And so, they have8 in-home case-management services as well.9 A case manager goes in the home and deals10 with the family as a whole.11
And so, they're13 aware of, you know, developmental issues14 and how to engage and stuff like that.15
And so, we23 determined that 4th through 12th grade24 cases needed court attention, so it's25 243 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 about court. The intervention components2 are similar.3
So the n,7 how do you define success when it comes8 to truancy? Does this mean that kids are9 going back to school and flourishing?10
It's a tough11 question. And in terms of defining the12 role, collaboratively, we're looking at13 improved school attendance.14
So if school16 attendance has improved, that's a17 measurement of our success.18
Of course, we want20 academic improvement --21 COUNCILWOMAN BROWN:22 Achievement.23 (Indiscernible; parties talking24 over each other.)25 244 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
-- achievement as2 well. But in terms of the scope of our3 initial intervention and the refinement4 of our process, we're looking at5 improving school attendance and6 alleviating crime and absenteeism, with7 the goal that once a child is in school,8 you know, on a continual basis and is9 engaged, that school achievement will10 occur.11
Okay. We12 could have a lot more conversation about13 truancy, but I'll move on, and I'm going14 to revisit this with Councilwoman15 Blackwell and then sit down with you all16 because we need to, I think, tackle that17 separate from all of the other work that18 you do, okay?19
Okay. You21 talked about the reduction in caseloads,22 and that too is a direct outcome or23 result of the recommendations you talked24 about, correct?25 245 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: That's2 right.3
Okay. I'm4 trying to get through this, 'cause I know5 Councilman Kenney has questions.6 Madam Chair, why don't we allow7 --8
And I'll11 come back.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 Yielding to Councilman Kenney.14
I16 appreciate that, and I also have truancy17 questions, so I guess it's better that I18 get mine in before you start to --19
Thank you.22 Does your truancy intervention23 stop at the end of the school year?24
I mean,2 when May or June rolls around and kids3 aren't in school, does the contact stop?4
It depends on if5 the family is still actively involved.in6 the service. And so --7
But of the8 241 families with the youngsters, is9 there any contact at all during the10 summer months?11
The service for12 the K through 3rd grade is a 90-day13 service.14
The providers, if16 they feel that there are issues that need17 continual monitoring or supervision and18 support in terms of the family, they can19 make a request to extend that service.20
But for the21 241 and even the rest of the cohort of22 kids --23
-- would it25 247 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 make more sense to start ramping up the2 contact intervention from mid-July, say,3 on through early September or so?4 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yeah.5 And I actually --6
And let me7 flesh it out a little bit more. I mean,8 there's got to be some partnerships I9 guess we could develop with the school10 itself with organizations that are11 nonprofits that care about this stuff.12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Mm-hmm.13
I mean, it14 could be an issue of not having money for15 clothes, it could be an issue -- I mean,16 you know the process when you're getting17 your kids ready to get back to school;18 it's a pretty long and drawn out and19 sometimes expensive process.20 And my thought is we identify21 the 241 in the last school year that are22 having difficulty in that area --23 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Mm-hmm.24
Would it25 248 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 not be better to start with them again in2 July or so, after the 4th, say, and start3 reminding schools coming, "Let's get4 rolling," you know, and send out notices,5 "School's going to start," and maybe have6 some contact from some other folks or7 maybe do something innovative in the way8 of children's clothing purchases, sales9 that these folks can get a voucher or a10 percentage sale thing where they can go11 to a Boystown or a Girlstown and get12 ready?13 It's more of a like -- as14 opposed to trying to treat the disease or15 the illness, if we can, like, encourage16 people and moms and dads and grandparents17 and everybody else, like, to kind of get18 this "we're getting back to school"19 thing --20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Mm-hmm.21
-- as22 opposed to waiting till they don't show23 up for two weeks, and then we have to go24 do it on the back end.25 249 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yeah, I2 think those are great ideas.3 I think the other thing is that4 we do target some of those kids for the5 summer programs that we have. So there6 is a pretty good partnership with the7 Philadelphia Youth Network and the School8 District on the summer programs, and9 those kids would be priorities to make10 sure they have those programs.11 I think with the younger kids,12 the issues are far more complicated --13
Right.14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: -- which15 is why DHS is directly involved in case16 management, 'cause it's -- if you're in17 2nd grade and you're not going to school,18 it's not your fault.19
Correct.20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: There's21 something wrong in the home.22
But if23 you're not -- if you have situations24 where the only issue is the truancy or25 250 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 it's none of -- or where these2 youngsters, a 2nd grader, and they're not3 going to school, is the only issue the4 truancy, or are there other --5 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Usually6 --7
'Cause I8 know there are other issues in the home;9 are you dealing with any other issues?10
Yeah, we're11 dealing with the family as a whole. And12 I guess what you're talking about, one of13 the things that was missing from the14 planning for developing the truancy15 intervention was understanding why16 families were truant.17
And so, what we19 initiated was focus groups with20 stakeholders to get their reasons why so21 the school, the providers to find out why22 they believe kids are truant from school.23 And we're also developing a24 survey for both families and students25 251 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that we're involved in now to gather that2 information to be able to look at data.3
But, for4 example, do your folks interface in any5 way with the elementary school principal?6
No, I'm15 talking about in the summer months, as16 we're just starting to --17 (Indiscernible; parties talking18 over each other.)19
Okay.25 252 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Well, I would like to talk to you at some2 point in time, maybe during the summer or3 right after school gets out, to start4 trying to figure out how to meet -- you5 see on TV at -- towards the end of July,6 you start seeing the back-to-school7 commercials and the Staples and the8 clothing and the stuff. I mean, it's9 just getting people's heads around that10 school's coming back.11 And I think if we wait until12 school starts up and the kids don't show13 up, then we're in a different --14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yeah, I15 mean, we actually do that.16
We're in a17 different climate.18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: We do19 the Backpack Challenge every year.20
Right,21 right.22 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: -- for23 our AIC students, but we could certainly24 make that bigger. We actually have a25 253 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 very good partnership with the radio2 station that sponsored us last year.3
All right.4 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And we5 could make that more of a department-wide6 effort for all kids in the City --7
Okay.8 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: --9 instead of just the older kids.10 And we really focused on those11 kids that were going to college and12 didn't necessarily have the financial13 resources to buy the kinds of things that14 youth need when they're on their way to15 college --16
Okay.17 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: -- but18 we could certainly expand that --19
Okay.20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: -- and21 would be happy to have conversations with22 you about doing that.23
All right.24 I'll get with you after the election.25 254 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Okay.2 (Laughter.)3
Sometime4 around May 18th, I'll (inaudible).5 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Okay.6
Thank you.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 You're welcome.9 Councilwoman Brown.10
Thank you,11 Madam President.12 I would like to be a part of13 those discussions too, after the14 election.15 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Okay.16
Okay.17 What is the total number of young people18 in the DHS system?19 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: About20 over a 100,000 if you include out-of-21 school-time kids.22
Okay.23 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So the24 services that we provide, there's a huge25 255 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 continuum of services right from children2 that are in the Prevention Division, who3 receive services in out-of-school-time-4 programs, to children in secure detention5 on the Juvenile Justice side.6 So the total number is usually7 over a 100,000 kids served a year.8
Okay. So9 let's break that down into the two10 categories you just talked about.11 The young people in the12 out-of-school side, that number is what?13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: At any14 one time, it's 10,233 slots that we have15 available.16
Okay. And17 the other 85-plus thousand are in secured18 facilities?19 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Oh, no,20 no, no, no.21 So some of those slots rotate.22 So there's not -- at any one time23 throughout the year, those slots can24 rotate.25 256 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Oh, okay.2 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And then3 we have a whole continuum of prevention4 services, including the truancy youth and5 children that Desirée talked about,6 children involved in our pre Rs and Rs,7 which is Alternative Response Service8 System.9
Okay.10 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Children11 receiving services through Family12 Stabilization Services.13
Okay.14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So15 there's a huge continuum that we have.16 And we look at least intrusive to most17 intrusive, and that's the playing field18 that we have, yeah.19
Okay,20 that's a better picture.21 I clearly remember after the22 report, the discussion around training23 and professional development for24 professionals at DHS.25 257 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Mm-hmm.2
So give us3 a update on where that is, how often it4 happens, when you have training, how5 impacts that staffing, et cetera, et6 cetera.7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So8 according to my staff, it happens far too9 often, and I think that that's true.10 We've had tremendous mandates on our11 staff to change as a result of the12 Daneale Kelly case.13 The biggest area where we've14 really done tremendous amounts of15 training is the Safety Model of Practice.16
Okay.17 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So we've18 adopted a Safety Model of Practice. The19 criticisms of the agency were that we20 became too many things to too many21 families in the City and that we really22 needed to focus in the Children and Youth23 Division on those children that were at24 risk for abuse and neglect.25 258 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 And so, we've adopted, through2 work with the Community Oversight Board,3 a new way of taking cases, which is the4 hotline guide decision-making tool, which5 is a differential response tool that6 looks at safety as being the reason why7 we would accept a case for service after8 investigation.9
Okay.10 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And then11 a very sophisticated assessment tool that12 required tremendous amounts of training13 for our staff in order to be able use14 that tool.15 And so, I think staff are right16 when they are concerned about the number17 of hours they've spent in training. And18 so, that's been a huge area of focus.19 The other area of focus that we20 worked on is supervisory training, so we21 haven't necessarily always given staff at22 DHS the tools that they need when they23 become supervisors. And so, we went24 through a practices process of looking at25 259 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 a better -- through a steering committee,2 what would be a better training model for3 them to use. And we went through with4 the support of Casey Family Programs.5 And what we found after the6 initial pilot phase is that we didn't7 include some of the nuts and bolts. So8 we're now working on revising that9 training.10 The other training that we're11 mandated is, every staff person on the12 children youth side is required to do 2013 hours of training every year to be in14 compliance with the State regulations.15
Is that16 right? Was that in place prior to17 Daneale Kelly?18 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes.19
Okay.20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And so,21 staff do -- we've implemented a bunch of22 new models that are best-practice models.23 So Family Group Decision-Making requires24 training family, finding requires25 260 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 training.2
Okay.3 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: We've4 done training on fatherhood. And the5 real urgency in DHS is doing a better job6 at reaching out to fathers as potential7 resources for kids.8 The other thing that we've9 started doing in the last year is10 planning for something we're calling "DHS11 University." And that's a way of looking12 at training not just as substance but how13 do we give our staff the competencies to14 move up in the agency? How do we give15 them an opportunity to enhance their16 skills in a way that allows them to be17 better workers, better supervisors,18 better administrators and directors?19 So that would be, hopefully,20 something that we're able to do online.21 So you could have staff do it on their22 own time instead of having to come over23 to talk and sit, do it on their own time24 with a pre- and post-test so it's more25 261 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 convenient for them.2
And you3 discussed this new model of treating4 young people and families. And when you5 consider the mission of DHS, who is --6 and when you factor in the Daneale Kelly7 case, 'cause that really changed life for8 everybody in a needed way, who's9 ultimately responsible, the service10 provider or DHS?11 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: DHS.12
Okay.13 Council Lady/Majority Leader Tasco has14 some additional questions.15 Under Governor Corbett's16 budget, significant cuts have been17 proposed for the State education funding.18 If cuts are shifted from State education19 funding to the State human services20 funding, what areas at DHS are most21 likely to be impacted by those22 reductions?23 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So we've24 been on a pretty aggressive lobbying25 262 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 campaign to make sure that doesn't2 happen. We spent a couple of days up in3 Harrisburg a couple weeks of ago meeting4 with legislators.5 But I think, unfortunately,6 what would be most vulnerable, if the7 legislator decides to make additional8 cuts, would be our prevention services.9 So the safety nets that we've really10 tried to build, that have definitely11 impacted our improved outcomes for kids12 would be at risk.13 So the reason we've been able14 to reduce placements, I think, and15 increase permanencies is because we have16 prevention services available for17 families that are at risk in18 Philadelphia.19 And I think by definition,20 almost every family in Philadelphia who21 lives in certain zip codes is at risk22 because of the poverty levels here, and23 the poverty levels that are here are much24 higher than any other county in the25 263 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Commonwealth.2 And so, that's something that3 we really hope doesn't happen, and would4 appreciate any support from Council that5 we could get to maintain our current6 funding in prevention.7
So let's8 walk that. When you say "we," you're9 going to Harrisburg and actually meeting10 with State officials and elected11 officials there?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes.13
I see.14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So we've15 met with the new Secretary for the16 Department of Public Welfare, we've met17 with several legislators, talking about18 the importance of prevention services,19 talking about the improved outcomes that20 we've been able to achieve.21
Okay.22 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Talking23 about how Philadelphia is different, and24 that this is a really important service25 264 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 to maintain in order to continue to2 provide better services to kids and3 families.4 And, ultimately, it's more5 fiscally responsible because the high-end6 things that we don't have to do anymore7 are because we don't have the safety net8 for at-risk families.9
Mm-hmm,10 okay. On , you discuss an11 initiative to create -- we've actually12 talked about that -- the single case13 management tool, have we not?14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Correct.15
Okay. And16 you've stipulated that this model will17 have a stronger emphasis on keeping18 children with providers in their home19 communities.20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: That's21 right.22
What steps23 will be taken to ensure that all24 providers indeed have the ability to25 265 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 sustain that level of service for the2 children?3 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: I'm not4 sure --5
I guess it6 boils down to accountability and/or7 monitoring of providers.8 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So I9 think what we would do is actually work10 with other jurisdictions that have done11 this as created lead agency models, with12 one performance-based contract for that13 lead agency that would include certain14 requirements.15 So easily, we could include the16 OEO requirement of 25 percent, and that17 lead agency would be responsible for18 maintaining that and reporting out on19 that level.20 The lead agency would be able21 to provide the administrative support22 that's necessary to comply with the23 federal and state regulations that DHS24 has.25 266 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Okay.2 With the increased pressure to reduce3 costs due to budget constraints, what is4 the cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing5 staffing; for example, nurses? Do you6 outsource nurses?7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yes. So8 we have hired nurses at DHS since the9 Daneale Kelly case; that was one of the10 requirements of the Community Oversight11 Board.12
Okay.13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And14 we're continuing to do that based on15 Dr. Christian's assessments of the needs16 of the kids and families that we serve at17 DHS.18
Is that19 indeed more cost-effective?20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Based21 upon our initial analysis, it is more22 cost-effective.23
Wow.24 Okay. I want to make sure I've gotten25 267 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 through all of my questions as well.2 I'm going to take a page out of3 Councilman Goode's book and ask Angela4 Dowd-Burton to come back to the table,5 please.6 (Ms. Dowd-Burton returns to7 witness table.)8
Thank you11 very, very much.12 Simply state for me, define13 what is "best efforts." What does that14 mean?15
The16 individual that is responding to a17 request for a proposal or a bid will have18 to take certain actions to demonstrate19 that they have seriously looked for a20 minority- or a female-owned business that21 can support the effort of a particular22 contract.23
So, for25 268 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 example, they would go into our registry2 and see if there are companies that have3 the commodity codes that support the4 contract that they're pursuing.5
(Inaudible,9 off-mic.)10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 Councilman Goode.12 COUNCILMAN GOODE:13 Ms. Dowd-Burton, if that's the case in14 terms of implementing the contract in15 terms of the RFP, why would best efforts16 ever be used as a goal?17
When we have18 identified few or no companies in our19 registry. So the first place they would20 start is the new registry, if there are21 any.22 If there are none there, they23 would altogether look at various industry24 associations to locate companies.25 269 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
That's the2 technical answer, but on any number of3 contracts with this department and a4 number of contracts in other departments,5 best efforts was used without actually6 looking at subcontract opportunities.7 That's been proven already.8 So sometimes best faith efforts9 is just giving someone a pass.10
Well, the11 legislation that was passed last year12 strengthened the good and best-faith13 efforts that we include --14
That relates15 to the implementation of the contract;16 that does not relate to what you set as17 goals in the RFP.18 In terms of setting goals in19 the RFP, OEO staff and departmental staff20 should be doing due diligence to actually21 see what opportunity actually exist.22
And so,24 sometimes best-faith efforts is put in as25 270 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 a goal because no one actually looked to2 see whether opportunities existed or not,3 so that's just a simple truth.4
You can, but9 I've proven it this year and last year10 that that's the case.11 And in particular, the contract12 related to VisionQuest, best-faith13 efforts was put in the RFP, best-faith14 efforts was put into the contract.15 You've only achieved 0.5 percent, and16 you've said yourself that you don't know17 whether subcontract opportunities exist18 or not.19
Well, what I20 said was, the contract was put in place21 in 2008.22
And since24 that time, we've put additional actions25 271 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and requirements in place --2
-- in terms11 of the actual VisionQuest contract.12 Should best-faith efforts have been put13 in the RFP and the contract, or were14 there more subcontract opportunities that15 should have been identified? And should16 a goal, some goal, even it's single17 digits, possibly double digits if someone18 actually did the work, but single digits,19 single digits has to --20
Councilman, I24 would absolutely say at least single25 272 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 digits given the time period for food,2 for clothing, for stationery supplies,3 for maintenance on facilities, yes, those4 are --5
Then it10 should have been best-faith efforts.11 Thank you, Madam President.12
You know,22 we're beginning to sound like a broken23 record.24
And so5 with that, have you or your designee sat6 down with the Law Department to help them7 understand that best-faith efforts in8 RFPs based on the description as outlined9 by my colleague, quite frankly, is10 probably unacceptable, because if you11 look far enough -- if not in the City, in12 the region -- you might -- we might look13 up and find an MBE/WBE that could honor14 some of the particulars of that contract.15
That's17 number one.18 Number two, have you worked19 with the Law Department to craft20 stronger, more explicit language? 'cause21 you were very explicit in the way you22 just described it here.23
But any25 274 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 conversations with the Law Department2 towards that end?3
We work very4 closely with the Law Department on the5 language that goes into our requests for6 proposals, our bid language, into our7 economic opportunity plans, absolutely.8 And the definition of "good and9 best-faith efforts" is not a pass. It is10 a clear demonstration that companies have11 taken deliberate steps to pursue the12 identification.13 Now, some companies -- and I'll14 say this really clearly -- in for15 example, the Procurement organization,16 where we have that list of few and no17 companies --18
And the fact21 of the matter is, we rely on a lot of22 companies to look across a broader region23 and across their industry to identify24 minority- and female-owned businesses25 275 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that can support a contract, and that2 there have been more subcontracts this3 year than ever before in certain areas4 that we've never seen subcontracting5 before, because companies are competing6 to ensure that they get participation on7 their contracts in order to achieve the8 goal and to win the bid or the request9 for proposal.10
The staff17 people that are assigned to the OEO18 staff, people that are assigned to the19 Health Department, DHS, and other related20 departments --21
-- have they23 ever put goals in RFPs? Or have they24 always generally put best-faith efforts.25 276 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Okay. Give7 me goals for -- just name any contract8 under Health in the past, under Health9 and Human Services.10
All right.12 Give me the most aggressive goal that you13 know of.14
Okay. The17 truth of the matter is that MBEC always18 gave those departments a pass in terms of19 setting goals in RFPs. It was hands-off.20
Councilman,21 I'll be happy to provide you with22 additional information; I don't have it23 with me.24
Okay, thank25 277 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you.2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Anything else, Councilwoman Brown?4
So will5 there be new language regarding minority6 contracts with regard to best-faith7 efforts so that will continue to be the8 phrase that's used?9
We will use10 "good and benefit faith efforts" in11 instances where we cannot definitively12 identify a goal.13 As an example, companies now --14 you know, if we have no goals, it's zero.15 Good and best-faith efforts gives us an16 opportunity to look at those17 opportunities that companies come to us18 with, where they've identified companies19 that can support their contract as20 participants.21
Okay. Let22 me ask you the follow-up question, 'cause23 we've known this to be true.24 Where companies do that, and25 278 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 unless we, on our side of the table, do2 the look-see, the investigation to ensure3 that they are who they purport to be,4 then we end up getting surprised on the5 back end to discover that they're not MBE6 and WBEs.7
And I'll8 share with you, when companies are put on9 the solicitation and commitment forms --10 and these are the forms that we actually11 use -- where the minority or female12 actually is identified, or the disabled-13 owned business, the percentage of the14 contract is placed on that form along15 with the commercially acceptable function16 that that company, that minority- or17 female-owned business, is expected to18 provide.19 So there's detail there that20 ultimately goes into the contract when21 that contract is awarded. The companies22 that are identified on that solicitation23 and commitment form go into the prime's24 contract.25 279 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
And we hold3 them accountable.4 We also contact the subcontract5 -- the companies that are on that6 solicitation and commitment form prior to7 award to confirm that they, yes, were8 called, they did agree they were going to9 provide that kind of product or service.10
Okay. So17 that's an improvement from years past.18 Commissioner?19
Okay. So the20 Commissioner has just identified a few of21 the contracts from Fiscal Year 2011 where22 we've identified the goals for minority-23 and women-owned businesses.24
That wasn't25 280 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 my question. My question was related to2 MBEC, my question was related to pre-OEO3 and what the practice was before.4 And, therefore, unless you've5 hired new staff, they're not used to6 setting goals, they're not used to going7 through contracts, they're not used to8 actually looking at contracts that are9 renewable contracts and say, "Let's go10 back and set goals now."11 That's the problem.12
Okay. So13 we -- I hear that you're talking about14 the previous contracts that are in place15 and whether or not we've ever taken a16 renewable contract and put goals in it.17 That is a focus that is emerging for us;18 we're absolutely going to do that.19 The contracts that we are, in20 fact, placing requests for proposals in21 the marketplace and bids that are going22 into the marketplace have more ranges on23 them and goals than we've ever had before24 so --25 281 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
So there6 continues to be a lot of discussion and7 conversation about the business of8 running DHS as well as the programmatic9 piece of DHS. Both matter equally.10
My last12 question is a rewind back in time. Now13 with the benefit of hindsight and the14 Daneale Kelly case again, did we lose15 anything by no longer having SCOH16 services, which is, you know, a place17 where I come from, and the value they18 help to service their children.19 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So we --20 in my opinion, I don't believe that we21 lost anything, and let me tell you why.22 We still have services for23 children in their own homes. So,24 remember, SCOH was services to children25 282 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 in their own homes.2 We now have a continuum of3 services for children in their own homes4 that depends on the risk level of that5 family.6
Okay.7 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: So when8 we do a safety assessment, if there's a9 safety risk to that child, we implement10 in-home protective services, which is the11 highest level of service that we can12 provide in-home.13
Okay.14 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: And that15 service is supposed to mitigate that16 safety threat.17 And for families that don't18 present with intensive need, we try to19 divert them out of the formal child20 welfare system because, usually, the21 families that come to us where there22 aren't safety issues poverty-related.23 And families don't deserve to24 be in the formal child welfare system25 283 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 'cause they're poor; they deserve to get2 services that help them keep their3 children and families together in the4 community.5 And so, I believe what we've6 tried to create here is better than SCOH,7 because SCOH was one-size-fits-all, and8 it labeled too many families as being9 part of the abuse and neglect crowd;10 when, in fact, they actually just need11 some supportive services in the12 community.13
I see.14 Okay, well, thank you for that15 explanation.16 So in closing, I want to17 restate how Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell18 and Member Jim Kenney and I are19 interested in this truancy question and20 want to be a part of that conversation21 after the election.22 And on the staffing piece,23 there are X-number of -- you said 14024 vacancies?25 284 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Yeah.2 And not all of those are social-work3 positions.4
Okay, all5 right.6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Some of7 them -- we are a large agency, so we're8 always going to have some vacancies.9 Some of those vacancies haven't been10 filled because we don't believe there's a11 need to.12
Okay.13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Others14 are in various stages of the process to15 get positions filled, particularly in the16 area of Finance and Revenue Enhancement17 activities.18
All right,19 okay.20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: We're in21 the process of filling a number of those22 vacancies. And there are also some23 vacancies in the Juvenile Justice section24 for Youth Study Center staff.25 285 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Okay. And2 so, given whatever that number is, when3 do you anticipate the next class of4 professionals to help move and fill those5 vacancies?6 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: We7 haven't planned a new class for social8 work service managers yet. We have9 students, C well students and C web10 students, coming onboard that we'll be11 hiring.12 And then after we do some of13 the readjustments that we've sat down and14 discussed with our union leadership,15 we'll determine whether we need to hire a16 new class.17
Okay. All18 right, then.19 Well, I do want to -- given20 where we were last year on the program21 side, to commend you for -- because it is22 an enormously big undertaking to save so23 many children. So know that I appreciate24 all of the work that you and your team of25 286 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 professionals do.2 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Thank3 you.4
Thank you,5 Madam Chair.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 You're welcome.8 Councilman Goode.9
Thank you,10 Madam President.11 Commissioner who handles RFPs12 and contracts for your department?13 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Joe14 Kronhour (sp?) is actually the Assistant15 Commissioner who handles contracts. And16 since last year, we've assigned Yvonne17 Farrell as our point person on all OEO18 issues.19
And how long20 have they worked in those capacities?21 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Joe has22 worked in that capacity since I've been23 the Commissioner.24 And Yvonne has worked in that25 287 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 capacity since last year; however, she2 has extensive experience in working with3 contracts at the Department of Human4 Services. And so, we thought she was a5 good fit for the jobs since she knows the6 providers. And she's the one who meets7 with Angela and her staff on a consistent8 basis.9
So her10 history of -- her contract history with11 DHS goes back how far?12 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Hold on13 one second.14 Twenty years.15
Is she16 available to come to the table?17 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Sure.18 (Yvonne Farrell comes forward.)19
Good21 afternoon. Simple question. What22 percentage of contractors start --23
I'm24 sorry, Councilman.25 288 4.20.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Please identify yourself for2 the record.3
Simple6 question. Historically, what percentages7 of contracts under DHS have had8 good-faith effort historically?9