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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1982.08.26 - 13907August 5, 1982 Miscellaneous Resolution # 82222 BY: HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE - Marilynn E. Gosling, Chairperson IN RE: OAKLAND LIVINGSTON HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY (OLHSA) COMPUTER SERVICES FUNDING FOR HUMAN SERVICE NETWORK TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Mr. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen!: WHEREAS the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency has recognized a need for a centralized referral service linking potential service users to the appropriate referral agencies in a timely manner; and WHEREAS such services will be provided at no cost to the caller via a toll-free WATS Line in coniunction with the computerized service provider system which will be housed at the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency located at 196 Oakland Avenue, Pontiac, Michigan; and WHEREAS the Pontiac Area United Fund has granted OLHSA funds to pilot and demonstrate such a Human Service Network, which will require additional County funding in the amount of $45,000. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approves the concept of establishing a centralized Human Service Network through the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, as outlined in the attached narrative. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $45,000 be allocated for this program. Mr. Chairperson, on behalf of the Health and Human Resources Committee, I move the adoption of the foregoing resolution. HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE day 1982 #82222. . August 26, 1982 Moved by Gosling supported by Moore thatResolution - #82222 be adopted. AYES: Gosling, Hobart, Jackson, Kasper, Lanni, McDonald, Moffitt, Montante, Moore, Olsen, Patterson, Pernick, Peterson, Price, Whitlock, Wilcox, Aaron, Caddell, Cagney, Calandro, DiGlovanni, Doyon, Fortino, Gabler, Geary. (25) NAYS None. .(0) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, Resolution #82222 was adopted. STATE OF MICHIGAN) COUNTY OF OAKLAND) I, Lynn D. Allen, Clerk of the County of Oakland and having a seal, do hereby certify that I have compared the annexed copy of Miscellaneous Resolution # 82222 adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners at their meeting held on August 26, 1982. with the original record thereof now remaining in my office, and that it is a true and correct transcript therefrom, and of the whole thereof. In Testimony Whereof, t have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Pontiac, Michigan this 26th LYNN ALLEN, County Clerk/Register of Deed Deputy Clerk HUMAN SERVICE NETWORK Problem Statement The current state of the national economy has created, what is known as the "New Poor". The new poor are experiencing in many instances for the first time the need for social and human services. By the same token, service deliverers are being affected by budget cuts causing a reduction or termination in delivery of services. Client access to services that they have not typically utilized is of primary concern. Clients could frequently make self referrals, if they had adequate information. Many agencies offer various types of information and referral services, but none are comprehensive or have inclusive up-to-date information available. In addition, many agencies deliver a particular service to a client, but do not make other needed linkages to resolve multiple problems. In order to obtain multiple services, a potential client may need to make several telephone calls and unnecessary trips which can be costly. Since the demise of the Michigan Human Services Network in 1979, there has been no automated community wide information base in Oakland and Livingston Counties for individuals, agencies and organizations to be linked to updated service provider information. Directories prepared manually are outdated before they are published and are costly to develop, • assemble, and distribute. In Oakland County there are multiple telephone exchanges. For a needy family to make a circuit of calls to find the appropriate service provider is costly. For the new poor, as well as, the elderly, and other limited income families long distance calls are prohibitive. Purpose The kland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSel) proposes to develop (1) a Human Service Network with a toll free number (1.VATS Line), and (2) an automated service provider information system. The cost free call would link potential service users to comprehensive service provider information for effective referrals. In addition, service deliverers would be able to update their service information in a timely fashion and access the system to provide clients with a broader range of service referrals. Population and Geographic Area Served • Any individual or service provider in Oakland or Livingston County would have access to the service provider information at no cost via a toll free WATS Line. The existing OLESA management structure will be utilized to support the project. No overhead chargeswill be made to the project. Other agencies, which are users of the Net -work, will be encouraged to sign their staff up to serve in the Network on a rotating basis. This will achieve the same three goals listed above for said agencies. 2. Automation OLESA recognizes the vast amount of funds that are required to develop and sustain an adequate computer system. Therefore, several. alternatives need to be explored to reduce such costs to the project. Resources are being sought in time sharing, which can contribute some of the computer time as local share. With regard to the Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) every effort will be made to tie in to the new mother unit, which the OLHS..A. accounting and payroll operation are adding to their department, if compatible. 3. Local a-'774 sorv Bodz OLHS.A Will form a coalition of key service providers to assist in the planning of the automated data. The advisory body will start as a small group but will increase in membership as the project develops. Initially the advisory body will include but not be limited to; Oakland University, Catholic Social Services, 12-nited Community Services, Oakland County Youth Assistance, Area Agency on Aging, Oakland Intermediate School District, Pontiac Area United Fund, and Oakland Livingston Community Services to Deaf. The purpose of the advisory body will be to advise OLHS.A on the project relative to planning and operating procedures. The advisory body will make recommendations and assist in monitoring and evaluating the planning and operating functions. It is anticipated the group would concern_ itself with service gaps, linkages, the updating of service provider information, and duplications. The advisory body would service as an advocate for these need. areas. 4. Training Training will be two fold. One session will be developed to orient service providers on the Network operation and its benefit. A training session will also be develooed for Network staff (OLITTSA, service providers, and volunteers) in the mechanics of the Network operation and use of the automated system to link clients to needed services. For staff, training will encompass how to use the W_A.TS Line, which will include telephone interview techniques, appointment scheduling, and followeep to referrals. Potential Role for Oakland County The leadership of Oakland to install the automated service provider data bank via a toll free line as a public service would result in a vital addition to public and private service delivery. Government involvement in such services has been tested and demonstrated to be a viable approach in counties, metropolitan areas and other states. The service offered in this time of decreasing funds, tight budgets, and staff reductions can prove to be valuable to small and large agencies alike. Without the County involvement, the development and maintenance of such a service seems unlikely. The computer technology and resources of the County are neither presently available in nor affordable for service deliverers to carry out such a project. and the Board of Commissioners The announcement of this community service by the County Executive / offers a timely public relations strategy for the County during these stress times for individuals and service deliverers. The title . of the service "Human Service Network !' implies no possession or control of any one agency and can strengthen its potential as a community service. This service has great possibilities as an ongoing service and planning - vehicle. The County leadership seems appropriate in such a venture • 01.-HSA 072182 JD/lc FISCAL NOTE FINANCE COMnITTEE, G. WILLIAM' CADDELL, CHAIRPERSON IN RE: MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #82222 OAKLAND LIVINGSTON HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY (OLHSA) C=UTER SERVICES FUNDING FOR HUMAN SERVICE NETWORK TO THE CAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Mr. Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: Pursuant to Rule XI-C of this Board, the Finance Committee has reviewed Miscellaneous Resolution 482222 and finds: (1) $54,793 necessary to pilot and demonstrate a Human Service Network, August 1, 1982 through December 31, 1982. Of the total funding in the amount of $54,793, $9,793 is provided through a Pontiac Area United Fund grant (total grant is $20,259) and $45,000 County funded. (2) Further, the County will be obligated to fund $45,000 annually for approximately three (3) years to maintain and refine the network. (3) The Finance Committee - finds $45,000 available in the 1982 OLSHA Appropriation. (4) That the Board of Commissioners appropriate $45,000 from the 1982 OLSHA appropriation for said project. (5) That future years funding will be considered during the appropriate Budget process. (6) Release of funds is contingent upon contract amendment to delete United Fund stipulation that program be implemented by January 1, 1983. FINANCE COMMITTEE BY: #82222 August 5, 1982 Moved by Gosling supported by Jackson the resolution be adopted. The Chairperson referred the resolution to the Finance Committee. There were no objections.