This past year,3 we did better than we have in getting4 people onboard. We're hoping that this5 continue year, we'll continue to do6 better, but it's challenging -- it's been7 a challenge in the civil service system8 to be able to respond in the current9 health-care market fast enough --10
So given14 that reality, do you think -- would you15 say that you've made progress, looking at16 where you were?17
And we have a21 plan. We've actually increased the22 number of people who were hired in the23 Health Department this year. We think24 that we'll actually potentially make a25 169 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 real visible dent by the increment report2 next year, in December.3
So I hope we can5 prove to you what we've been able to do,6 and that is part of our performance-7 management work.8
Okay. A9 follow-up question regarding the campaign10 around condoms. Are the schools linked11 in any way, shape, or form to that12 campaign?13
There are centers17 in the schools currently which make18 condoms available, and the nurses refer19 kids to outside providers in their20 neighborhood, who have condoms available21 at the moment.22 We are working with the School23 District to figure out how we might do24 more. The issue is that any condom25 170 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 availability has to go through the SRC.2 And, remember, the SRC is controlled by3 the State.4 So we believe we'll probably5 get one chance to make a request, and we6 want to make sure that it's right and7 it's exactly what we need. So we've8 taken a little bit of time to make sure9 we get everything right.10
Oh, okay.11 I think I have one more here.12 Last year... The question is13 around this notion of telemedicine; I14 think that was Councilman Jones who had a15 real interest in that.16
You18 testified before Council last year about19 this new methodology, I guess you call20 it. You indicated uncertainty regarding21 how your agency would be reimbursed for22 services rendered.23 Have you gotten any clarity on24 this whole reimbursement issue?25 171 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
We're in2 Philadelphia because the distances aren't3 great, and we don't do specialty services4 primarily; we do primary-care services.5 It's not going to work very well.6 Where we may have an7 improvement is for patients where a8 photograph -- like a photograph of the9 skin with a rash could go to a10 dermatologist. We're waiting to see if11 dermatologists can be paid for that and12 paid adequately.13
And if that's the15 case, then with our electronic health16 record, we actually will have very easy17 and seamless connections with patient18 approval and consent to do that kind of19 work.20
Now,21 talking about records across systems. Is22 the Eagles mobile eye --23
-- service25 172 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 linked into the Philadelphia Health2 Department?3
-- so that5 when they take exams of young people at6 schools in their mobile vehicle, it gets7 to that child's record?8
There isn't at12 the moment. Remember, we don't have an13 electronic record yet.14
Oh, okay.15 All right, then. That's fine.16 Well, again, to underscore the17 good work you've done that's been stated18 by my colleagues, it comes clear in the19 testimony, and I can't speak for Wilson;20 he can speak for himself.21 But I really do appreciate the22 detail given now around MBE/WBE23 participation.24
And the2 progress that's been made compared to3 last year.4
Thank you7 very much.8 Thanks, Madam President.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 You're welcome.11 Any other questions from12 members of the Committee?13 (No further questions.)14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 Seeing no one, this committee will stand16 in recess until 2:15.17 Thank you again.18 Thanks, Doctor.19 (Lunch break taken.)20 (Proceedings resume.)21 * * *22 23 (Councilwoman Tasco now24 chairing this hearing.)25 174 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Our next2 department is the Department of Human3 Services.4 (Witnesses come forward.)5
Good6 afternoon. Would you state your name for7 the record and begin your testimony.8 PANEL MEMBERS: Good afternoon.9 Anne Marie Ambrose, Commissioner of the10 Department of Human Services.11
How are12 you doing?13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Good.14 How are you?15
18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Good19 afternoon. 11 COMM. 18 This is not additional funding19 but is required as part of the transition20 of DHS's Operating Budget from the21 General Fund to the Grants Revenue22 Department. 11 COMM. 7 DHS continues to make8 significant improvements in providing9 safety, permanency, and well-being for10 children at risk of abuse, neglect, and11 delinquency. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 2011 noted that DHS reforms over the last2 three years has led to increased3 childhood safety and to improve fairness4 in the decision-making process for5 families. DHS is now working with the6 COB to create new recommendations7 regarding family well-being. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. 7 DHS has vital partnership with8 all of its stakeholders, especially9 Family Court. 13 DHS has reduced placement by 2414 percent from January of '08 to July of15 '10. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 December 31st of 2010. 4 Since 2003, DHS has used5 performance-based contracting to improve6 outcomes for children. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Over the course of 2010 and,2 2011, PBC has been expanded to treatment3 foster care. 7 DHS has made substantial8 efforts to work closely with families9 themselves to increase permanency for10 children and youth. 11 COMM. 3 In order to ensure that the4 complex medical needs of children served5 by DHS are being addressed, we have6 expanded the staff of the Center for7 Child and Family Well-Being. Dr. 18 Under Community-Based19 Prevention Services, DHS is also working20 diligently to improve the educational21 outcomes for children in our care. 11 COMM. 7 The Educational Support Center8 received a total of 619 child-specific9 consultations from November of 200910 through December of 2010. 20 In our efforts to improve the21 likelihood of achieving permanency and22 better outcomes for older youth, DHS and23 the Family Court have started a24 Permanency Action Teaming. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 consists of external and internal2 child-welfare experts who meet to3 determine what, if anything, changes can4 be made to a youth's plan to improve the5 youth's likelihood of achieving6 permanency. 19 Under the Juvenile Justice20 Services, DHS is also focusing on21 ensuring that the needs and well-being of22 youth involved in the delinquent system23 are met in an effective matter. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Philadelphia Working Group on2 Disproportionate Minority Contact. This3 represents the first time forums of this4 nature have even been held within a5 secure detention facility. This unique6 program was designed to improve relations7 between minority youth and law8 enforcement. 13 Finally, the new Youth Study14 Center is under construction, with plans15 to move by the fall of 2012. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 quality visitation reviews starting at2 the end of November 2010. 8 DHS is committed to utilizing9 technology to improve operational10 efficiency. 16 DHS plans to extend the use of17 this technology throughout DHS's Intake18 and Investigation Units. 11 COMM. 10 Because of our successful11 efforts at reducing the number of12 children in the former child welfare13 system, our caseloads have been14 significantly reduced. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 business participation in City2 contracting. 8 Our nonprofit providers are not9 OEO-certified. Based on our survey, 3510 percent of the 208 nonprofit providers11 have boards that are primarily minority,12 women, or disabled status. 11 COMM. 2
Yes, you3 are. Thank you very much.4 Commissioner, the5 Administration is proposing to move all6 of your State and federal funding to the7 Grants Revenue Fund for Fiscal Year 2012.8 Can you explain why the General Fund9 revenue estimates for DHS show 22.7 and10 43.1 million in Fiscal 2012 and 2013,11 respectively?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I'm13 going to ask either Rebecca or Romana to14 introduce themselves and answer that15 question.16 ROMANA: I'm Romana17 (indiscernible) the Deputy Commissioner18 for (indiscernible).19 STENOGRAPHER: I didn't hear20 that.21
You have22 to speak into the microphone.23 ROMANA: Sorry.24 (Romana does not repeat her25 193 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 introduction.)2
Rebecca3 Rhynhart, Budget Director. Good4 afternoon.5 The question regarded the6 22 million in federal monies that show in7 Fiscal '12; is that correct?8
The reason for15 these payments being budgeted in '12 and16 '13 to -- into the General Fund are,17 they're late payments, so that those are18 reimbursements from the State and the19 feds that we are not anticipating getting20 in Fiscal '11.21
Yes. They will24 be billed for. And Romana could give25 194 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 more information on the types of2 payments, but the four reimbursement gets3 delayed, and so, it's not going to be4 received by the City in Fiscal '11, and5 that's something that we've already -- in6 our last quarterly report, the Fiscal '117 fund balance of $13.5 million already8 took that into consideration, but that9 comes in later than the end of the fiscal10 year.11 And then the Act 148 State12 payment, there's actually a significant13 lag in that payment. The Fiscal '0914 payment was received at the very15 beginning of Fiscal '11, so that's why we16 haven't received the Fiscal '10 payment.17 So that's why we budgeted that we would18 receive that in Fiscal '13.19
When do20 you typically receive your federal and21 State grant awards?22 ROMANA: So we receive the23 final allocation after the State budget24 has passed. So we get a tentative25 195 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 allocation after the Governor's address.2 So this year, it was March 3rd, so we get3 a tentative allocation the following4 week, but we don't get a final allocation5 until the State budget passes.6 So it's -- last year, the State7 budget passed, I think, sometime in8 mid-July. So we got a final allocation9 the end of July.10
Okay.11 What is the operational impact on your12 department if the State budget is not13 passed by June 30th?14 ROMANA: If the State budget's15 not the passed by June 30th, the impact16 is -- it does affect some of our 25017 contracted providers, our ability to kind18 of finalize what our allocation is for19 some of the services.20 So we have to kind of -- for21 the 290 place -- for all the placements22 providers, we're confident that we can23 get those contracts and move funding24 forward. But for the 250 providers, for25 196 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 some of our services, where we have to2 assess what our actual funding for those3 programs is, that is where we're -- where4 we struggle.5 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yeah.6 And I just want to add, when the State7 budget wasn't passed on time two years8 ago, it was a disasters for our private9 providers. And so, we've really been10 trying to advocate for a budget that's11 passed on time, because then we're12 delayed in our contracting.13 And, thankfully, the Finance14 Department set up an emergency payment15 process, but private providers were very16 severely impacted by that delay.17
The issue18 is, if you move it to the Grants Revenue19 Fund and the State doesn't pass the20 budget, you can't spend the money from21 the Grants Revenue Fund. If you leave it22 in the General Fund, then you could honor23 your contracts.24
Well, as you25 197 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 know, we manage our cash on a2 consolidated basis. So the Grants Fund3 and the General Fund are together, in one4 pot of cash, in the consolidated cash5 account.6 So even when the -- when DHS7 was in the General Fund, and it still is8 currently, it still creates -- it9 actually creates a very big problem for10 us cash-wise when the payments are late11 or when the State budget is late, because12 we're, in essence, fronting money from13 the General Fund to pay for the DHS14 providers.15 So moving it to the Grants Fund16 will not impact our cash position, or it17 will still be the same amount of cash18 basis, because we commingled the cash.19 That's how we manage our cash; we20 commingle it.21 But it's still -- either way,22 it will be an issue for us if the State23 doesn't pass its budget on time.24
Okay,25 198 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 thank you.2 The Chair recognizes Councilman3 Goode.4
Thank you,5 Madam Chair.6 Good afternoon, Commissioner.7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Good8 afternoon.9
Can you tell10 me what's the largest for-profit11 contracts you will award in Fiscal '12?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: The13 largest for-profit for Fiscal '12 was14 VisionQuest.15
I said,16 what's the largest contract that you will17 award in Fiscal Year '12?18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: That is,19 yes.20 Oh, the largest -- that's the21 largest for-profit. Our largest22 nonprofit is PHMC.23
So the24 largest for-profit in the next fiscal25 199 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 year.2 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.3
Okay, is4 VisionQuest.5 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.6
And that's7 for how much?8 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: For9 $19,427,051.10
And that's a11 renewable contract?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.13
And how long14 has the firm held that contract?15 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: It was16 contracted in '08 for '09.17
Okay. And18 is that firm a certified disadvantaged19 business?20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: No, sir.21
Does the22 firm subcontract with disadvantaged23 businesses?24 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes.25 200 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
What was the2 D/B/E participation goal in the RFP?3 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I don't4 know if it was addressed in the RFP of5 this contract. I don't have...6 (Desirée Thomas comes forward.)7
Desirée Thomas,8 Deputy Commissioner for Community-Based9 Prevention Services.10 When we did the RFPs in 2008,11 at that time, we were using the best-12 efforts standard that was established by13 OEO.14
That was the --17 during that time, our practice was to18 follow the lead of at -- that time, it19 was MBEC.20
No, that was last23 year, and we did not -- I guess in terms24 of us --25 201 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
You were5 procuring the service.6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I agree.7 I acknowledge the responsibility last8 year. This was a contract; we didn't9 have an opportunity to re-contract this10 out. Next year --11
So the12 answer to the question is, you didn't13 identify the subcontracting opportunity,14 so you didn't put a goal if in the RFP.15 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.16
Okay. Thank17 you.18 What was the goal in the19 contract?20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Best21 efforts.22
The goal in23 the contract was best efforts?24 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: In the25 202 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 original RFP, it was best efforts.2
Best3 efforts. What was the goal in the4 contract?5 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: The same6 as was in the RFPs.7
The goal was8 best efforts.9 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.10
And what has11 been achieved?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Their13 achievements have not been good on the14 subcontracting portion.15
I wonder16 why.17 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: But at18 our request, they've actually done a lot19 of movement back to Philadelphia. So at20 our request, they moved their community-21 based detention shelter that was based in22 Chester County to Philadelphia, and they23 now have a hundred new staff working in24 that shelter.25 203 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Okay. You2 know what my questions are, right?3 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes.4
Okay. I'm5 asking about subcontracting6 opportunities. You didn't take the time7 to identify them for the RFP, so there8 was no goal in the RFP. You didn't take9 the time to identify them for the10 contract.11 The issue is: What has been12 done since then to identify13 subcontracting opportunities?14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So they15 have two new subcontracting16 opportunities. For minority businesses,17 it's a total of $78,464. For women, it's18 a total $12,754. For con --19
So they have20 two new opportunities.21 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.22
Is that the23 extent of the opportunities that exist24 within the contract?25 204 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: No.2 They have also -- for the new3 construction and build costs for the4 shelter that they relocated in5 Philadelphia, there's $250,000, and6 they're currently -- there's a potential7 spend with a letter of intent for8 $500,000 with United Bank to relocate9 some group homes in Philadelphia.10
Okay. What11 does that represent in terms of12 percentage of the total contract?13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I'll ask14 somebody to do some quick calculations,15 but it's not the 25 percent goal that we16 have. It's not meeting our goal.17
I'll wait.18 ROMANA: So if it's about a19 million dollars out of a $20 million,20 would be 0.5 percent.21
It's 0.522 percent.23 ROMANA: I mean -- yeah, that's24 about a million dollars' worth of --25 205 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Okay. So5 what do you think is achievable under the6 contract in terms of subcontracting7 opportunities?8 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: In9 discussions with VisionQuest, they have10 met with us on a number of occasions.11 They have also attended OEO's sessions on12 increasing their participation rates.13
My question14 is: What's achievable in terms of15 percentages of contract dollars in terms16 of subcontracting opportunities? I mean,17 clearly 0.5 percent is ridiculous.18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Right.19 So most of their budget. Actually goes20 to paying staff salaries, and their21 staffing is primarily minority and women22 staff, and about --23
What24 percentage goes to staff salaries?25 206 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I can2 tell you that. Hold on one second.3 Seventy percent. Their annual4 payroll is $11,700,000, and approximately5 $8,190,000 of that amount is paid to6 minorities and women.7
So 308 percent of the contract is not dedicated9 to staff salaries.10 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes.11
It's about12 $6 million?13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.14
And so, what15 portion of $6 million is available for16 subcontracting opportunities for17 businesses owned by minorities and women?18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So those19 are the discussions that we continue to20 engage in with VisionQuest. And they've21 also hired somebody who's a minority who22 lives in Philadelphia to help them work23 on those efforts.24
In other25 207 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 words, you still don't know.2 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.3
Okay. Is4 the firm in compliance with the City's5 living-wage-and-benefits standard?6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: They7 are.8
What's the9 largest nonprofit contract that you will10 award?11 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: It's12 PHMC.13
Okay. And14 how long have they had their contact?15 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: The16 same. The contract was issued in '08 for17 '09.18
And is the19 firm a certified disadvantaged business?20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: No.21
Is there a22 supplier diversity plan?23 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes.24
And what25 208 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 have they achieved?2 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: They3 haven't achieved much in the areas of4 what they do, but their subcontracting is5 actually very good.6 So, for instance, their7 diversity plan wasn't something that was8 particularly helpful, so we --9
I have their10 numbers right here. It says 6.3411 percent.12 ROMANA: I'm sorry. Could you13 please clarify that?14
I have their15 numbers right here. It says 6.3416 percent.17 I guess you're wondering where18 I got it from. The Health Commissioner.19 ROMANA: Okay.20
So you21 didn't know it was 6.34 percent.22 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I23 actually think it's lower for DHS. I24 think that might be its numbers for the25 209 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Health number.2
But you just3 said you thought their numbers were4 pretty good.5 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Well,6 their numbers for subcontracting with7 minority firms are good.8
And what's9 the number?10 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So for11 our out-of-school time, the composition12 of executive director -- 53 percent are13 minority, the board is 43 percent14 minority --15
That's not16 what I'm talking about; I'm talking about17 subcontracting opportunities. You18 clearly still don't get it.19 Could Miss Dowd-Burton come to20 the table.21 (Ms. Dowd-Burton comes22 forward.)23
Good24 afternoon.25 210 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Good2 afternoon, Councilman. My name is Angela3 Dowd-Burton, Executive Director of the4 Office of Economic Opportunity.5
Has OEO6 looked at -- going back to VisionQuest,7 has OEO looked at subcontracting8 opportunities for the VisionQuest9 contract?10
We have11 looked at some opportunities but really12 have not done an in-depth --13
So does OEO14 know what the subcontracting15 opportunities should be, and out of the16 $20 million, what percentage of contract17 dollars should be going to businesses18 owned by minorities and women?19
So it's a25 211 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 $20 million contract, the RFP was put out2 with just best efforts, the contract was3 put out with just best efforts. The4 accomplishment so far has been one half5 of 1 percent, and we still don't know6 what opportunities exist within the7 contract.8
The contract9 went into place in 2008, and we will be10 working with, and have over the past year11 been working with, the Department of12 Human Services to analyze all of their13 contracts and to get their contract14 providers engaged in supplier diversity15 programs.16
Okay. Thank17 you.18 Madam President, I'd like to19 bring DHS back too. Thank you.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 Councilman, yes?22
I'm done.23 I'd like to bring them back when they24 have more information about that25 212 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 particular contract and what2 opportunities exist within that contract,3 and I'm not prepared to vote on the4 budget particularly funding them until5 they get a bit better with what they need6 to do in terms of diversity.7
Thank11 you very much, Madam President.12 We were concerned about three13 issues. One certainly is the whole issue14 of truancy with students, and I15 understand that's at about the same16 levels as last year.17 Would you give us some feedback18 on how you're handling that?19 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Sure.20 I'll also invite Desirée Thomas up, who's21 sort of leading these efforts for the22 Department of Human Services.23
Okay.24 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: There's25 213 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 actually been a good collaboration2 between Family Court, the School District3 of Philadelphia, and DHS in the last4 couple of years. We've created a new5 planning process that's led by Erica6 Washington from the School District,7 who's really been terrific on trying to8 get the schools to be a little bit more9 proactive on the truancy issues.10 They've created a checklist of11 things that the school needs to do before12 they refer the case to Family Court. So13 the letters to the family have to be14 verified; the phone calls to the family15 have to be verified; the outreach to the16 family, including home visits, have to be17 verified before that case can even go18 Family Court.19 And we think that's a more20 effective, preventive way of getting both21 children and families engaged in22 education before it goes the truancy23 route and Family Court. And so, those24 efforts have actually been quite25 214 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 successful.2 The numbers have decreased a3 little because that process just started4 in January, but we feel very good about5 the partnership that we've built with the6 School District at this point.7 I don't know if Desirée has8 anything to add to that, but she's been9 leading that.10
Yes. For the16 fiscal year last year, 11,013 youth,17 grades 1 through 12, were served through18 Regional and Family Court. And at that19 time, we took just one approach to20 managing truancy and intervention.21 So all kids that the school22 deemed eligible for court went to court.23 So that was the 11,113 kids.24 This year, we took a age-25 215 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 differentiated approach to intervention,2 where kids in kindergarten to 3rd grade3 are diverted from court, and they receive4 Diversion Case- Management Services in5 the community.6 The assumption is that there7 are family issues that create the chronic8 absenteeism, and we want to deal with9 that. And so, kids again that are in10 kindergarten to 3rd grade are diverted11 from court.12 To date, we started receiving13 deferrals for that age group in December.14 And from December to April, there are 24115 youth that meet that criteria that are16 currently being served through our17 Diversion Case- Management Services.18 For grades 4 through 12, there19 are 6,793 youth that are currently20 receiving truancy case-management21 services and being supervised by Truancy22 Court.23 So the numbers are lower. But24 just as a caveat, during this time of the25 216 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 year, the numbers also spike. So we2 can't tell yet if it's a result of our3 intervention and the School District's4 screening so far that it's kept the5 numbers down or whether the numbers are6 actually going to spike up and we'll be7 around the same numbers that we were last8 year.9
Do you10 know how this new system, this new11 technological system, that the Police12 Department is engaged in with the13 schools, if that affects you?14
They20 do it for kids who are supposed to be on21 probation, so that they don't have to22 leave school. A lot of those kids would23 be truant as well.24 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I think25 217 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you're referring to the in-school2 suspension protocol that they've3 developed.4
I5 don't think so.6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Okay.7 Then we aren't a part of that.8 We do have a new information-9 sharing protocol with the School District10 of Philadelphia so we find an MOU with11 the Superintendent so that we can share12 information about children who are common13 to DHS and the School District, and14 that's part of our Education Support15 Center efforts.16 So we're able to share17 information that normally we wouldn't be18 able to share, so that if the school is19 concerned about a child who's DHS-20 involved, we sit down and meet with the21 counselors and the teachers and whoever22 is necessary to try to solve those23 problems.24 So that's been a huge25 218 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 advancement, and we signed that in2 December of '09.3
And4 how does this work with traditional5 public schools and charter schools; is6 the program the same?7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: We're8 working on an MOU with the charter9 schools but we're not there yet. And10 also the Archdiocesan schools.11
All12 right. Although their attendance is13 always up anyway. That's one of their14 successes.15 I understand that there's some16 concern about the intake system, and17 folks are concerned about the proposed18 cuts that the State makes and that if19 they give more money back to the schools,20 that they're going to hurt DHS, and that21 part of what you do is take -- if22 students -- if children needs meds, et23 cetera, you do that kind of taxi service.24 You take them there and make sure they25 219 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 get where they need to be.2 My question is: Do you expect3 to have the finances to continue this?4 If not, how will you maintain the5 service? If not, how do you propose that6 this will operate, given the needs of7 youngsters who still will need the meds8 as before?9 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yeah.10 I'm actually not sure what service you're11 referring to, but we believe, based on12 the Governor's budget cuts that we won't13 have any kind of service impact at all.14 So that service should continue15 if it's something that we currently do.16 You might be referring to the17 old consultation and education service18 that DHS provided, but the School19 District has taken over that program, so20 I'm not really sure.21 The good news for DHS is that22 we expect to be able to cut -- cover the23 initial budget cuts from the Governor's24 office through staff positions and25 220 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 underutilization in one of our services.2 Now, we are concerned if the3 legislature decides to do something4 different, that there could be some5 impacts on DHS funding.6
And my7 final question is -- and maybe you8 responded to it. And that is about9 hiring and vacancies, what vacancies you10 have and how that affects the service you11 provide.12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Sure.13 We actually have a lot of vacancies right14 now. I think we have 142 vacancies at15 this point.16 Part of the reason for our17 vacancies is that the system has shrunk.18 As we've continued to move children out19 of placement and increase permanencies,20 we have about 4,000 fewer children in the21 former child welfare system than we had22 three years ago.23 So our caseloads sizes have24 gone 19, when I first came, to about 1225 221 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 or 13 right now. And so, we haven't had2 the need to fill those positions. I3 think some of my staff might argue with4 me about that.5 We've -- at the same time6 caseload sizes have been diminished, I7 think we've created additional quality8 measures, including monthly visits by DHS9 staff. So right now, we're in the10 process of trying to readjust caseload11 sizes and move staff from non-carrying12 caseload to carrying caseloads.13 And so, that's a process that14 we're engaged in. We're working with our15 union leadership on making some of those16 adjustments, but we don't think at this17 point it's necessary to fill some of18 those vacancies in the social work19 practice areas.20 The areas that we're21 particularly concentrated are on the22 front end. So Intake, which is the23 Investigations Unit at DHS, which is24 really critically important to keep25 222 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 staffed up, and also hotline.2 Traditionally, the department has used a3 lot of overtime on the hot line, and we4 don't believe that's best practice. And5 so, we really want to change the way we6 staff those two sections. And that will7 the area of focused concentration to us.8
We9 would like to know how you want to change10 that. And also caseloads -- if a case is11 a child, does it not include that family?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So the13 cases are actually families.14
I15 thought so.16 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And each17 of our families has approximately 2.318 children. So some of our case workers19 have way more children than that should20 have if they have a big sibling group.21 But we now measure caseload22 size not by just the number of families23 but the number of children in that family24 so that we can understand the impact that25 223 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 it has on that worker's workload.2
So3 you're saying, then, that a worker's4 caseload is considered 2.3 children in5 the family?6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Well,7 the caseload is families, and the average8 family size for each is 2.3 children.9 That's just an average, so you may have10 --11
So12 what if there are six children; then13 what?14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Then we15 try to do some adjustments, but we aren't16 always able to do that. We don't have17 the sophisticated way of assigning cases,18 but we are looking at a weighing system;19 we're trying to develop a weighing system20 that would take into conversation not21 just the number of children in the22 family, but the complexity of those23 issues.24 So, for instance, some of our25 224 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 sex abuse cases can be far more2 complicated than a truancy case -- just3 kind of making this up. And so, if we4 create a waiting system, we might be able5 to more equitably distribute cases so6 workers aren't overwhelmed.7
Well,8 how can you have 142 vacancies and not9 have such a system and say you don't need10 the employees then?11 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Well,12 we're in the process of trying to develop13 that system.14
But we15 -- let me ask you to get this information16 back to the Chair, because 142 vacancies17 is a lot of vacancies, and for kids to be18 out there in large families, when we hear19 about people passing away and tragedies20 that happen, it generally involves some21 instance where somebody wasn't there or22 wasn't looking, for all kinds of reasons.23 You know, we've all heard for many, many24 years about people with these caseloads.25 225 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 We do not want people and2 children to be hurt because of the fact3 that they didn't have a case worker who4 could follow up because they have so many5 cases, and they're so -- I mean, it's6 common. We've heard it as long as I can7 remember, we've heard about these large8 cases.9 So we would like to -- all of10 the programs you mentioned that you're11 interested in starting, we would like12 specific information to be sent to the13 President, especially with regard to14 these vacancies.15 Thank you, Madam President.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 You're welcome.18 The Chair recognizes19 Councilwoman Brown.20
Thank you,21 Madam President.22 Good afternoon, ladies.23 PANEL MEMBERS: Good afternoon.24
A few25 226 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 follow-ups to Councilman Goode's line of2 questioning.3 With regards to VisionQuest, is4 there any other entity in the region that5 provides the type of services VisionQuest6 provides?7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: No. The8 closest area in the region that provides9 the type of service is Cornell, which10 runs a facility in New Morgan, which is a11 juvenile justice facility.12
Mm-hmm.13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: But they14 also have several other placements15 further away from Philadelphia.16 And so, one of the goals that17 we've had is moving children closer to18 Philadelphia, so we've been able to do19 that with our out-of-state population.20 VisionQuest has been the provider who's21 been most responsive to that.22 So as I was saying earlier,23 they moved their 120-bed shelter into24 Philadelphia, creating additional jobs25 227 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 for our residents and being closer to the2 families where our kids are from.3 They've also moved about 2004 beds closer to Philadelphia from5 Franklin, Pennsylvania, which is way6 close to the Ohio border and South7 Mountain.8
Mm-hmm.9 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And10 they've created additional beds closer to11 here by a new program called Lighthouse,12 and they've also created some community-13 based services at our request, functional14 family therapy being the biggest one.15 So we're trying to move the16 children closer to Philadelphia.17
I see.18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And this19 is a provider who's actually complied20 with our request and been creative in21 thinking through on how we could do that.22
Okay. So23 your last statement is a summary of where24 I was headed to. They get it now, that25 228 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Philadelphia cares about keeping our kids2 as close to home as possible.3 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: That's4 right.5
And6 they've made the appropriate internal7 systemic changes if they want to continue8 to be considered for funding; is that9 fair to say?10 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: That's11 fair to say.12
Okay.13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And14 we've met with them on many occasions15 about this.16
Okay, all17 right. So they get it with regards to18 there being really a policy change for us19 to move our kids closer.20 And then speak to how you've21 tried to help them understand the policy22 concern we have around MBE/WBE23 participation.24 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So since25 229 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 we've started meeting with them after2 hearings of last year, they have hired3 some additional staff. They're saying4 that some of their contracts -- so, for5 instance, we tried to work with them on6 the food-service contract at the new7 facility in Philadelphia.8 Unfortunately, that's with9 another company that -- the facility10 doesn't just service VisionQuest, and the11 food service is provided by a bigger12 entity that serves multiple agencies in13 that location.14
Okay, in15 the region?16 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Right.17
Okay.18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And so,19 that's something we intend on exploring20 with Angela.21 The other areas that we talked22 about were food for some of their other23 facilities 'cause they just don't have24 children in Philadelphia. Clothing and25 230 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 additional subcontractors that they --2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Excuse me.4 Councilman Goode, you have a5 point of information?6
You said you7 tried to work with them on what?8 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: We sat9 down with them and asked them -- told10 them we're very serious about this goal11 and that their numbers are not where they12 need to be and tried to explore with them13 and their consultant about ways that they14 can increase those goals.15 So we had a meeting as -- last16 week as well.17
And you18 suggested what to them?19 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: That20 they should look at who they contract21 with for things like clothing for the22 children --23
And you24 mentioned food service specifically.25 231 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes.2
Tell me3 about that conversation.4 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So we5 asked them why they couldn't contract out6 food service in their new shelter. And7 there are multiple tenants in the8 building that they're in, and there was9 an existing food contract, so they're10 going to continue to explore how they11 might maybe take out whatever food12 service they provide from their lease13 agreement and contract that out.14 So those are some of the15 conversations that we've had.16
And that17 food-service contract is part of a larger18 contract?19 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.20
And who's21 that between?22 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I don't23 have the name of the company, but I can24 try to find out.25 232 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
So I can2 tell you specifically, when I questioned3 the Recreation Commissioner, she4 specifically talked about food-service5 contracts and how she pushed on that and6 was able to push specifically on a7 food-service contract participation that8 was in the single digits to 15, 20, 259 percent.10 So she's done it.11 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Okay.12
So maybe you13 need to talk to her.14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I15 definitely will.16
So food19 service, clothing. What other type of --20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Various21 services that children need, like22 sometimes they need to be seen by23 doctors.24 We explored education, but the25 233 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 education -- they're in the process of2 working with the Philadelphia School3 District on the educational portion of4 the services that they provide. So that5 isn't something that we were able to move6 forward on.7 If they have psychiatrists that8 come in to do med management, there are9 those kinds of opportunities.10 The bulk of their payments,11 though, are to their employees for12 salaries.13
Okay.14 When you attend those meetings, does an15 officer from OEO join you in those16 meetings with VisionQuest?17 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE:18 VisionQuest has attended two of the19 forums that OEO sponsored. In these20 meetings just between us and VisionQuest,21 I have not included them, but that might22 be a good idea for me to include Angela23 or her staff as we move forward.24
I would25 234 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 think so, just to help them understand2 that there are people in government who3 are not playing about this. And either4 they need to get it or they need to be5 prepared to reckon with the consequence6 of not getting it.7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Okay.8
Okay?9 PHMC, they have a contract with you, with10 the Health Department, and they also have11 a contract with DHS.12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct,13 they do have a contract with DHS.14
What15 services do they provide?16 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So the17 bulk of the services that they provide18 for DHS is our out-of-school-time19 contract, which is $32.822,133.20
Okay.21 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And our22 Parenting Collaborative, which is23 approximately $6 million.24
Okay. So25 235 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 help me understand. PHMC is a direct-2 service agency?3 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: No.4 They're actually an administrative arm5 that helps support the administrative6 functions of smaller, more grassroots7 kinds of provider agencies.8
Okay. I9 thought that to be the case; I just10 needed to double-check my own thinking11 about that.12 Okay, I guess it's been two or13 three years that the very sad14 circumstance regarding the young -- the15 child Daneale -- help me remember her16 name.17 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Daneale18 Kelly.19
Right.20 Triggered an overall and a re-look-see at21 how DHS operates. And I know that each22 year, you've been about the business of23 rolling out and honoring recommendations24 that were in that final report.25 236 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: That is2 correct.3
What was4 the total of recommendations; do you5 recall?6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yeah.7 The total number of recommendations was8 37.9
And how10 far are you along in the implementation11 of those?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So we're13 in various stages of implementing all of14 the recommendations. There's really15 three that need additional attention.16 One is the clarification of17 roles and responsibilities between DHS18 staff and the provider staff, and that's19 our Improving Outcomes for Children20 Initiative that we're working on with the21 private providers, which is creating the22 single-case management model of service23 delivery.24
Right.25 237 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And then2 really redefining the role of DHS staff3 to be more of practice specialists,4 monitors, technical assistance.5
Versus...?6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Versus7 this lack of clarity about who does what.8
Okay.9 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And so,10 that's really a lesson learned from the11 Daneale Kelly case and something that12 we're actively engaged in planning on.13 The other two were establishing14 a local office. And we have determined15 that based on the Improving Outcomes for16 Children Initiative, we should wait on17 that, because, ideally, we'll be working18 with community groups in the areas where19 our kids are most likely to live and then20 creating a local office based on that21 work that we're doing with the community.22
Okay.23 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And then24 the third is collocation. And I'm happy25 238 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 to announce that we have identified a2 collocation site; it's actually going to3 be in Councilman Jones' district. And4 we'll hopefully be moved in there before5 July of '11.6
I see.7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So this8 is one of the things that was important9 to the Mayor, and we're really pleased10 that we're moving forward on that. And11 that's the collocation of Philadelphia12 Children's Alliance, the Police13 Department, and DHS to collaborate on14 investigation so kids aren't15 retraumatized by multiple re-interviews?16
Yes, yes.17 Congratulations on that achievement.18 I too had additional questions19 around truancy and shared some of those20 concerns as Councilwoman Blackwell.21 So you gave the numbers of 24122 for little people, K through 3, correct?23
And then25 239 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 7,000-plus for young people, 4th through2 12th grade.3
Thank you.8 So now, how does the stat9 compare to last year? I mean, where are10 we in this continuum of the strategy for11 executing around truancies. Is it better12 than last year or what?13
I can tell you in14 terms of the numbers, again, last year,15 for the whole year, we really can't tell,16 but we serviced 11,000 kids total last17 year.18 Our strategy this year was to19 take a age-differentiated approach to20 truancy overall. And so, in terms of21 outcomes and whether or not the22 attendance has improved yet, I can say23 for the 241 youth that are currently24 getting services, because the services25 240 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 they give is a 90-day service, those2 families are engaged in the services, and3 the attendance is improving in terms of4 the 241.5
With the 6,793,10 truancy is a practice area for the Policy11 Analysis Center, where we are to develop12 an evaluation plan of both our process13 and our outcomes. And so, we presented a14 plan for that, to look at how we can15 evaluate our process, to see if it's16 effective; you know, how we did it last17 year and looking at how we're doing it18 this year.19
As well as21 looking at the outcomes for it, so we22 really don't know yet.23
Okay.24 It's premature to speculate.25 241 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Okay. I'm3 curious about one thing, typically the4 adolescents, young people between the5 ages of 4th and 8th are broken out,6 because, you know, their challenges are7 so different than 9th and 12th graders.8
And when10 you look at when the dropout grade11 actually begins to happen, it's typically12 after 9th grade. So, you know, they come13 in 9th grade and 48 months later, you14 know, we can't find them.15
So is17 there any particular reason why you've18 grouped together 4th through 12th-19 graders? I'm just curious.20
'Cause it22 would seem to me the treatment for a 4th-23 through a 8th-grader would be different24 than the treatment you would offer to a25 242 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 high school student.2
It's the -- the3 case-management services in terms of the4 4th to 12th grades are developmentally5 appropriate.6