMBROSE: The Community10 Oversight Board currently is chaired by11 David Sanders, who's the Vice President at12 Casey Family Programs. There's a list of13 national child welfare experts who sit on14 that board, including Mark Cherna, who15 runs Allegheny Counties.16
Were17 there any providers that sat there that18 could speak to the instability that that19 type of process could happen -- to take20 place at the agency level?21 COMM. AMBROSE: Providers? I'm22 trying to think if we have providers on23 the COB. We did have providers come in24 and speak about this and issue their25 451 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 concerns. Their concerns are listed in2 this Community Oversight Board Report that3 I referenced earlier, that was issued in4 January of 2009. There was a day devoted5 to them speaking about their concerns.6 This is an agency that must7 transform itself. That became very loud8 and clear. And so, what we've done is,9 had a very intentional, thoughtful10 process, where we did best-practice11 research, and we moved forward with the12 changes that we thought were best for the13 children and families of Philadelphia.14 (Timer bell rings.)15
Thank18 you.19 The Chair recognizes Councilman20 Brown, if the she's in the room. No?21 Then we'll skip her.22 Councilman Green.23
Madam Chair,24 I'll yield to Councilwoman Sanchez for the25 452 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 time being.2
Again,5 the issue -- I gave a laundry list of cuts6 in safety net programs that existed. And,7 again, I go back -- I agree totally with8 you in terms of realignment.9 I think one of the issues and10 the lessons learned from Safe and Sound11 was that there were a lot of very12 good-intentioned programs that were not13 connected, and dots weren't connected. So14 I'm always going to be an advocate for you15 moving forward and reforming that.16 My concern is, on the prevention17 side of the stuff, as you move forward, it18 is very important -- again, I'm not19 talking about just providers; I'm talking20 about stakeholders -- that there be a21 process so that we do not destabilize22 nonprofits in the process of us reforming23 ourselves.24 Because I agree that in some25 453 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 cases, they're able to move to other2 funding mechanisms, but in this case,3 we've seen a drop-off, a significant4 drop-off, in providers. And I'm5 particularly concerned about, obviously,6 my district.7 But as a practice, as a policy8 practice, with Safe and Sound, and then9 with this transition into this program,10 I -- you know, I'll have to disagree with11 you that all of the conversations took12 place.13 I think that -- and the reason I14 want to state this is because you're going15 to have to make probably harder decisions16 moving forward. And I think it is17 important that people get an opportunity18 to come in and that we view their19 financial situation and the impact of the20 cuts that we are making, so that people21 make a choice, as we make a choice. If22 next year, we're moving in this direction,23 that they make a choice about, can they24 transition with us or not.25 454 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 So I will disagree with you as2 it relates to that, 'cause I think we3 could be better at it. I think that --4 you know, I've just seen it happen twice:5 With Safe and Sound programming, with6 safety nets, and now with this in-home7 services.8 No one's going to disagree with9 your ultimate goal. I think how we get10 there with our partners is really11 important, 'cause it speaks to what we --12 how we value their services.13 So my question to you is: Is14 this realignment group that you have on15 prevention, who is on that, and do we have16 providers there?17 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes. I believe18 there are about 30 different stakeholders19 on that group, and we do have provider20 representation, probably at least --21 Cynthia, do you want to come up and do you22 have the list of the providers?23 The other thing that we've done24 is, we've heard loud and clear from some25 455 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 of the Latino providers, so we had a2 specific meeting with them. We've asked3 them to join this group, and we're also4 going to have a series of monthly meetings5 with them in the community to make sure6 that they're going to be a part of our7 conversations as we move forward. And8 that next meeting that we have with them9 is scheduled for May 8th.10 But Cynthia can give you a11 breakdown of the advisory group so you can12 see the provider representation.13
Well,14 actually, if you could just submit it to15 the Chair, I'd be interested.16 And I want to know, is there any17 providers on there that were defunded or18 this is from your current funded list?19 (Witness comes forward.)20 DEP. COMM. FIGUEROA: The21 Prevention Alignment Group is specific to22 the Prevention Services. So the providers23 represented there all are funded currently24 through Community-Based Prevention25 456 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Services.2 COMM. AMBROSE: And some of them3 may also have received cuts in the first4 round, but we can give you that breakdown.5 I can give that to you.6
Yeah, I'd7 like the list of that.8 And I think that -- and, again,9 I'll yield to Councilwoman Tasco, who's10 chaired this committee. I think we need11 to strengthen the conversation and the12 communication around these cuts, 'cause I13 think you're going to have to make further14 cuts. And I think to the extent that we15 are articulating and communicating with16 some of these stakeholders in a proactive17 way, it's going to be important.18 Your current contractor list is19 going to devastate the 7th Councilmatic20 District, but I'm interested to see if, in21 your new realignment, you're going to have22 the ability to serve all of the kids.23 And I say that because in your24 in-home services, you want to track what25 457 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 you consider to be the neediest, most2 critical students, but a lot of these3 programs supported kids in the middle that4 weren't serious, but because they were5 engaged, we kept them out of that.6 So what are we doing for that7 population that -- not the kids who are8 academically achieving, but this group,9 which is a larger group kids, who, if not10 engaged in productive activity, will end11 up in one of those?12 COMM. AMBROSE: Yeah. Well,13 those are some of the conversations that14 we're having in the advisory group.15 I also think while you've listed16 many of those programs that we've cut,17 we've also preserved many of those18 functions within the Prevention Division.19 So while we cut some youth development20 programs, we sill have millions of dollars21 invested in youth development programs.22 We --23
What is24 your investment on your prevention side in25 458 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 comparison to the rest of your budget?2 COMM. AMBROSE: I believe it's3 $90 million. I believe our prevention is4 about $90 million of our budget.5 (Timer bell rings.)6 COMM. AMBROSE: We've also7 preserved Out-of-School Time. We believe8 that that's an incredibly important9 function for the Department of Human10 Services to that build safety net for kids11 whose parents are probably going to be12 working a little bit more, and we need to13 create that.14 And so, there's been an15 intentional design. And Tom Schaeffer,16 from the Office of Health and Opportunity,17 has really been leading those efforts, but18 those programs are very important to us.19 So prevention is an important20 service that DHS needs to offer. We just21 need to define it in a way that connects22 back to our core mission of preventing23 abuse, neglect, and delinquency.24 DEP. COMM. FIGUEROA: And I just25 459 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 want to add, Councilwoman, that we've2 heeded the warning and that in terms of3 alignment, we're not moving towards making4 dramatic change in Fiscal '10, and we're5 actually using this year to do much more,6 you know, thoughtful planning in terms of7 where we want to be.8 And we've actually to date have9 had a number of focus group where we've10 had a hundred individuals that have11 attended to provide direct feedback from12 the provider perspective about what are13 the priorities of the services that we14 want to retain, moving forward.15
Yes.18 Councilwoman Brown's not here, so you may19 take her time.20
Okay.21 Thank you.22 As it relates -- and I'm very --23
Councilman24 Green is here.25 460 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
They're on2 a track; I give you an opportunity when3 you're on a track.4
I'm very5 encouraged by the conversations with the6 School District in terms of some of the7 programming that we offer and realigning8 those.9 Of the case files that we have10 of DHS, how many of those kids are11 uninsured? We were having a discussion12 earlier around what are the services that13 we're offering in duplicity or that are14 provided with other things?15 I'm interested in knowing, do we16 know how many are uninsured? And then as17 it relates to the School District, what18 are the investments we have at the School19 District that, in light of the fact that20 they're getting a lot of Stimulus money,21 could go back into some of our prevention?22 COMM. AMBROSE: Yeah. I'm going23 to look and see if I can get you some of24 the numbers on uninsured. Most of our25 461 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 kids, I believe, are insured because of2 the nature of their involvement in our3 system, but I'll try to get you those4 numbers.5
So6 there's a protocol for your case7 management to ensure that the kids are8 insured?9 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes, yes.10
Okay.11 COMM. AMBROSE: The issue around12 the school partnership is actually quite13 exciting for us because, you know, I've14 been in the City doing work on behalf of15 kids for about 20 years. This is the16 first time that we have a leader at the17 School District who really wants to help18 serve our kids.19 And so, the conversations have20 been very encouraging. Around the21 recovery money, they have partnered with22 us. We sat around the table with them,23 they told us that they were getting this24 money and how we should be using it. And25 462 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 so, we've been having a series of2 conversations with them about where they3 think their investments should be.4 And some of the services that we5 currently provide, the District is6 thinking of picking up, at least on the7 short term. So some of our C&E programs.8 We've had conversations with them about9 partnering in replication of the Harlem's10 Children's Zone Model, which is one of11 those models that the federal government12 is talking about.13 We had a three-hour meeting with14 their leadership about that. We think we15 have a better idea than what Harlem came16 up with, but --17
They're18 successful. Let's be successful first,19 and then we can challenge them.20 COMM. AMBROSE: But what might21 work in Harlem might not work in22 Philadelphia.23
No, I24 agree.25 463 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: So it was really2 just about tweaking the model in a way3 that speaks to what Philadelphia needs.4 So that partnership is really very5 exciting from us, and it's been a6 give-and-take partnership.7
When you8 open up your community offices in your9 outreach into the community, are you10 looking to -- 'cause one of the issues11 with how -- why we subcontract such large12 amounts is the management.13 Are we looking back at14 getting -- at having the capacity to15 better monitor ourselves directly with16 subcontractors? Is that a goal?17 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes. So part of18 this is related to geography. In October,19 we started reassigning cases by geography20 instead of just kind of randomly. Those21 cases are being assigned based on police22 district and based on empowerment schools.23 So our administrator are building24 relationships with police captains and25 464 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 with principals of schools because we2 believe those are the community3 partnerships that are going to help lead4 to success for our kids and families.5 As we build this Division of6 Performance Management and Accountability,7 the goal there is to create a monitoring8 mechanism that not only makes sure that9 the provider that we're paying is10 providing the services to the kids and11 families in the home; but if there's12 technical assistance that they need,13 because maybe they're just not getting it14 right, we're helping them.15 We don't want to put providers16 out of business, but we must insist on17 quality services. And so, there's a18 technical assistance component to what19 we're trying to build that ultimately will20 be beneficial to everybody.21
Does that22 mean that we have dumped DHS Cares for23 this new management system?24 COMM. AMBROSE: No. We're still25 465 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 in the process of using DHS Cares.2 Dr. Schwarz is really invested in that,3 and we think it makes a whole lot of sense4 for us. Particularly on the front end,5 when a case comes on, it would be so6 helpful for Darlene and her staff to know7 where is that kid and family with other8 services so, number one, we're not9 duplicating services; and, number two, so10 we don't overwhelm families and make them11 go to six different places to get the help12 that they need.13 And so we believe that there's a14 huge utility to DSS Cares. The piece that15 we're really focusing on, with the help of16 Allan Frank, is on paperwork reductions.17 So before Councilman Green asks me my18 question --19 (Laughter.)20 COMM. AMBROSE: -- we're really21 looking at a case-management system that's22 separate from Cares but that we can --23 that other agencies can tap into with the24 right sort of confidentiality stuff but25 466 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 that allows us to have -- we have files --2 boxes, boxes. It should all be in one3 place.4 Not only DHS, but the providers5 having access to that file. So that when6 something happens with a family, we all7 know about it at the exact same time. The8 court would know. If there's a court9 order, the court has access.10 And so, the partnership with the11 court is essential, the partnership with12 the providers is essential. We all need13 to have realtime information about what's14 going on with these kids and families, or15 we're going to miss something.16 And so, we have a new program17 called Libra that's in Procurement right18 now that Allan Frank is actually helping19 us use as the case-management system20 perhaps for the whole City, but we're21 starting in DHS.22
Okay.23 One last thing.24 COUNCILWOMAN TASCO:25 467 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Councilwoman.2
One last3 thing in terms of the peer review, 'cause4 I think the federal government has a very5 good model for peer review around grants,6 and I participated in several of those7 'cause I think the best way to become a8 great grant writer is to read other9 people's grants.10 COMM. AMBROSE: Mm-hmm.11
That's a12 model that we should look at because it13 really does allow for community-based14 evaluation of service providers.15 COMM. AMBROSE: Okay, I will.16 Thank you.17
Thank you.20 And I just got off the phone21 with Councilman Kenney, Councilman22 Blackwell, and they said that I could have23 all of their time.24 (Laughter.)25 468 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
No, I'll be4 relatively brief.5 I watched a docudrama, I guess6 it would be, titled -- called "America,"7 with Rosie O'Donnell, and it talked about8 some of the problems and plight of young9 people in the foster-care system.10 And not to generalize too much11 or stereotype at all, I guess what the12 question becomes is: What are the13 statistics of people, and young people in14 particular, that go through the15 foster-care system and wind up -- and I16 know they're high, so I'll save you that.17 But what are we doing to deal18 with the flow of young people who wind up19 working their way through that system and20 then winding up in the other system, which21 is incarceration?22 And are we doing correlations23 and are we targeting programs to try to24 stem that tide?25 469 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes. We, as a2 department, I think, as a city, don't3 believe that placement outside of the home4 is the best option for kids. I think the5 national research is pretty clear that6 kids don't think it is, either. And when7 you look at outcomes, kids staying with8 their families and getting the right9 services ultimately is better.10 And so, we actually are using11 family group decision-making to lead with12 the strengths of the family and honor13 their voices in planning. We think that14 early identification of problems and15 proactive approach is the best way to deal16 with this.17 DHS, right now, has about 560018 kids in placement; that's the lowest19 number we've had in over 20 years, so20 we're really proud of that.21 Our Deputy Commissioner for22 Children and Youth, Dell Meriwether, who I23 think might still be here, is leading,24 with the National Governors Association25 470 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 project that I talked about, to continue2 the reduction of youth in foster care.3 And our goal is to continue4 reducing kids in placements by 10 percent5 every year, because we don't believe that6 foster care is the right place to raise7 kids. And if you talk to kids who've aged8 out of the system -- and I had a meeting9 with about six of them Monday evening --10 they don't think so either.11 And so, we're using kids' voices12 to help inform the decisions that we make13 about what this system should look like so14 that we don't put them through an15 experience like the one you probably saw.16
Well, I just17 want you to know that I think foster care18 in and of itself can be a good thing.19 And, in fact, me and my wife, having20 raised kids on our own, right when we got21 parenting, I think, right, you know, found22 ourselves at the point of being empty23 nesters. So we wanted to apply some of24 our skills maybe on some young people.25 471 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 So I don't -- I'm not against2 the system; I'm just pointing out the3 statistical fact that sometimes it leads4 to a kind of graduation into other things5 then, and becoming into other social6 systems. And I'm questioning whether7 we've spent enough time trying to tweak it8 a little bit to kind of get it right.9 All right. Now I'm on10 Blackwell's time.11 COMM. AMBROSE: And I don't want12 to leave the impression that foster care13 isn't a necessary and important service14 for our children, because it definitely15 is, and the foster parents are huge16 partners in the work that we do every day.17
So could you,18 for the record, tell me exactly what we're19 doing to examine the system and tweak it20 where you believe it needs to be tweaked?21 COMM. AMBROSE: We're doing it22 in lots of different ways. So part of23 this is the work that we're doing with24 Performance Management and Accountability25 472 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 is looking at the foster-care delivery2 service system and making sure that we're3 doing it right.4 Part of it is about partnering5 with other agencies that serve children.6 So if a child is in foster care and they7 have behavioral-health needs, making sure8 those needs get met, 'cause this isn't9 just a one-system kind of fix; this is a10 multi-system examination of what are the11 health needs of these children's.12 And Dr. Schwarz's expertise in13 this area is really raising the bar around14 medical needs: How are we doing an15 assessment of the needs of kids, how are16 we making sure they get everything they17 need so that they can be ultimately be18 successful, whether they're in foster care19 or whether they're at home.20 And so it's big, but it is21 necessary.22
Well, I'd be23 interested in you providing this Council24 those steps. One particular statistic I'd25 473 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 be interested in knowing about is, what2 percentage of foster care kids wind up3 becoming permanent with their foster-care4 parents? And how often does that happen?5 Because one of the big6 criticisms is the unpredictability --7 (Timer bell rings.)8
-- and9 instability of placement being from one10 place to the other.11 So is there a correlation12 between stability and predictability for13 the young person and successful outcomes?14 COMM. AMBROSE: Yeah. And,15 ideally, foster parents do become adoptive16 parents, and there isn't a transition for17 that youth. And I can get you -- if18 that's the exact statistic that you're19 looking for --20
Yes.21 COMM. AMBROSE: -- I'll look for22 that percentage.23
Thank you,24 Madam Chair.25 474 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
Thank you,2 Councilman Jones.3 The Chair recognizes4 Councilwoman Brown.5
Thank you,6 Madam Chair.7 I look forward to that8 information as well.9 Following the tragic situation10 with Danielle Kelly, Councilwoman Marian11 Tasco and I held hearings to try to get12 our arms around it. And one of the13 revelations was the lack of -- "lack of"14 may be too strong. The lack of15 professional development for workers16 within DHS, the discovery that it rarely17 happened or it didn't happen often enough18 so that workers who are under that type of19 stress throughout their career, for those20 who are able to handle it, were not21 getting sufficient professional22 development opportunities to recharge, if23 you will.24 So with that revelation, what25 475 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 has the Department done to address that2 issue?3 COMM. AMBROSE: We've done4 several things. One is that we've offered5 a Leadership Development Program, which is6 kind of like a mentoring program, for all7 supervisors throughout the agency,8 including clerical staff.9 And it's really about sort of10 letting them know that they're the leaders11 in this agency. Even if they're a12 clerical supervisor, asocial work13 supervisors, that role puts them in a14 leadership position, and sort of15 empowering them to think creatively and do16 the right thing.17 And we've done this18 cross-system. So folks from Juvenile19 Justice would sit down with folks from20 Child Welfare and share information about21 how we integrate the Department in a way22 that results in better outcomes.23 The other thing that we've been24 highly criticized for, for probably the25 476 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 last 25 years, is how we supervise.2 What's the role of a supervisor, how do we3 train our supervisor. And that was4 clearly evident in the Danielle Kelly5 report.6
Yes.7 COMM. AMBROSE: We, with the8 support of Casey Family Programs and the9 guidance of the Community Oversight Board,10 we now have a whole new supervisory11 curriculum. The training for that begins12 May 14th. Every supervisor at the13 Department of Human Services will be a14 part of that.15 And two of the --16
So that's a17 requirement and not optional?18 COMM. AMBROSE: That's a19 requirement. And it's -- every supervisor20 in the agency will get that training.21
Okay.22 COMM. AMBROSE: The other thing23 that we've implemented is the Sanctuary24 Model, which is Dr. Sandra Bloom's work25 477 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 around trauma.2
Mm-hmm.3 COMM. AMBROSE: And -- how this4 is -- it's relevant to all the kids and5 families we've served 'cause all of them6 have usually been traumatized in some way,7 but it is also relevant to this agency8 because this has been an agency that has9 been traumatized.10
Mm-hmm.11 COMM. AMBROSE: And so, how can12 we sort of the take care of each other --13
Sure.17 COMM. AMBROSE: -- and form a18 community, so we can be more successful --19
Sure.20 COMM. AMBROSE: -- in service21 delivery to the kids and families that we22 serve. So there's been a variety of23 things that we've really tried to24 implement around professional development25 478 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 to improve things.2 Dr. Bloom is also doing3 trauma-informed care as one of the core4 things for new social workers coming into5 the system.6
Okay. I7 often share, as a footnote, my short term8 in social work, 'cause I only lasted seven9 months because I simply emotionally could10 not handle the trauma that was coming to11 my attention in the girls that I was12 working with at Sleighton Farm School. So13 it's vital just to keep professionals14 armed and protected emotionally so that15 they can get through that.16 One fact is, is it federally-17 mandated that we provide culturally-18 competent services to children and19 families with limited English proficiency?20 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes, it is21 federally mandated. And we actually --22 that's part of our plan to the State. So23 we have to come up with a plan for how24 we're going to deliver those services to25 479 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 the State.2
Okay.3 COMM. AMBROSE: And we have a4 point person within DHS who works on that5 plan.6 It's also required for all of7 our providers. And we're working with the8 Managing Director's Office to make sure9 that we have the resources necessary to10 deliver those services.11
So at best,12 that's a work in progress.13 COMM. AMBROSE: Correct.14
Okay. Do15 you attempts to match workers with16 families that have cultural similarities?17 COMM. AMBROSE: I can't say --18
Is that a19 prerequisite?20 COMM. AMBROSE: You know, I21 can't say that we do that right now, but22 that could be something that we try to do.23 I think the geographic24 assignment is intentional in the way we25 480 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 put some -- where we put out of some of2 our workers.3
Okay.4 COMM. AMBROSE: And so, that5 could be something that we evolve into,6 but to say that we do that now would, I7 think, be an overstatement.8 (Timer bell rings.)9
Okay.10 There you go. Next round.11 Thank you, Madam Chair.12
Thank you,15 Madam Chair.16 Good afternoon, Commissioner.17 COMM. AMBROSE: Good afternoon.18
Thank you.19 Dr. Schwarz will be very20 familiar with these questions because I21 asked him the same ones. And I'm not22 going to go through it with you division23 by division, what your department is24 lacking, which seems to be in every25 481 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 other -- and I'm not suggesting, you know,2 it just is not here and it is elsewhere,3 is a personnel summary that combines all4 of your department's positions --5 full-time, non-full-time, by class of6 funding, General Funding.7 COMM. AMBROSE: Okay.8
And so, in9 your budget, we had to go through each and10 every division. So Administration11 Management Division, Contract12 Administration, Program Evaluation13 Division, et cetera.14 So I'm just going to ask you15 this for one division, and then you can16 apply this question to all.17 COMM. AMBROSE: Okay.18
And provide19 the answers to the Chair.20 COMM. AMBROSE: Would you like21 me to pull it together by department and22 get it to you; would that be helpful?23
That would24 be.25 482 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: Okay.2
But my3 question will apply to each division now4 and not just a general answer.5 So in Fiscal '08, in the6 Administration and Management Division,7 you had 223 full-time or actual positions.8 The spending was $8,979,000; let's call it9 9 million.10 Budgeted positions for FY '0911 were 265, but the increment run was 235.12 So what I'd like to understand13 is: How many people are in positions14 today in Administration and Management15 full-time?16 COMM. AMBROSE: Today?17 (Addressing DHS staff person.)18 Do we know that, Mark?19 It's 231.20
Okay, 231.21 So it's even less than the increment run.22 So here's what I don't23 understand: What I don't understand is24 how we're going to spend $10,828,911 when25 483 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 we have roughly the same number of people2 that we had in this division as '08. In3 other words, it seems to me that this is a4 million-8 inflated. That million-8, if5 it's not there, will come back into the6 fund balance, which means you won't have7 to raise people's taxes as high.8 So I'd like to understand what9 you're actually going to spend through the10 end of FY '09.11 And then, I'd like to understand12 how we're -- the 270, what the13 differential is between the 231 and the14 270 you have budgeted for Administration15 and Management with respect to the 3516 extra positions versus the increment run17 of 235 to 270.18 Would you please explain exactly19 what those positions are you'll be hiring20 for, what the job descriptions are, and21 why they're needed when you're not having22 those people perform a job function now.23 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes.24
Will the25 484 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Department fall apart if you don't hire2 those 35 people until 2011, and why?3 COMM. AMBROSE: With4 Administration and Management, the major5 function that we need to fill positions in6 is for e-revenue enhancements. There's7 been a lot of changes at the federal and8 state level around what is required for 4E9 reimbursement, and that's the area that we10 probably have a real need to fill those11 positions.12 But I can break that down for13 you.14
If it relates15 to additional revenue, point to me where16 that revenue is on the budget detail in17 the Five-Year Plan in your response to the18 Chair. And do that for every -- the same19 questions for every single division, based20 on Class 100 General Funding, so that I21 won't waste our time going through it all,22 and we'll have the detail.23 One of my main questions for you24 is, and we asked this a little bit during25 485 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 the budget stat session we had over in the2 Managing Director's Office, but I didn't3 really get an answer to my satisfaction,4 and that is:5 We cut our own budget in the6 November rebalancing by, I think it was,7 $18 million, but it actually cost the8 General Fund $7 million. So by cutting9 money, we had less money as a city rather10 than more.11 Can you explain to us how we12 make those kinds of decisions? In other13 words, had we made no cuts, we would have14 ended the year with $7 million more15 dollars. Why would we have made cuts and16 cost us that $7 million? That, by the17 way, is about a 0.7 mill property-tax18 increase for the citizens next year, that19 decision.20 COMM. AMBROSE: Yeah. I -- the21 reason that we made some of those cuts is22 because we had services that we were being23 provided that weren't effective and24 efficient services, and they had been25 486 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 brought to our attention by the State.2 And so, the State was going to refuse to3 participate in reimbursement for some of4 those programs because they didn't think5 they connected back to preventing abuse,6 neglect, and delinquency.7 And so, those were some of the8 factors that we factored into our9 decision-making around those cuts.10
Point of12 information. How long have those programs13 been in operation?14 COMM. AMBROSE: It depends on15 which programs you're talking about. Some16 of the programs -- the AVRP Programs and17 the Curfew Center Programs -- had not been18 in operation for an extended period of19 time.20 Some of the others had been21 operating for a while and just weren't22 delivering the kinds of outcomes that we23 thought were necessary.24
Point of25 487 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 information, Madam Chair.2 This is a matter of record. The3 AVRP was at least four years old. And I4 only know that because it was a -- it was5 an outcome, if you will, of the Robert6 Wood Johnson Grant to the City of7 Philadelphia, and it was either AVRP or8 its counterpart, whose name escapes me at9 this time.10 COMM. AMBROSE: YVRP.11
Thank you12 very much.13 COMM. AMBROSE: YVRP is actually14 much older than four years old, and that15 came out of a very collaborative and16 researched project that came from Boston.17
Yes.18 COMM. AMBROSE: And it was led19 by John Delaney from the District20 Attorney's Office.21
That's22 right.23 COMM. AMBROSE: And then Deputy24 Chief Probation Officer Naomi Post.25 488 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
That's2 right.3 COMM. AMBROSE: And that was a4 very successful program based on research,5 based on building partnerships in the6 community with the police and with the7 providers.8 What happened -- and I wasn't in9 the City, so perhaps I shouldn't speak to10 this, but I'm sure Tom Schaeffer, or11 Deputy Mayor Schwarz will come up and12 correct me if I'm wrong.13 What happened is, there was a14 rush to replicate that program with15 younger adolescents; hence, AVRP, Youth16 Violence Partnership.17
Right.18 COMM. AMBROSE: And then19 Adolescence Violence Reduction.20 In the rush to replicate that21 program, I don't think the same amount of22 planning and intentional design and23 building of partnerships went into that.24 And when we looked at outcomes and looked25 489 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 at data, what we would found was that many2 of the youth being served in that program3 were not high-risk youth, they weren't4 meeting the minimum criteria for the5 program.6
Sure, sure.7 COMM. AMBROSE: They weren't8 court-involved, which was one of the9 components of it, so Probation wasn't10 using it as a referral because they didn't11 think the kids needed that service.12
Sure.13 COMM. AMBROSE: And it was also14 a high-cost program for what we were15 getting in return.16
Okay. Well17 taken. I just wanted to put on the record18 what the other one was --19 COMM. AMBROSE: The Youth20 Violence Reduction Partnership.21
Which was22 backed up with research and hard data.23 COMM. AMBROSE: Correct.24
And great25 490 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 outcomes.2 COMM. AMBROSE: Absolutely.3
The status4 of that is...?5 COMM. AMBROSE: That's still --6 that's still operating in Deputy Mayor7 Gillison's shop.8
Okay.9 COMM. AMBROSE: Although we're10 involved. And Timene Farlow, who is here,11 our Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile12 Justice Service, sits on the Steering13 Committee, and we're actively involved in14 that partnership.15
Thank you16 for the explanation.17 Thank you, Madam Chair.18
Thank you.19 At any rate, whatever evidence20 you have in writing that the State made21 the decision about these programs, and not22 us providing them outcomes, that, you23 know -- in other words, whatever evidence24 you have in writing to back up what you25 491 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 just said, please provide it to the Chair.2 I don't want to get in a debate3 about it now. Your department is4 obviously a department we're going to have5 to have back before Council, before the6 end of the budget session, at least in my7 opinion; that's my opinion. Obviously,8 I'm only one member of Council.9
8 But, in general, I would say a9 department that is looking to add Class10 100 employees that doesn't have them now11 does not have my vote to get that12 appropriation. 19 Finally, you mentioned that20 Dr. Schwarz loves DSS Cares. And let me21 just say that that was one of the biggest22 boondoggles in the history of the City of23 Philadelphia. It cost us $18 million,24 when commercial, off-the-shelf software25 493 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 could have been used. 8 And because we built that system9 on our own, it's not going to integrate10 well with that. It's not based on an11 Oracle database, I don't believe; it could12 be, I could be wrong about that. 14 And it doesn't serve for anybody15 in the field to be filling out in16 electronic or paper form four different17 services that are being provided to a18 child and then go to a different database,19 the DSS Cares system, and put what20 information that has been put on those21 other electronic or paper forms. 25 494 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 It is a waste of time. All of2 that can be automated. 8 And there are a ton of savings,9 not just involving filling out paper. 22 Also, the same thing I said to23 Dr. Evans I would say to you, which is:24 Many of the people who you fund, who25 495 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 provide services out there, talk about how2 extremely cumbersome the administration is3 and it is to get paid, that costs them a4 lot of time and money, that could be going5 to serve children. 10 Every one of our vendors should11 be required to use ACH. They should have12 an account set up, we shouldn't be cutting13 checks. 24 COMM. AMBROSE: I couldn't agree25 496 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 with you more and would love to sit down2 and talk to you about improving our3 business processes at DHS. I think that's4 a huge area that we need to improve. It5 would be very beneficial to the providers6 and everybody ultimately. 12
That's fine,13 as long as you're not entering data in14 different systems. If anybody's filling15 out a form in today's world --16 COMM. AMBROSE: No --17
And what21 you've described is still filling out22 forms, although electronic forms. People23 need to answer questions that would apply24 to every form once. And that's not what I25 497 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 heard from anybody today.2 So there's -- if Dr. Schwarz3 would like to say something on this issue,4 I'd be happy to hear from him.5 (Witness comes forward.)6
I thought it might7 be helpful to make sure that we understand8 what DSS Cares or Cares is. So DSS Cares9 is a tool.10
Dr. Schwarz,11 I'm happy to listen to you describe it12 again. You did during your previous13 testimony.14
No, I'm -- I just18 want to make sure your question is19 answered.20
It's a tool to23 extract information from other data24 systems so that that information can be25 498 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 matched, because we don't have any single2 identifier, so that if someone comes into3 Behavioral Health, we don't know that it's4 the same person who comes into the5 Department of Human Services, and we don't6 know that because there are important7 protections about having ways to easily8 match people.9 So the system was created,10 keeping all of those issues very much in11 people's mind.12
But having the14 same identifier for people would not be a15 good option. So we need a tool that can16 match individuals.17 And DSS Cares is a matching18 tool. It allows us to take information19 from disparate systems on individuals,20 match them, and create a single21 longitudinal history for that individual.22 It's not an entry tool at all.23
I have sat in24 the office of a provider, where they went25 499 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 to one system and filled out a form and2 then had to go into Philly Cares and fill3 out data about the person. I watched them4 do it.5
I -- my concern is6 that Philly Cares has no input. It's not7 a tool for input of information; it's an8 extraction tool, and it allows information9 to be provided back, but there is no input10 function.11 So I'm concerned that -- I12 believe that you saw a tool. I just am a13 little worried that it wasn't Cares.14
And that's the16 reason that I came up, because I17 understand both your point, and I think18 it's an important one, and I understand19 the system, and I understand the20 investment.21 And we've spent a fair amount of22 time, both independently and with the23 Department of Technology, identifying24 precisely what are the best uses for the25 500 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 system currently and whether and where2 further investment would help us.3 One of the important pieces here4 is that the system was never designed, and5 shouldn't be designed, to have an input6 function. It should interface easily with7 other software and allow us to, without8 the user doing anything, extract9 information and provide information back10 with client consent. And that's all.11 It sounds like a simple thing.12 We both know that it's a very complex13 function.14
And you know,17 perhaps from the City of New York, that18 the City of New York is investing very19 heavily in creating this function. We20 already have it in Philadelphia.21 So we could spend a long time22 talking about the wisdom of the investment23 before we came into government, but we24 have it.25 501 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
I'm not -- I2 dispute that it works, but I'm -- I'm not3 sort of trying to give any, you know,4 blame for what happened in the past. As I5 said, that was a previous administration.6 But I have -- but what I've7 noticed in many areas is, we've made huge8 investments, so people who are in the9 department, in the bureaucracy are10 reluctant -- who maybe made the decision11 at a level lower than yours are reluctant12 to say, Scrap it, let's go with a13 commercial, off-the-shelf system.14 And there's a lot of that in15 bureaucracy and government.16
Okay. So the19 end-point is and whether -- if what you20 say about Philly Cares is correct, and I21 don't doubt your sincerity, I'm truly glad22 to hear that.23 However, it is extraordinarily24 still an inefficient system, even if that25 502 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 one piece of it works, because people are2 filling out forms and not fields that3 automatically populate forms.4 And that is where are -- I went5 to providers and watched what they had to6 provide to you. It's very inefficient.7 We can agree on that?8
Okay. So10 what I would like to know is what your11 plan is, because I believe there are tens12 of millions of dollars of savings.13
And I think I can14 let the Commissioner talk about her15 conversations with Allan Frank and the16 Department of Technology.17 I just want to take out the18 equation -- when we talk about forms and19 providers and all of these issues --20 Cares.21
It isn't in that23 mix, it distracts us.24 I think your point is an25 503 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 important one, that we need to be more2 efficient in terms of data flow, we need3 to make it easier on workers and agencies4 to enter data, to bill us, and to be paid.5 And we should do all of that ultimately6 without paper.7 We're on the same page.8
We have our12 own administrative level and the people13 that we contract with have an14 administrative level to deal with our15 administrative level. None of have is16 helping kids or families, but we're17 spending a lot of money on it.18 And that's my point. And I'd --19 I want to understand exactly why it is20 we're not going to see savings from that21 in terms of increased services or less22 money on administration at our level or at23 the service-provider level, which would24 lower costs in the Five-Year Plan; it's25 504 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 not there.2 You're saying you agree with me,3 that there's a lot of inefficiencies, and4 you're also saying you can't provide any5 benefits in the Five-Year Plan. That's6 what I'm having a problem with in terms of7 lowering the cost of government or8 increasing the number of people we serve.9 That's where I need your help.10 Thank you.11
Thank you12 very much.13 The Chair recognizes14 Councilwoman Brown.15
Thank you.16 I'd like to add another17 dimension, if you will, to the discussion.18 Wouldn't it be fair to say, then, that the19 formulative stages of improving the IT is20 a contributing -- the lack of that is a21 contributing factor to why it takes so22 long to pay some of your providers? Is it23 fair to say that that's a contributing24 factor or no?25 505 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: I think it is2 fair to say that.3 There were a series of bad4 decisions both at the State and at the5 Department that ended up in the crisis6 that we had this year. I think this7 year -- while the process is always8 delayed and cumbersome, this year was9 particularly bad.10
Mm-hmm.11 COMM. AMBROSE: And so, I think12 that if we work together and maybe13 centralize some of our contracting14 functions, promote some business15 efficiency processes within DHS, and maybe16 within Health and Opportunity, we can17 really streamline this process.18
Mm-hmm.19 COMM. AMBROSE: And make it20 easier on providers and on the Department.21
Indeed,22 because we all know of some organizations23 that were on the brink of closing due to24 the very, very long wait for payment.25 506 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes.2
And so are3 there triggers in the system where you4 accommodate those emergencies so that5 those organizations can do what they need6 to do from a operations standpoint?7 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes. And, in8 fact, we did that many, many times this9 fiscal year for many, many providers.10 Joe Kronour, who is our11 Contracts Deputy, who's here somewhere --12 we now have a timeline for next year. We13 will not let this happen again. We agree14 that this is just an unacceptable way to15 do business. And so, Joe has worked very16 hard in creating a new timeline --17
Okay.18 COMM. AMBROSE: -- for when19 we're going to start the process, who's20 going to give us what when, and really21 streamlining the process and having a22 timeline so we don't go through the same23 delays that we did this year.24
And in an25 507 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 attempt to keep providers informed of2 those kinds of improvements, is that going3 to be provided to the providers4 themselves, this new timeline?5 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes, yes.6
Okay.7 Could City Councilmembers get a copy of8 that as well?9 COMM. AMBROSE: Sure.10
'Cause we11 get hit with the phone calls.12 COMM. AMBROSE: Absolutely.13
And we want14 to be informative in responding to those15 concerns.16 Thank you for the explanation17 around what DSS Cares is. And as much as18 we are encouraged by dialogue at the19 higher levels, does the IT system, does20 DSS Cares, connect with the School21 District, CBH, who are all talking about22 the same child?23 COMM. AMBROSE: I'm not24 answering any more questions about DSS25 508 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Cares when Dr. Schwarz is in the room.2 (Laughter.)3 (Witness comes forward.)4
It does not5 connect with the School District. There6 is something called FRPA, which is the7 Federal Program for Privacy of8 School-Related Information.9
And there's a lot11 of discussion nationally about whether or12 not school districts that are separately13 run from municipalities can share14 information on individual students with15 the municipality, subject to a lot of16 interpretation. There are many lawyers17 who are involved.18
And we're going20 through what I would call the difficult21 process of sorting out federal law --22
-- and figuring24 out what is required.25 509 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 What is, I believe, possible is2 that with parental consent, we should be3 able to share more information than we4 currently do. And we're working with the5 District to figure out exactly what we can6 do.7
Thank you.8 One of the cases separate from9 the other two was just that: The parent10 was disturbed at best, that because of11 that law, they couldn't take action for a12 13-year-old -- not an 18-year-old, but a13 13-year-old. And the, some might say,14 excuse they were given by the professional15 was because of HIPAA, we cannot.16 So thank you for that.17 Of the -- got to move on. I'm18 just trying to make sure I cover all of my19 bases here.20 We talked about paying21 providers.22 The selection process for23 In-Home Protective Services, or the24 Alternative Response System, did discuss25 510 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 that, Councilwoman Sanchez?2
Yes, yes,8 yes. Yeah, I do remember that.9 Of the 12 agencies awarded for10 the In-Home Protective Services and the11 Alternative Response System, some of my12 homework says that Congreso, SKIN,13 Juvenile Justice Center, and Family14 Support Services are not accredited, which15 raises the question: What is the criteria16 for whether -- let me get this right.17 How many were accredited, first18 of all? Of the 12, how many were19 accredited? And is accreditation a20 criteria for selection in the ultimate21 award?22 COMM. AMBROSE: I don't have the23 answer to that, but I can get you that.24
Is that a25 511 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 part of the evaluation process on the back2 end? 'cause you talk about accountability.3 COMM. AMBROSE: Yeah. The4 ability to meet the culturally-diverse5 need of the kids was a part of the RFP6 process, but I don't know if that was a7 part of the selection -- if the8 accreditation was part of the selection9 process.10
Okay, so11 you'll get --12 (Indiscernible; parties talking13 over each other.)14
The Chair17 recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.18 COUNCILWOMAN SANCHEZ:19 (Inaudible, off-mic.)20 COMM. AMBROSE: The21 accreditation, you mean, with OEO; is that22 what you're talking about?23
The State24 accreditation.25 512 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
I guess I4 would just add that when you forward that5 information to the Chair, was there any6 agencies that were defunded that had State7 accreditation?8 COMM. AMBROSE: Yeah, and I'll9 look into that.10 I mean, the other conversation11 that we had with OEO is, is there another12 designation that we can make for our13 agencies to make it easier for the14 nonprofits, and so, we're exploring those,15 and I think we were calling it.16 (Addressing staff person.) Not17 accrediting, but yeah.18 The OEO is working with us on19 trying to find another way to help raise20 our levels and really get more minority21 participation in the provider community22 that we use.23
Which is a24 great segue to an earlier question around25 513 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 having professionals with a cultural under2 -- not just speaking the language, but3 also a cultural understanding of the4 community that they're trying to serve.5 And so I mention that again6 because it is not enough just to speak the7 language. We want professionals on the8 team in those geographic areas that can9 connect with and understand the cultural10 experience of those that they're providing11 services to.12 So the short answer to that13 question is: You're going to get back to14 us on the details around State15 accreditation and whether or not that is a16 part of the assessment process on the17 front end for consideration for a grant.18 (Timer bell rings.)19
No, go24 ahead. We'll finish you up and then we'll25 514 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 go to --2
Thank you,3 Madam Chair.4 The young people who age out the5 system ultimately may end up at the6 Seventh and Market -- help me out.7 COMM. AMBROSE: The Achieving8 Independence Center.9
Okay. Give10 us an update on that. And is the use of11 that -- following up on Councilman Jones'12 question, are the numbers rising, when you13 look at that 5600 you spoke about, or14 what?15 COMM. AMBROSE: We have the16 Director of our Achieving Independence17 Center.18 Aubrey, are you still here?19 And he can give a brief update20 of the center, if you want to hear21 directly from him.22
Please.23 Thank you, Madam Chair.24 (Witness comes forward.)25 515 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
Good evening. I am2 Aubrey Powers. I'm Program Administrator3 of the Achieving Independence Center and4 also the Achieving Reunification Center.5 And in regards to the Achieving6 Independence Center, actually our7 enrollment for the fiscal year has8 certainly gone up, but what I also want to9 talk about in regards to the rise of the10 number of youth who are participating in11 our Life Skills Program, Life Skills being12 the very basis of what we feel that they13 would need to be independent upon leaving14 care.15 We have had 350 youths who are16 participating in that program.17
358 youths who are20 participating in that programming. And21 thus far, this fiscal year, 227 have22 actually completed. And once they23 complete that Life Skills programming,24 they may then move on to other components,25 516 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 be it JRT, which is our Job Readiness2 Training; Healthy Healthy Relationships.3 So they are the other components that we4 offer onsite.5 We have also, through our Job6 Readiness Training, we've sent about 897 youths who have completed that component8 this fiscal year and 140 members who have9 been linked with actually employment or10 jobs.11 And for this population at this12 point in time, they're generally13 low-paying jobs, but the average wage is14 around $7.64.15
Is there16 any assessment to identify those young17 people who are college material, who may18 show potential for community college or19 the like?20
Yes, absolutely.21 That's a part of our assessment onsite,22 our educational assessment. We also23 connect youths who are entering into those24 post-secondary programs, be they college25 517 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 or other training schools with FAFSA, so2 we have connected about 96 youths this3 fiscal year with FAFSA, and we have about4 155 older youth who have enrolled in some5 form of post-secondary, be it college, be6 it a trade school --7
Okay. Just11 two more questions.12 So the length of after-care for13 those young people is what?14
Yes. They are15 eligible for our services up until the age16 of 21.17
Okay.24 Thank you for that update.25 518 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 My final question is around2 girls. And there's some evidence that3 more and more girls are entering the4 juvenile justice system. And so, with5 that fact and reality, what is DHS -- have6 you discussed it? Is there a strategy7 given that new reality? What's in the8 pipeline for addressing that new fact?9 COMM. AMBROSE: Timene Farlow,10 who's are Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile11 Justice Service actually has a great12 interest in girls. And one of the things13 that she's led is an RFP.14 Now, we have -- not only do we15 have increased numbers of girls coming16 into the system, but we also have an17 increase in the number of mother-and-baby18 placements needed.19 And so, this is something that's20 of interest to Timene. She's a resource21 for you. I don't know if we have time to22 have her testify, but I would offer her up23 on an expert on this issue.24
Terrific.25 519 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: And it's2 something that she's very concerned about3 and passionate about. And it's an area4 where there are lots of gaps in our5 services.6
So there's a rich8 continuum of services for boys oftentimes.9
Mm-hmm.10 COMM. AMBROSE: But we don't11 have enough services for girls, and they12 may end up in more high-end placements13 because of the lack of services.14
Okay.15 COMM. AMBROSE: And so, that's16 something that Timene has been leading and17 trying to address.18 (Witness comes forward.)19
If you20 could discuss that just briefly.21 DEP. COMM. FARLOW: Yes, ma'am.22 Good afternoon. I'm Timene Farlow, and as23 she mentioned, I'm the Deputy Commissioner24 for Juvenile Justice Services.25 520 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 And I think your point is very2 well taken as it relates to girls,3 particularly those girls entering the4 juvenile justice system. I actually sit5 on the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime6 and Delinquency's Female Services7 Subcommittee, where we are always about8 the business of creating gender-responsive9 programs that best meet the needs of girl10 who are entering the system.11 As well as Ann Marie already12 mentioned, we're working in partnership13 with Dr. Sandra Bloom around the sanctuary14 model, which, while it has much relevance15 for children in general, it has particular16 relevance for girls because many of the17 girls who present in our system have18 already been significantly traumatized.19 I think there's research that20 speaks to the fact that, particularly in21 Juvenile Justice Services, about 8022 percent, if not more, of the girls present23 with some history of sexual or physical24 victimization. So we're working certainly25 521 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 around that.2 As well, we've done some earlier3 work with the State Department of Public4 Welfare around alternatives to coercive5 treatment or trauma-informed care, even6 some work with Dr. Gordon Hodas, who also7 has worked with the (indiscernible) office8 to ensure that if girls come to our9 attention, we're not doing further harm to10 them, but that we are working with them11 effectively to resolve some of the trauma12 with which they present, and also make13 even juvenile detention feel like a safe14 place for them.15
Where are16 you on this table of organization again?17 What's your name?18 COMM. AMBROSE: She's Timene19 Farlow, Deputy Commissioner for Juvenile20 Justice Services.21
Okay. I22 see it. Thank you very, very much. I23 will do follow-up from my office on the24 topic of girls.25 522 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 DEP. COMM. FARLOW: Yes, ma'am.2
Thank you3 very much.4 DEP. COMM. FARLOW: Yes, ma'am,5 you're welcome.6
Councilman7 Green, is your question short?8 (Laughter.)9
I have a12 couple of questions. I'm just trying to13 be accommodating to my colleagues.14
Thank you,15 Madam Chair.16 I don't expect you to know this17 off the top of your head, so if you could18 please provide it to the Chair, unless you19 do know, but when we provide monthly20 adoption subsidies, is there any21 supervision?22 COMM. AMBROSE: To the family23 that's receiving the subsidy? I don't24 believe that there is.25 523 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
Okay. I2 don't know how integrated your databases3 are, but do you know how many people4 receiving monthly adoption subsidies are5 the subject of an abuse report?6 COMM. AMBROSE: I think we could7 find that out, yeah. We can --8
I think9 you'll be wondering how you can do10 data-mining automatically with respect to11 questions like that when you get that12 answer.13 Thank you.14 COMM. AMBROSE: Okay.15
Let me just16 ask you, I think you've heard, through the17 afternoon, Councilwoman Sanchez and18 Councilwoman Brown's concerns about some19 of the small neighborhood or grassroots20 organizations that were sort of cut out21 when you all changed the way you cut down22 the number of services, SKOH services, to23 a number of community organizations, to 1224 groups.25 524 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 And we are wondering, what are2 you -- have you evaluated that? Are you3 looking at how -- I think the question is4 -- I'm trying to figure out what the5 question is.6 The question is: What happens7 to those providers who've been in the8 community for a number of years, working9 with families in neighborhoods, who are10 culturally relevant to those communities;11 what happens to them? And what happened12 to them?13 COMM. AMBROSE: Well, we're14 evaluating all of the recipients of the15 new service to make sure that the needs of16 the kids and families that we need served17 are being met. Cultural diversity has18 been a focus of the services that we19 provide, because we provide services to a20 very culturally-diverse community.21 For some of the providers who22 did not receive In-Home Protective23 Services or ARS, there's other24 opportunities for them to apply.25 525 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 So, for instance, one of the2 providers that you contacted me about that3 you were concerned about just received a4 grant through DHS and the Behavioral5 Health System for functional family6 therapy.7 So there are other8 opportunities.9
But were10 her clients transferred to one of the 1211 --12 COMM. AMBROSE: Oh, yes.13
-- came17 onboard?18 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes. There's19 been a very deliberate process that we've20 used to make sure that families are21 transitioned to the right service.22 So what we've done, effective23 June 30th, we will not have any more SKOH24 services. We're in the process of doing a25 526 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 safety assessment on each of the children2 served by that system.3 Those families will either be4 phased out, which means their petition5 will be discharged and they don't need any6 further involvement in the child welfare7 system, or referred to prevention; or if8 they're still a safety threat for those9 families or those children, they'll be10 picked up by In-Home Protective Services.11 So there's been a really, I12 think, responsive handoff of the family to13 ensure that there's a seamless service14 delivery system for those kids and15 families.16
Let me ask17 you one final question: How will you18 identify and serve high-risk youth -- is19 that what the young man testified to just20 a few minutes ago? Now that the adult21 AVRP program is no longer in existence,22 how will you identify those young people23 who are high-risk?24 COMM. AMBROSE: Well, the Youth25 527 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Violence Reduction Partnership is still in2 existence, and that is for older youth, 163 to 14, I believe is the age group.4 We do believe that there is a5 need for a youth violence program; we just6 would like the time to make sure that we7 plan out and look at best practice8 nationally around what that needs to look9 like.10 And so, Deputy Mayor Gillison11 and I have had these conversations. We12 believe it needs to be done in13 partnership.14 There was an a intensive15 delinquency program that was run by the16 Prevention Division that sort of gotten17 eaten up in the AVRP process. That18 actually was a good service and provided19 good outcomes. So we kind of want to look20 back at that model and create something21 that we think is more substantive and22 targets the right kids that are identified23 by the courts.24
How is DHS25 528 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 working with fiscal intermediaries, such2 as GPUAC, who provide both core3 professional and supportive services to4 small organizations and has a comparative5 analysis been done to determine the6 effectiveness of direct contracting versus7 the use of intermediaries to manage and8 evaluate contracts with DHS providers?9 COMM. AMBROSE: We actually have10 a very strong partnership with GPUAC.11 They have many, many contracts with the12 Department of Human Services and do13 provide for community agencies the kinds14 of infrastructure that some of the15 community providers don't have. So our16 partnership with them is strong.17 We have not done that analysis18 that you referred to as, you know, what's19 the difference between those GPUAC20 providers and those that we contract with21 directly, but perhaps that's something22 that we should try to do.23
Well, we24 don't want you to stop contracting with25 529 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 GPUAC.2 (Laughter.)3
And, you4 know, I have a program in the Logan area5 that we contract, because in the years6 past -- and you're young and you may not7 remember this, but a number of small8 neighborhood groups who really wanted to9 run programs, knew how to run programs,10 but weren't the good fiscal managers that11 we needed.12 So having that ability to13 challenge their fiscal operations through14 an intermediate like GPUAC keeps them out15 of trouble and allows them to do what they16 do best; and that's to service their17 clients and run the program. And I have18 to worry about the fiscal side.19 COMM. AMBROSE: No, our20 partnership with them is strong. I'm21 actually meeting with Charmaine Turner, I22 think, in the next few weeks to just go23 through each of our agencies and, you24 know, how we can try to improve the25 530 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 collaboration and the partnership between2 GPUAC and DHS.3
Well, what4 grade would you give yourself? You've5 been there about what, a year, two years?6 COMM. AMBROSE: No. I've been7 there about ten months.8
Ten months.9 You had a lot on your plate.10 (Laughter.)11 (Applause.)12
Well, you13 seem to have the support of your staff.14 All staff members, raise your15 hand. Great, great, great, great.16 (Applause.)17