And the $350,0003 savings represents over 560 beds. And so4 I, quite frankly, was single-focused on5 that agenda.6
When --7 in the rebalancing, how much of your8 budget was cut?9
In the rebalancing,10 $1.3 million was cut, and we reallocated11 $2.1 million.12
How many13 people do we currently serve in your14 programs now, in terms of all your safety15 net programs, whether it's Home First...16
We service over17 603,000 units, the combination of18 emergency, transitional, and permanent19 housing.20
In light21 of the economic times, do you foresee an22 increase in some that?23
I foresee a24 potential increase in the number of people25 373 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 who are requesting assistance, and that is2 the reason why we are particularly3 grateful for the Recovery, prevention4 dollars, because we believe it will allow5 us to assist those persons and retain6 their existing housing or housing in the7 community, without coming into the system.8 The cost for us in the system is9 dramatically higher than helping them to10 live in the community.11 It is our hope that we would be12 able to maintain level or emergency13 housing and potentially even reduce the14 need for the number that we have today if15 we're able to address the number of people16 we think we will assist with the Recovery17 dollars.18
In19 addition to the monies that you outlined20 in your testimony, what other Recovery21 money is the Office of Special Service22 Needs pursuing, and do you have an23 estimated amount of money that you think24 you can get through the competitive bids?25 374 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
We have submitted2 for a Department of Justice Grant in order3 to address domestic violence and other4 training opportunities. We have had --5
We are also having12 conversations with some of our other13 sister agencies in terms of being able to14 access some of the additional housing15 opportunities through the Community16 Development Block Grant.17 We partner with OHCD, the Office18 of Housing and Community Development, in19 issuing a special-needs housing RFP every20 year. They make Home dollars available to21 help create transitional and permanent22 housing, and it is our hope that we would23 be able to expand the amount of funding24 that might be available in that pot of25 375 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 funding.2 We are a also looking at the3 opportunities through the State's receipt4 of Recovery dollars and have had5 conversations with the State Department of6 -- Department of Community Development in7 terms of how we might be able to utilize8 the dollars that they would make available9 on a competitive basis for the City to10 apply for, to do more emergency and11 homeless prevention.12
So do you13 have a sense of how much out of the14 recovery your department will be able to15 access? Have you made a plan for --16
We have identified17 opportunities outside of our agency, but18 we could collaborate. We would receive19 the dollars directly.20
The total amount of22 dollars available to us is the 21 million23 for the Homeless Prevention and the24 Department of Justice Grant that we have25 376 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 already submitted an application for.2
But other3 than those two, there's nothing else --4
Directly7 for?8 In terms of the rebalancing,9 were there -- were you reducing -- how10 were you looking to increase the11 availability of transitional housing12 units?13
The expectation was14 that we would utilize the partnership we15 have with the Housing Authority, because16 part of the expectation there is that we17 would make referrals out of transitional18 housing to the PHA opportunities.19 That would free up existing20 transitional housing that we could move21 people from emergency housing to, so that22 we would have that opportunity.23 In addition, every year, when we24 issue the Special Needs Housing RFP with25 377 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 OHCD, we solicit projects and proposals2 for transitional and permanent housing.3 And that's where we use the McKinney4 funding for any new development that could5 either be transitional housing or6 permanent.7
So in the8 case of the family, the shelter program9 that you were looking to build with APM10 that was cut as a result of the11 rebalancing, what -- how could they have12 shaped that project differently to meet13 the new increased funding of the McKinney14 fund?15
Actually, I have16 recently met with APM around that and have17 suggested to them two opportunities for18 them to consider. One is the19 opportunities that are becoming available20 under the Recovery Grant and whether or21 not they saw an opportunity to provide22 either prevention services to their23 community and/or if they would want to24 respond to the Special Needs Housing RFP25 378 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 and consider doing transitional and2 permanent housing.3 Because of their track record --4 and they have done special needs housing5 development and homeless housing6 development in the past -- I have7 suggested to them that that might be8 certainly a surer way, 'cause they9 certainly have the track record and the10 experience on the development side.11
And going12 back to the point we were going talking13 about, "not in our backyard," they spent14 about a year and a half working on this,15 and we got community approval to site that16 facility.17
So I19 don't want to not leverage that20 opportunity where we have some agreements21 --22
-- to get24 a project where, clearly, we have a need.25 379 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
There3 is -- other than their small shelter,4 there are no shelters within the Latino5 community or where the Latinos feel6 comfortable with, so I'm concerned because7 we got an increase but limited beds.8
So do you10 foresee -- or are you saying to me that11 you foresee them being able to convert12 that project to a more acceptable project,13 given your new guidelines and your new14 goals?15
I do not know,16 number one, if they are looking at the17 same site --18
-- if they were to20 do a transitional or a permanent housing21 project, because what we had been22 discussing was emergency housing, and that23 would have been part of their24 headquarters. If they are going to25 380 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 consider a transitional or a permanent2 housing, that would typically be a3 stand-alone, separate facility.4 It is my sense from them that5 they have a desire and they have an6 interest in -- I can't say whether or not7 they had a specific site in mind, but my8 sense was that that was certainly9 something that they were interested in10 pursuing and considering.11
In terms12 of the number of emergency beds available13 in the City, in the past, in many cases,14 you went to a lot of other locations for15 emergency bedding. Do we have the same16 number of beds available under the17 rebalance in your reduced budget, as we18 did in Fiscal Year 2008?19
And for the proposed23 ten, we are proposing to maintain those24 beds that we currently have in operation.25 381 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
You're4 welcome.5 The Chair recognizes6 Councilwoman Brown.7
-- for15 being a partner with my office for nine16 years during our holiday event where we17 try to make a small difference for18 Philadelphia's homeless children. I19 appreciate that.20 Secondly, let me start first21 with... Your testimony states on that the Office of Supportive Housing is23 expected to receive $21-plus million from24 the Recovery Act.25 382 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
It is not confirmed.5 We have to submit an application to HUD by6 May the 18th.7
Okay. And10 who will be the point person to receive11 those dollars? Will it be Mark Allen12 Hughes, who, we've discovered, is one of13 the Administration's point professionals14 for the receipt and distribution of those15 dollars, or will those dollars flow16 directly to OSH?17
The -- actually, the18 funding will come through the OHCD19 consolidated plan process.20
So that's why we22 referenced that.23 For this particular pot of24 funding, a resolution is required from25 383 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Council in order to amend the kind of plan2 to receive those dollars. And once those3 dollars are received, then we have a4 memorandum of understanding directly with5 OHCD for those funds to be transferred to6 OSH for us to administer.7
And it's8 our understanding that a good portion of9 those dollars are for energy conservation,10 sustainability, and greening-related11 initiatives. Does that apply also for12 OSH?13
No. The funding14 that we're receiving, the pot is15 specifically for homeless prevention.16
And it's18 anticipating that there are an increase in19 the number of people who are having20 housing crisis due to the downturn of the21 economy as well as other folks who are at22 risk of homelessness and trying to use23 this opportunity to prevent them from24 losing their existing housing.25 384 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
And so,2 with that kind of number, what's the3 outcome in terms of deliverables that4 you're looking to achieve?5
We are proposing to6 allocate the $21 million because it's a7 three-year grant.8
We would allocate it10 evenly so that for Fiscal '10, we would11 have 7.1 million additional dollars.12
And we're allocating14 that over three activities -- Homeless15 Prevention, Homeless Diversion, and Rapid16 Rehousing.17 We're currently in a public18 comment period. We have advertised the19 opportunity for the City to apply for the20 funding in newspapers, on the City's21 website. HUD reduced the public comment22 period to 12 days; those 12 days conclude23 tomorrow.24 We also have included public-,25 385 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 private-sector committees to help inform2 our process to create these three distinct3 programs.4 And so we're working to try to5 design three new programs that we would6 include in this plan and that we would7 submit to HUD in mid-May.8
Okay. Does9 a map exist of all of the sites that OSH10 is responsible for in the City, a map, a11 grid of some type, where one can do a12 look-see and know exactly how many --13
We have done such a14 map in one of our PhillyStat sessions.15 The dots kind of overlap oftentimes, so16 it's hard to distinguish emergency housing17 from transitional from permanent, but we18 can provide with you with a copy of that.19
I raise20 that because in conversations with21 Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Maria22 Quiñones-Sanchez, typically, community23 citizens don't make the distinction24 between a homeless shelter versus a25 386 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 shelter providing services to those who2 are in need of drug and alcohol services.3 And so, as we try to figure out4 a way to overcome this hurdle of getting5 community buy-in, that's an important, I6 think, fundamental piece that we need to7 have --8
-- when10 trying to tell the story or pitch for11 support.12
So if I understand13 you correctly, you're requesting a map14 that just illustrates where the OSH15 facilities are.16
Yes. I17 intended to ask that question of CBH, but18 I failed to do that.19
So a map21 that reflects the services for the22 communities you provide would be useful.23 Section 53, of your24 budget shows the elimination of One Day at25 387 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 a Time.2
What has4 happened with those persons that were5 serviced by that program? Was there some6 type of transition or connect the dots --7 (Timer bell rings.)8
-- so that10 needing services continue to get those11 services?12
Yes. That was a13 part of our rebalancing of the '09 budget.14
And it was a project16 that we identified because it was housing17 ten individuals, which we believed we had18 the ability to absorb. So we were able to19 transfer those individuals to other20 existing programs to be able to sustain21 their housing.22
And so, one23 follow-up on this very question, Madam24 President.25 388 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Are they no longer in existence2 as a nonprofit, One Day at a Time?3
Okay. All6 right, then.7 Thank you, Madam President.8
You're9 welcome.10 The Chair recognizes11 Councilwoman Tasco.12
I just have13 one question about your housing program.14 Do you provide services to families who15 are threatened to be homeless?16
That's the Homeless22 Prevention Program that we currently23 operate with the Housing Trust Fund24 dollars.25 389 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
And then we'll be3 able to expand that when we receive the4 Recovery Act dollars.5
All right.6 So you can try to keep them in7 (inaudible).8
Okay.10 Thank you. That's all I wanted to ask,11 Madam President.12
Thank13 you.14 The Chair recognizes Councilman15 Greenlee.16
Thank you,17 Madam President. Very quickly. I know18 it's been a long day.19 Good afternoon, Miss Mintz.20
And I want22 to join the others in congratulating you23 on the job you do.24
Thank you.25 390 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
I know2 it's very difficult.3 But I have to put a "but" in4 here. Regarding the issue that5 Councilwoman Sanchez brought up with the6 security -- and I understand where you're7 saying you have to focus on what is your8 issue, and that's housing.9 But was there any conversation10 with the company about this by -- with you11 particularly, considering -- I mean the12 reality the world is, if you cut13 somebody's pay and benefits that much,14 that it might affect the service they15 provide?16
We notified all of17 the providers that we were proposing to18 reduce. There had not been any discussion19 on their part in terms of how they20 intended to absorb the cut.21
Mm-hmm.22 But, I mean, after they did, was there any23 -- I mean, is there a con -- I guess I'll24 answer it --25 391 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
Is there a4 concern now, given that cut, what services5 will be provided? I guess is the best way6 to say it.7
-- and the10 nonprofits who have entered into contracts11 with them entered into contracts to12 maintain the same hours of service.13 So that for our cut, we were14 looking to the extent that we could15 maintain as many of the hours as we had16 available.17
And we indicated19 that to the providers, that that was our20 hope, that that's what they could secure.21
You're25 392 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 welcome.2 The Chair recognizes3 Councilwoman Brown.4
Yes, just a5 couple of more questions.6 The Administration -- on -- no, Section 53, , you discuss8 what you call, under Administrative9 Services, a $35,000 pledge for a one-time10 signing bonus. What was that bonus for?11 Section 53, . Nonrecurring signing12 bonus, under Administrative Services.13
It would have -- the14 only bonuses we would have had would have15 been the increase for the bargaining unit.16
For the bargaining-19 unit staff for the last fiscal year, where20 they all received the signing bonuses.21
Oh, okay.22 All right. The Red Cross was previously23 funded at $100,000.24
What --2 discuss the impact of their cut, given the3 magnitude and the scale of services that4 they provide.5
We contracted with6 the American Red Cross. We provided7 $100,000 in funding toward their operating8 of the Red Cross House, which they use to9 provide to assistance to persons when they10 respond to emergencies.11
And they would house13 them up to about a two weeks' period of14 time, with the hope being in that interim,15 they either could have accessed their16 insurance if they were burned out or other17 forms of assistance.18 And oftentimes, if they had not19 been successful after that two-week20 period, they would contact our office to21 assume responsibility for housing of them.22 Under the Rebalancing Act, one23 of the difficult choices we made was that24 we could not afford to continue to fund25 394 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 that contract if it meant that we would2 have to reduce shelter beds, 'cause those3 were exactly the same beds that we used4 after their two-week period that had5 expired.6 So we needed to maintain the7 ability to provide that direct service, so8 we had to make the difficult choice to9 eliminate funding to that contract.10
When those14 difficult decisions are made, what15 measures, what things are put in place to16 fill that gap for those families?17
Well, in our18 particular case, they typically are19 families that we may or may not be called20 upon to assist directly anyway. So the21 benefit for us is that we have an existing22 relocation unit --23
-- that provides25 395 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 emergency responses. And so we utilize2 that component of our agency to respond.3
So the4 follow-through, if you will, or the5 handholding continues to happen --6
Okay. And11 thank you for your testimony and thank you12 for your important work.13
Thank15 you.16 Are there any further questions17 of the Councilmembers?18 (No further questions.)19
The23 last department to be heard will be the24 Department of Human Services.25 396 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 (Witnesses come forward.)2
Hello,3 Commissioner. Thank you for your4 patience. 7 COMM. AMBROSE: Thank you, Madam8 President and members of City Council. 18 DHS's FY '10 General Fund Budget19 request is $590,878,063. This is20 $14,541,606 below the FY '09 estimated21 obligation level of $605,419,669. 7 Through our overtime reduction8 initiative, we have reduced overtime at9 DHS by $2 million over the past nine10 months. We have increased our operational11 efficiency by reducing our information12 technology budget by $2 million. 16 DHS's leadership has also17 developed a five-year strategic plan to18 improve our operations. We formulated a19 reform team in response to the National20 Governors Association's Center for Best21 Practice's push to reduce out-of-home22 placements by 10 percent annually. If we23 are successful, this will result in24 significant savings for Community25 399 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Behavioral Health in the School District2 of Philadelphia. 6 We are in the process of7 integrating DHS supports and services in8 the community through our local office9 initiative and our alignment with police10 districts and empowerment schools. 15 Lastly, DHS is collaborating16 with the Office of Economic Opportunity to17 enhance minority, women, and disabled-18 owned business participation. We have19 conducted a survey, and preliminary20 results reveal that of 78 nonprofit21 providers, 37 percent have majority22 minority board membership. 25 400 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 In addition to making changes2 that have reduced expenses and improved3 operational efficiency, DHS has4 strengthened its programming. 8 Currently in partnership with9 Family Court, under the leadership of10 Administrative Judge Kevin Dougherty, DHS11 has increased the number of children who12 have been adopted by 12 percent. 16 Next, under the leadership of17 School Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman18 and the Mayor's Chief Education Officer,19 Dr. 4 In light of all of these5 advances the Department has made to6 improve performance and operating7 efficiency, I must share with you that our8 ability to protect Philadelphia's most9 vulnerable children is compromised10 significantly by the Department of Public11 Welfare's actions. 6 million. 6 This level of unpredictability7 and instability makes operating an8 effective child welfare system extremely9 difficult and jeopardizes the wellbeing of10 children we are all committed to11 protecting. 21 These cuts also impact Philadelphia's22 financial stability. 2 Our mayor is deeply committed to3 continuing to provide these services to4 Philadelphia's children, but it will be a5 challenge to do so in the face of6 $69 million that the State is proposing to7 cut. 11
Thank12 you very much, Commissioner.13 Commissioner, you stated that14 through its Department of Public Welfare,15 the Commonwealth has cut, or proposed to16 cut, $69 million from its contributions to17 the City, and that as a partial result of18 these cuts, there will be a $31 million19 City overmatch.20 Please explain, if you can,21 where these State cuts will be in relation22 to your operating budget, including which23 funds will need to change appropriation24 amounts.25 406 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: The majority of2 the cuts that came from the State were3 based on interesting formulas calculated4 by the State.5 For instance, when we asked for6 an evidence-based program in the7 community, there was a significant offset8 in placement cost. So most of the cuts9 that were proposed were in placement10 areas.11 We're in the process of12 presenting -- we presented today a13 rebudget to Secretary Richmond. We've14 engaged in going conversations about this15 being unacceptable for the City of16 Philadelphia, and we're hopeful that some17 of those changes will be heard. There's18 been a series of lobbying that both19 Dr. Schwarz and I have been engaged in20 with the State Legislature around these21 issues.22 And so, most of the cuts have23 been in placement, which are really cuts24 that the court makes determinations about.25 407 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 So Judge Dougherty has been a partner in2 most of these conversations.3
And I4 must congratulate you. You indicated that5 there has been an increase in the6 adoptions. And I know, for years, during7 budget hearings, we kept hearing about how8 we lagged so far behind on that. So you9 and your department are to be10 congratulated on that.11 Assuming that the State, in12 fact, makes cuts, will the City's13 expenditures increase, decrease, or remain14 the same?15 COMM. AMBROSE: I think that16 that would result in some conversations17 that we would have to have with our18 prevention realignment stakeholders and19 Dr. Schwarz and the health and20 opportunity. We don't feel that we can21 absorb those devastating cuts without a22 tremendous impact on the lives of children23 and families in Philadelphia.24 Ideally, we would not have to25 408 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 make those cuts. We're prepared to make2 certain cuts but not those that we think3 really impact on the safety of the kids4 and the safety of communities.5 So we'd have to really take that6 back and have some more internal7 discussions about how we would try to8 realize those kinds of cuts.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Commissioner, will federal assistance to11 the City or the State pursuant to the12 Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment13 Act preserve or increase current spending?14 COMM. AMBROSE: We haven't15 really seen anything that's going to16 impact on child welfare.17 There was an $80 million18 assistance to 4E funding, but we19 understand that that's going to the State,20 and it may not make its way to the21 counties, and so that's another item of22 discussion and negotiation that we need to23 have with the State.24 There have been some other25 409 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 grants that are available. For instance,2 there's a Department of Labor Grant on3 Mentoring that we're working with Deputy4 Mayor Gillison to apply for. And so we're5 taking advantage of those grants on an6 individual basis, mostly based on7 programmatic initiatives that we think we8 could be participating in.9
Thank10 you, Commissioner.11 The Chair recognizes12 Councilwoman Brown.13
And let me17 start out by saying thank you also to you18 and your team for sitting down with me and19 just giving me a broad overview of where20 you are and what your expectations and21 goals are. It's extremely helpful.22 I'm going to pick up with where23 you left off and the anticipated24 Department of Labor contract around the25 410 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 issue of mentoring. Councilman Goode had2 a very specific question in an area, and3 his was: How much do you spend to support4 mentoring program? And describe the5 nature of the support at this time.6 COMM. AMBROSE: I am not sure7 of -- unless Cynthia knows the answer to8 this question -- the exact number of our9 mentoring investment.10 (Witness comes forward.)11
Please12 identify yourself for the record.13 DEP. COMM. FIGUEROA: Sure.14 Cynthia Figueroa, Deputy Commissioner for15 the Department of Human Services16 Community-Based Prevention Services.17 We have positive youth-18 development programs that total19 approximately $9 million. Not all of20 those are mentoring. In relation to the21 recent release of the Department of Labor,22 that's $500,000 over the course of four23 years, and there are local community-24 based providers, with the support of25 411 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Deputy Mayor Gillison, that have applied2 for those funds.3
So knowing4 Councilman Goode, he would have a5 follow-up. If you could provide that6 detail to President Verna.7 DEP. COMM. FIGUEROA: Absolutely.8
I'm sure he9 will appreciate it.10 DEP. COMM. FIGUEROA: I'd be11 happy to.12
Okay, then.13 Thank you very much.14 Commissioner, if you had to ID15 one, two, or three visible, tangible16 changes you made in the system as a result17 of the Danielle Kelly case, what would18 they be?19 COMM. AMBROSE: One would be20 implementation of the safety model of21 practice, which is really getting the22 Department back to identifying safety23 needs first and foremost.24 I think number two is pulling25 412 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 together this great leadership team that2 you see behind me, really putting the3 right people in the right positions, and4 making sense of the infrastructure at the5 Department of Human Services so that6 everybody knows what their role is, and7 really emphasizing accountability, so the8 creation of our Division of Performance9 Management and Accountability.10 I also think the third thing11 would be really the partnership with12 providers and being very clear about roles13 and responsibilities, who's supposed to be14 doing what. Right now, I think we have a15 system where sometimes the roles are16 duplicative, and it results in chaos and a17 lack of clear communication.18
And19 accountability.20 COMM. AMBROSE: That's right.21 And I've come to say, When everybody's22 responsible, nobody's responsible. And23 that's exactly what happened in the death24 of Danielle Kelly.25 413 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 So we've been very, very focused2 on accountability and making sure that3 we're taking care of the kids that we're4 responsible to serve.5
And so in6 the inverse of that, if you had to ID one7 or two facts that were stipulated in the8 report that clearly indicated a breakdown9 in the system, what would they be?10 COMM. AMBROSE: Provider11 evaluation and monitoring of providers.12 And so, we've actually -- we used to have13 a division called CAPE, which was Contract14 Administration and Performance Evaluation.15
I remember.16 COMM. AMBROSE: We've pulled out17 the performance evaluation of that and put18 it under the Division of Performance19 Management and Accountability.20 We must be really clear with21 providers of what our expectations are,22 and we have to have a way to check on23 services being provided to children.24
Yes. And25 414 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 then my final follow-up on that is: When2 you look at the recommendations that were3 presented in the final report, where are4 you in terms of the implementation of5 those recommendations? I mean, how many6 are left for you to roll out?7 COMM. AMBROSE: Right. Well,8 the Child Welfare Review Panel morphed9 into the Community Oversight Board.10
Okay.11 COMM. AMBROSE: There were 3712 recommendations in the Community Oversight13 Board. We have implemented, or are in14 various stages of implementing, all of15 those recommendations.16 We just received a report from17 the Community Oversight Board that went to18 the Mayor at the end of January of this19 year, and the report to the Mayor was20 basically that we were in various stages21 of implementing some -- all of those22 recommendations. And in seven areas,23 there were still areas of concern.24 And so those are the areas that25 415 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 we've really focused on with the Community2 Oversight Board. So we have partnerships3 with community oversight members and my4 leadership team to follow up on full5 implementation of all of those6 recommendations.7 (Timer bell rings.)8
I thank9 you. That's the first round. The bell10 has rung so I'll see you in the next11 round.12
Thank13 you.14 The Chair recognizes Councilman15 Rizzo.16
Thank you,17 Madam Chair.18 Good afternoon -- good evening19 now.20 COMM. AMBROSE: Good afternoon.21
Improving22 operational efficiencies in your testimony23 today. I'm a little confused by one thing24 that you said and I just want to clarify25 416 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 it.2 "We have increased our3 operational efficiencies by reducing our4 information technology budget by5 $2 million." How could do you that?6 COMM. AMBROSE: I was one of the7 first fortunate program offices to meet8 with Allan Frank. Allan met with us early9 in August, and he did an assessment of our10 entire IT function.11 We have been very inefficient in12 our use of information technology and13 staff, so what Allan did is worked very14 long and hard hours with all of my15 leadership team around IT.16 We have various databases all17 over the place, nothing really18 centralized. We were actually paying a19 lot of providers to do work that Allan20 thinks could have been done by DOT or21 in-house.22 So Allan's recommendations23 resulted in us terminating some contracts24 and getting rid of some staff that he25 417 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 didn't think we needed. And so that's2 where our IT savings came out.3
I thought it4 was a typo. Thank you.5 COMM. AMBROSE: No, it's not.6
You're9 welcome.10 The Chair recognizes Councilman11 Greenlee.12
Thank you,13 Madam President.14 Good afternoon.15 COMM. AMBROSE: Good afternoon.16
I was17 going to ask a similar question as18 Councilwoman Brown, so let me just sum up19 by saying that certainly I know that case20 and others happened before you were21 commissioner, but it certainly seems like22 you and your department has taken on the23 challenge of dealing with that and making24 sure things like that never happen again.25 418 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 You could be congratulated for that.2 COMM. AMBROSE: Thank you.3
On another4 issue, on a follow-up on the Council5 President on these State cuts: So if I6 understand it, this is a decision that was7 made within the DPW; it wasn't by the8 legislature or anything like that?9 COMM. AMBROSE: No. And,10 actually, the -- I think the legislature11 should be most upset about what happened12 to the '09, 'cause those were certified13 numbers that the legislature approved.14 And then, unilaterally, DPW sent us a15 letter mid year -- mid-year -- cutting16 $11.6 million.17 And so that's an issue that18 we're bringing to Harrisburg in addition19 to the FY '10 cuts.20
Yeah,21 'cause usually we're upset with what the22 legislature does, so at least this is a23 nice change of pace a little bit -- not a24 nice change, but a change.25 419 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: A change.2
Did they3 give you a reason as far as this? Was it4 pure budgetary? Did they have some5 problem? Did they give you anything?6 COMM. AMBROSE: There was some7 justification given.8
Right.9 COMM. AMBROSE: In that the10 State is very interested in cutting11 placements as are we.12
Mm-hmm.13 COMM. AMBROSE: We just believe14 that we should do it in a (indiscernible)15 and responsible manner that doesn't16 jeopardize the safety of children.17
Mm-hmm.18 COMM. AMBROSE: So I think that19 there were some budgetary reasons. We20 would have preferred to hear that upfront.21
Right.22 COMM. AMBROSE: And let us make23 decisions about what we thought we could24 cut because we're closer to the needs of25 420 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 the children and families in Philadelphia2 than Harrisburg is.3
And you4 mentioned Secretary Richmond, who5 obviously has a little knowledge of the6 City of Philadelphia. She obviously is7 agreeing with what DPW's doing obviously,8 I guess?9 COMM. AMBROSE: Secretary10 Richmond is very concerned about children11 and families.12
Right.13 COMM. AMBROSE: I am hopeful14 that we will be able to get some sort of a15 compromise that makes sense and doesn't16 compromise safety.17 And so, we're engaged in those18 conversations on almost a daily basis.19
Okay.20 Well, I think we all agree that anything21 we can do to help on that and we will.22 Thank you, Commissioner.23 Thank you, Madam President.24
You're25 421 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 welcome.2 The Chair recognizes Councilman3 Jones.4
Thank you,5 Madam President.6 Good evening.7 COMM. AMBROSE: Good evening.8
We started11 from "good morning," we went to "good12 afternoon," and now it is officially "good13 evening."14 Is it a safe assertion that DHS15 started with its primary core function,16 its primary mission, the protection from17 abuse and neglect; was that the core18 mission?19 COMM. AMBROSE: I think20 preventing abuse, neglect, and delinquency21 is part of our core function, yes.22
But wasn't it23 more as a direct response to allegations24 of abuse and neglect? Wasn't that the25 422 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 kind of mission that when you heard about2 it, you went out and dealt it? I'm3 talking about earlier --4 COMM. AMBROSE: I think the5 child protective service laws say that.6 We also have the federal mandates, which,7 in the federal mandates, are around8 safety, permanency, and well-being. So we9 kind of joined those two things together.10 We also believe that DHS has a11 responsibility to prevent abuse, neglect,12 and delinquency. And our work with the13 School District right now is especially14 promising in that area because if we can15 really capture children in schools, when16 there's early identification of issues, we17 think we can be successful in preventing18 them from coming into the formal child19 welfare or juvenile justice system.20
But if we21 were seeing the chicken and the egg22 scenario, the egg was responding to23 protection from abuse and neglect, and24 then it went into protection and25 423 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 prevention?2 COMM. AMBROSE: Prevention.3
Prevention?4 COMM. AMBROSE: I think that's5 fair, and I think, you know, some of the6 work from the Community Oversight Board7 indicated that DHS may have strayed too8 far away from the mission of preventing9 abuse, neglect, and delinquency.10 And so the work that Deputy11 Commissioner Figueroa is doing with her12 Prevention and Realignment Advisory Group13 is trying to figure out what are those14 connections back to child welfare and15 juvenile justice, because I think many of16 the connections are there; it's just about17 us being organized around them and being18 able to articulate them.19
And I don't20 want to give the impression that I don't21 think prevention is worth a pound of cure,22 an ounce of prevention, because it is.23 But I'm thinking, as one24 organization, sometimes it's better to be25 424 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 singularly focused on a mission, and2 response was your original thing. I'm not3 making that judgment today, as we speak;4 I'm questioning whether or not kind of,5 sort of, we kind of got out there.6 And in the organization of7 this -- of these priorities, we kind of8 subcontracted out if it -- and tell me if9 I'm off-track -- the prevention side of10 the house from the response to neglect and11 abuse side. And there's a kind of12 disconnect there. Is that a fair --13 COMM. AMBROSE: I think we do a14 lot of contracting out, so we contract out15 a lot of our work on the juvenile justice16 and child welfare side as well. I think17 where we perhaps lost focus is that we18 weren't controlling all of the referrals,19 which led to sometimes a duplication of20 services.21 And so, this Prevention22 Realignment Work Group that we've pulled23 together is really looking at this,24 because I think it is a fair criticism. I25 425 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 think the Department of Human Services, in2 some ways, became everything to all of the3 kids and families in Philadelphia. And4 then we will fail at our core mission.5 And so, the importance of6 collaborative partnerships with advocates7 and with the School District and with8 Behavioral Health is really essential for9 us to be successful in meeting our core10 mission.11
Please12 understand that I would only object to the13 notion that this is a criticism, 'cause14 it's not; it is just an observation15 hopefully to kind of move us all in the16 same direction. So it is not a criticism;17 it's a observation.18 And I'm wondering how, as a19 manager of such a large organization -- I20 understand and I look at the organization21 chart, which you provided. I understand22 how the hierarchal relationships work.23 How do the interdepartmental24 communications kind of flow? because I'm25 426 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 thinking, in a big organization like this,2 if something happens over here to a child,3 and by the time that signal gets up to the4 brain and it then transmits to the5 appropriate department, we have a problem.6 And I'm wondering, how do we get7 to rapid response and rapid exchange of8 information in a large cultural9 organization like this?10 (Timer bell rings.)11 COMM. AMBROSE: I think12 communication is essential.13 I have an excellent leadership14 team. We talk to each other frequently.15 And we also -- so my cabinet may be16 smaller, you know, ten people, but we have17 a leadership team that includes all of our18 directors. And this is cross-divisional19 leadership team, where we are not -- it's20 not like Juvenile Justice is over there21 and prevention is over here. Cynthia's22 meeting with Dell Meriwether, who's the23 Children and Youth Deputy. Cynthia's24 meeting with Timene Farlow, who's with25 427 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Juvenile Justice.2 And we're talking about -- kids3 are interchangeable in some of these4 systems. And so, it is essential that we5 communicate with each other about6 individual cases, and we do that.7 Our partners in Law help us. So8 Vanessa Garret Hartley, who's here,9 Barbara Ashley's here. Some of these10 cases come from court. It's about real11 communication and real partnership and all12 of us being in this together and13 understanding what our purpose is and what14 our mission is.15
And I16 understand the challenge of any big17 organization is to be protective of18 itself, meaning tropophobic in one19 (indiscernible). Creating a department is20 easier than emerging or changing a mindset21 in a department. We kind of do what we22 did yesterday in order to get through the23 day, in order to get to tomorrow. And I24 know that's a long-winded way of saying25 428 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 we're very protective of our turf.2 So I guess what I'm saying is,3 when we divide prevention from our core4 mission, you create these two silos5 sometimes. And in the challenges to get6 them at least to understand that one is7 not any good without the other, and to8 kind of see the interdependency.9 COMM. AMBROSE: Yeah. I10 actually think we're actually breaking11 down silos in DHS right now.12 Before, I think there was a real13 disconnect between what the Children and14 Youth workers or the Juvenile Justice15 workers needed for their kids and16 families. And what we've done now is done17 focus groups with all DHS staff. We've18 done focus groups with provider agencies.19 We've created this advisory board that20 includes providers, advocates, community21 folks.22 And we're now saying: What23 should prevention be to meet the needs of24 children at risk of abuse, neglect, and25 429 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 delinquency? And that's how we're rolling2 out prevention.3 And so what we've done is, we're4 not trying to protect anything; we're5 trying to be transparent and break down6 the silos.7
It's8 important.9 All right. I'll yield to the10 next round.11 Thank you, Madam President.12
And thank18 you all for coming. Sorry it's so late,19 but we just don't do anything here, you20 know, just lollygag around and make you21 sit around.22 According to your testimony, DHS23 had a Fiscal Year '09 budget of24 $499 million out of a proposed fiscal year25 430 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 budget of $487 million for professional2 services. You also state that $37 percent3 of your nonprofit providers have minority4 -- majority minority board membership in5 Fiscal Year '09 and for Fiscal '10.6 How much money did, and will7 DHS, spend with minority-operated for8 nonprofit providers?9 COMM. AMBROSE: We have recently10 done a survey to make sure that we are11 calculating those figures correctly, so12 I'd like to try to get back to you. We13 don't have all of the calculations yet,14 but I'd like to get back to you with that15 answer.16
And that's17 fine. We are -- and I noticed in that18 testimony that you talk about the board19 membership of these organizations. But,20 you know, we've had this discussion where21 we're every concerned about having a22 number of providers that are minority23 providers provide services for our24 children in the City.25 431 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes. And we're2 also looking at the composition of the3 executive leadership too.4 Again, it's a struggle to define5 the nonprofit, and we're working with6 Health and Opportunity to really get a7 better handle on that.8
On of your budget detail, you have identified10 $3.6 million for an RFP for Family11 Reunification and Family Stabilization12 Services, with vendors to be determined.13 What will the RFP selection14 process be for these funds, and who will15 be involved in the RFP selection process?16 COMM. AMBROSE: This is similar17 to what we did with services to children18 in their own homes. This is an area where19 family preservation has been something20 we've been doing for about 20 years. We21 haven't necessarily gotten the outcomes22 that we needed. Most of those families23 that were receiving those services went on24 to receive additional services or to25 432 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 placement.2 And so what we've done is, we've3 looked at the service, really tried to4 define more clearly and more specifically5 what kinds of services we think families6 need in order to stabilize. And the RFP7 process will be through the e-contracting8 system.9 We will basically select -- be10 very clear in the RFP about what the11 expectations are. We will have a series12 of meetings with the provider so they13 understand what we're looking for.14 The Office of Economic15 Opportunity is going to join us now in our16 bidders conferences so they can help us17 with increasing minority participation.18 And then what we're going to try to do is,19 within DHS, find the right folks who can20 be the reviewers. We've set up some21 criteria to make sure that one reviewer22 doesn't know who the others are so that23 people can't sort of come together.24 If there's a specialization of25 433 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 services involved, we're going to make2 sure that we have experts on the review3 team so that we're selecting the right4 providers.5
Okay. You6 said something that triggered something in7 my head, and I'm going to forget it. I'll8 have to come back 'cause I can't remember9 too fast; I'm getting old.10 Approximately 13 agencies have11 provided these services over the past12 fiscal years, and when will the13 agencies -- you just answered that -- be14 selected to provide services in Fiscal15 2010?16 If past providers are not17 selected, will there be a better18 transition process than what occurred with19 SKOH, and you just explained that. And my20 question is -- I can't remember. You21 triggered something, but you don't have to22 answer that 'cause you answered that.23 On of your budget24 detail, you have identified $1.5 million25 434 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 to be determined vendor that will provide,2 based on a recommendation by the Child3 Welfare Review Panel a neighborhood DHS4 office.5 It seems that you're going to do6 more than one. Have you decided where7 these offices are going to be yet?8 COMM. AMBROSE: We're in the9 process of working with Public Property to10 identify. We've mapped out our services11 in an effort to really identify where the12 greatest need is.13 Two sites that we're looking at14 right now is West Philadelphia and North15 Philadelphia. Ideally, we would go to16 more than two neighborhood offices, but I17 think in fiscal year, two is more than18 enough.19 Right now, we're looking at20 partnering with the court. Part of this21 initiative is based on what Allegheny22 County has done. They've actually23 collocated Housing, Behavioral Health, and24 Courts in one location to make it easier25 435 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 for families to participate in the child2 welfare process.3 It's also been very helpful in4 expediting permanency; they've gone to5 three-month hearings. So Judge Dougherty6 has been a great partner in this.7 So instead of con -- I'm sorry?8
The11 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a12 point of information.13
That sounds a14 lot like community courts that we've been15 talking about, combining multi-16 jurisdictional governance over court17 matters and DHS matters and housing18 matters. And that's a great idea she just19 brought up, and I just wanted to say that.20 COMM. AMBROSE: Thank you.21
He is in a24 rare mood.25 436 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Proceed.2 COMM. AMBROSE: So the concept3 is there, it is best practices. The4 Department of Human Services right now is5 disconnected with communities in ways that6 don't necessarily benefit the kids and7 families that we serve. And so, we need8 to get back into the communities.9 And so, what we've done is10 really looked at where are our kids and11 families and how can we make the delivery12 service more convenient for them.13
Sounds14 good.15 On of your budget, you16 identify $1.6 million for -- to be17 determined vendors for Violence and18 Delinquency Prevention in the Family Core19 Prevention Service Unit.20 Again, when will the RFP21 selection process -- what will be the RFP22 selection process for these funds, and who23 will be involved in the RFP selection24 process?25 437 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: That's actually2 a partnership with the court and Carol3 Carson, who's here who, is Director of4 Children and Youth Operations for Family5 Court, will be a part of that selection6 process.7 So what we'll do is really sit8 down and talk about the kids that are9 coming to the court for incorrigibility,10 what kinds of the services do the courts11 think are appropriate and really partner12 with them to make sure the needs are being13 met. So that would be a joint effort14 between DHS and the Court.15 But the process will be similar:16 through the e-contracting process, making17 sure that we're very clear about the18 expectations so that the providers can19 respond in a meaningful way. OEO would be20 involved, and we'd have a fair and, you21 know, transparent selection process.22
You said it23 again, and it triggered my thinking: the24 e-contract process.25 438 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 COMM. AMBROSE: Yes.2
Are you3 going to, in that process of reaching out,4 not only rely on people looking at the5 onsite RFP, are you going to reach out to6 those vendors who have, in the past, done7 business with DHS or who might qualify or8 be interested in your RFP process, any one9 of the processes?10 Because we find that if you11 rely -- you know, our people are still12 getting used to the computer and don't13 really read it, and I got some comments14 the other day about it, that it's kind of15 hard to use.16 But would you contact some of17 those providers or departments to let them18 know that the RFP is coming up and19 (inaudible).20 COMM. AMBROSE: I think we have21 to be very careful about how we do that.22
Mm-hmm.23 COMM. AMBROSE: But we encourage24 all providers. I think the issue became,25 439 4/22/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 for what you stated, some of them are more2 computer-savvy than others, so I probably3 couldn't apply e-contract online. So if4 we can provide technical assistance, we5 can do that. We don't want it to be a6 barrier to the right providers getting the7 contracts.8
We think a lot of11 those kinks have been worked out. It was12 the first time when we transitioned from13 SKOH to In-Home Protective Services and14 Alternative Response Services, that was15 the first time many of the providers used16 the system, and it was problematic.17