The pilot phase of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) will officially launch in Orange County on February 1, 2018 in participating restaurants in the cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana. Upon launch, Orange County will become the ninth county in California to offer this program to eligible participants.

Eligible Restaurant Meals Program Participants
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows elderly, disabled and homeless CalFresh recipients and their spouse to use their Golden State Advantage (EBT) card to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants. RMP offers meal options for eligible CalFresh recipients who may not be able to prepare meals, have a place to store and cook meals, and/or have access to a grocery store. For more information about eligibility requirements for RMP, click here.

“The new Restaurant Meals Program offers eligible CalFresh recipients a different option to enjoy a hot meal at participating restaurants in Santa Ana and Anaheim. Some residents do not have access to a kitchen; this serves as a more realistic alternative for them to get the proper nutrition they need,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

“Through this pilot phase of the Restaurant Meals Program, we will be able to further assess the need and potential impact of this additional resource for our county’s most vulnerable populations,” said Fourth District Supervisor Shawn Nelson, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

CalFresh clients who are eligible to participate in RMP will be notified prior to February 1, 2018. Should CalWORKs/CalFresh recipients have questions regarding RMP, they are encouraged to contact their worker. CalFresh recipients without CalWORKs benefits should go to www.ssa.ocgov.com for more information.

Restaurant Participation in the RMP
Orange County is continuing to recruit restaurants located in the cities of Anaheim and Santa to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in order to further enhance accessibility to the program.

Restaurant owners in the cities may find out more about how to apply by going to: ssa.ocgov.com/calfresh/calfresh/rmp_owner.

“Many restaurants in Orange County provide healthy options that eligible CalFresh recipients may not have had access to in the past. The Restaurant Meals Program is a step in providing nutritious meals to our most needy residents,” said Michelle Steel, Supervisor, Second District.

Background on the Restaurant Meals Program
On December 14, 2016, the Orange County Board of Supervisors authorized the Social Services Agency (SSA) to submit a proposed plan to the State of California to implement the pilot phase of RMP.

“The Restaurant Meals Program is one small step we can take to address homelessness with compassion, as basic human needs like shelter and nutrition are essential,” said Third District Supervisor Todd Spitzer.

In 2017, SSA worked with the State to obtain approval of the proposed plan. Upon plan approval in April 2017, SSA worked to develop the program, which included the development of a Master Memorandum of Understanding, recruitment of restaurants, review of restaurant applications and staff training. Additionally, SSA has been meeting with stakeholders, including presenting at the Homeless Provider Forum, to ensure that organizations that serve eligible RMP participants are aware of the upcoming program.

“Nutrition and access to proper meals is one of the social determinants of health. The restaurant meals program will allow homeless individuals in Santa Ana and Anaheim to access hot prepared meals and improve their overall health,” said Lisa Bartlett, Supervisor, Fifth District.

To learn more about the Restaurant Meals Program, please visit ssa.ocgov.com/calfresh/calfresh/rmp.
 

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is warning residents of a phishing scam on Facebook that attempts to obtain cardholder information of CalWORKs, CalFresh, and General Relief clients throughout California.

The California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cardholder Call Center has received complaints that “someone” posted a comment on Facebook advising cardholders to call a scam phone number - (877) 449-7795 - and provide their card number and PIN so that their benefits could be posted right away. This is a phishing attempt to obtain cardholder information.

Please note that this phone number is NOT affiliated with the County of Orange Social Services Agency and clients are advised to NOT give out their personal information. Please remember that SSA will never ask for your personal information (EBT card number, PIN, date of birth, and Social Security Number) in an email, text message or via any social media platform.

While SSA is not aware of any Orange County clients being impacted by this phishing scam at this point in time, we encourage SSA clients to protect their personal information. If you have called the phone number in the Facebook post and provided personal information, it is recommended that you file a report with your local police department. You may also call the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at (877) 328-9677 or contact your assigned case worker.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) invites the citizens of Orange County to show their support of ending childhood abuse and neglect by wearing blue on April 24, 2018 for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In addition, residents are encouraged to take photos of themselves, their friends, their coworkers and their loved ones while wearing blue and tag their photos using the hashtag #GoBlueForOCKids on social media.

Members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors will also be presenting a proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Board meeting on April 24th and will be encouraging their constituents to speak up if they see child abuse or neglect.

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that our community plays in protecting children and strengthening Orange County families. Our communities are stronger when all residents are aware of child abuse prevention and are involved in supporting families as they strive to raise their children in safe, caring environments,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. 

Currently, there are about 730,000 children residing in Orange County. Last year in Orange County, the Child Abuse Registry received a monthly average of 4,000 calls, a decrease from the year prior. Of these calls, only about 119 cases per month required Juvenile Court involvement. The remaining cases either did not rise to the level of SSA involvement or we were able to address families’ needs through prevention efforts in the community.

“Orange County residents know how it is important to say something if they see something. This holds true when it comes to the protection of our children – our County’s most important asset,” said Fourth District Supervisor Shawn Nelson, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

In Fiscal Year 2016-17, of the 48,912 calls to the Child Abuse Registry, only 1,143 children (or 2.3%) entered the dependency system. The positive effects of preventative efforts indicate that the number of children entering the child welfare system as dependents is significantly decreasing.

“The first and most important job of parents is to protect their children. It is also essential for neighbors and community leaders to assist in looking out for the safety of our youngest residents. In addition to those efforts, the County also provides wonderful services through our Family Resource Centers to prevent child abuse and neglect in our communities,” said Michelle Steel, Supervisor, Second District.

Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting the following factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect:

• Concrete Support in Time of Need
• Parental Resilience
• Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
• Social Connections
• Social and Emotional Competence of Children

“It’s gratifying to know that California has some of the toughest child abuse laws in the nation. In Orange County, we have zero tolerance for this crime,” said Third District Supervisor Todd Spitzer.

“We all need to do our part in Orange County to helping stop child abuse and neglect. I encourage my constituents to join the County and show their support for ending child abuse and in supporting services that positively impact our children,” said Lisa Bartlett, Supervisor, Fifth District.

Should an Orange County resident suspect child abuse or neglect, they are encouraged to call the Child Abuse Registry at 714-940-1000 or 800-207-4464, 24-hour hotline, 7 days a week.

The state of California is transitioning to a new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Vendor on June 30, 2018. Because of this transition, a statewide 24-hour EBT outage and black-out period is scheduled from Saturday, June 23, 2018 beginning at 11 p.m. until Sunday, June 24, 2018 at 11:00 p.m. During this outage, cardholders will not be able to access their EBT food or cash benefits. EBT cardholders are encouraged to plan ahead for their shopping needs.

This scheduled, one-time distribution of the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) outage is required to support the transition of EBT vendor services from Conduent (formerly Xerox) to Fidelity Information Services (FIS).

Notices were mailed to EBT cardholders the first week of June. Staff at all locations are notifying any newly granted cases about the outage and posting informational signs in office lobby areas.

The client website at www.ebt.ca.gov will also be unavailable during this outage. Cardholders calling the EBT Customer Service Help Line (1-877-328-9677) during this period will be reminded of the outage via a recorded message. Due to the website and call centers being down, cardholders will be unable to check their balances during this outage.

Additionally, all authorized retailers have been notified of the outage. They have been encouraged to inform their own staff and post informational signage in their stores for EBT cardholders as well.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is warning residents of a phone/texting scam that attempts to obtain cardholder information of CalWORKs, CalFresh, and General Relief clients throughout California.

The California Department of Social Services has received complaints from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders about receiving text messages and/or phone calls from scam phone number (858) 232-3581. Clients have been asked to provide personal information, including their EBT card number and PIN. Please be advised this is an attempt to gather information which may be used to withdraw funds from recipient accounts.

Note: the phone number above is NOT affiliated with SSA. Clients are advised to NOT give out their personal information. Please remember that SSA will never ask for your personal information (EBT card number, PIN, date of birth, and Social Security Number) in a text message or via email.

We have recently learned that some Orange County cardholders have been impacted by the scam and encourage clients to protect their personal information.

If you have called the phone number or responded to the text and provided personal information, it is recommended that you file a report with your local police department. You should also call the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at (877) 328-9677 and contact your assigned case worker.

The state of California successfully migrated to a new EBT vendor after a weekend cutover on 6/24/18 and the scheduled EBT outage is concluded.

Over 100 professionals from Orange County’s non-profit, public, and private sectors attended the first Families and Communities Together (FaCT) Family Resource Center Meet & Greet on June 27th at the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living in Newport Beach. Hosted by FaCT, in coordination with the Costa Mesa Family Resource Center and the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the county-wide FaCT network of 15 Family Resources Centers that offer support services to Orange County’s families.

In 2017, Orange County received nearly 32,000 allegations of child abuse on individual children, resulting in 4,628 of those allegations being substantiated. While substantiated child abuse allegations made up just over 0.6% of all Orange County children in 2017, often families with allegations are still grappling with the issues that resulted in the allegation in the first place. Preventative services, like those offered at FaCT Family Resource Centers, are essential to the continued health and stability of atrisk families. The FaCT Meet & Greet served as an opportunity to engage with all of the 15 FaCT Family Resource Centers, discuss new ideas, and forge new partnerships that will benefit Orange County’s families. Due to the success of the Meet & Greet, future similar events will be held in order to continue to promote community collaborations.

Additionally, the Meet & Greet featured an award ceremony for the winners of the 2018 FaCT Youth Poster Contest. Five winners from separate age and geographic categories emerged from a pool of nearly 40 entries. The entries from the Family Resource Center’s youth programs showcased the impact that their Family Resource Center made in their lives. The winners’ artwork highlighted education and diplomas and featured the words “respect”, “responsible”, and “kind” and will be displayed in various Family Resource Centers throughout the county.

Photos from the event can be found here.

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Families and Communities Together (FaCT) is a public-private partnership program of the County of Orange Social Services Agency. FaCT is administered by the County of Orange Social Services Agency, Charitable Ventures of Orange County, The Olin Group, and the Orange County Alliance for Children and Families. FaCT provides partnership and resource development, training and technical assistance, marketing, data and evaluation, and community leadership development to a network of 15 Family Resource Centers in Orange County. Visit FaCT online at factoc.org for more information. 

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to announce the county’s successful efforts in assisting foster youth in applying for college financial aid. SSA collaborated with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and other partners to help high school seniors in foster care sign up for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FAFSA determines student eligibility for grants, fee waivers and low interest loans for current and prospective college students.

The county initiative was part of the California Foster Youth FAFSA Challenge, a statewide competition designed to encourage foster youth to pursue higher education. The combined team of SSA, OCDE and its partners placed first among large counties in the state, with 71 percent of Orange County high school seniors in foster care completing their FAFSA applications this year. This exceeds the campaign goal of 61 percent completion.

SSA, OCDE and its partners formed a multi-agency FAFSA Challenge Strategic Planning Committee, which held numerous FAFSA completion trainings with school districts, social workers and housing groups. Participating agencies also developed partnerships with local colleges to hold FAFSA workshops.

John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), the San Francisco organizer of the challenge, bestowed the county with a $1,000 award which will be earmarked for scholarships to students graduating high school next year. In addition, thirty students selected from participating counties were named Burton Scholars and each awarded $500 scholarships to be used for their post-secondary education. Two Orange County students were among the recipients.

Former state Senator and JBAY founder John Burton commended the county for “opening the doors of higher education to the most vulnerable and making their college dreams come true.” Burton continued, “Orange County has been a leader in its efforts to reach high school seniors in foster care, and the completion rate in the county — about twice the rate for foster youth statewide in past years — shows it.”

Completion of the FAFSA is a crucial step for students seeking financial aid for college. For some, the determination of awards may drive the decision of whether or not to enroll. Among first-time applicants, more than 80 percent of foster youth qualify for community college fee-waivers, and nearly 60 percent receive federal Pell Grant subsidies.

The 24th Annual Conditions of Children in Orange County report was released yesterday, offering a comprehensive assessment of the health, economic well-being, education and safety of the County’s children.

The following areas have shown improvement for the lives and well-being of Orange County’s youth:

• Good Health: Orange County children remain in good health with an uninsured rate of 2.5 percent; teen birth rates and infant mortality rates are at their lowest in 10 years.
• Academic Improvement: Students continue to show academic improvement, especially children in migrant education and children who are economically disadvantaged.
• Economic Well-Being / Child Support: The rate of current child support distributed to Orange County families has increased by 27 percent in 10 years, higher than the rate in California. These Improvements signify increased financial support for parents to provide for the basic needs of their children.
• Safe Homes and Communities / Permanency: The percentage of children and youth entering foster care and placed in a permanent home within 12 months has shown significant improvement and is now higher than the rate in California — the first time in six years.

“Having access to high-quality education, proper healthcare and a safe home environment is paramount to the success of our children - now and in the future. I am pleased to see significant strides in this year’s report to help improve the lives of Orange County youth,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, who serves at the Chair of the Orange County Children’s Partnership (OCCP), the collective that is responsible for publishing this report.

In addition to the positive outcomes previously highlighted, the rate of women in Orange County receiving early prenatal care is higher than the national rate, immunizations for our kindergarteners are at the highest level in 10 years and the Orange County high school dropout rate has decreased to 5.3 percent; lower than state and national rates.

“The data presented in this year’s report helps us identify areas of unmet need so we can focus efforts for continued improvement,” said Anne Bloxom, Director of the County of Orange Social Services Agency’s Children and Family Services Division and Vice Chair of the OCCP. “While the report illustrates positive strides made, we acknowledge there is more work to be done to help secure a brighter future for our children.”

The Orange County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2018 as Adoption Awareness Month in Orange County and presented a resolution to the Social Services Agency and Miguel and Raquel Alcantara for their significant contributions to support and mentor adoptive families in Orange County.

The Alcantaras received a proclamation on behalf of adoptive families in Orange County from the Board of Supervisors for their work as resource parents, educators and advocates. Miguel and Raquel Alcantara began the process of becoming resource parents in 2014 and ultimately became adoptive parents. The Alcantaras now have two adoptive children, all the while continuing to foster other children through County of Orange Social Services Agency. In addition, they serve as mentors to many of the biological parents who are working to reunify with their children. The Alcantaras also assist with the Foster Care Auxiliary, Club Mom and Dad, and support the training of new resource families to help them understand the challenges and rewards that come along with adoption.

“Adoptive parents help provide the safe, loving and nurturing home these children need to thrive and grow,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “We thank all Orange County adoptive families like the Alcantaras for their compassion and commitment to helping our community and ensuring a brighter future for our youth.”

“We are grateful for the care and compassion that Miguel and Raquel Alcantara, and all adoptive parents, provide their children,” said Vice Chair and Fourth District Supervisor Shawn Nelson. Nelson continues, “Today we recognize the Alacantara family, on behalf of all Orange County adoptive families.”

The theme of this year’s National Adoption Month is In Their Own Words: Lifting Up Youth Voices, focused on the importance of empowering youth voices. When teenagers with experience in foster care — whether they have reunified with family, achieved permanency with an adoptive family or entered adulthood independently — share their stories, their unique insights can inspire their peers and prospective adoptive families. Professionals can work with teens to identify or develop meaningful ways their important perspectives can improve child welfare practices, training and policy. Federal, state and local government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations around the country, plan events and activities throughout the month to raise awareness for children and youth in foster care who are ready and waiting for permanent families.

Second District Supervisor Michelle Steel stated, “Adoptive families who welcome children into their safe and loving homes transform the lives of their children for the better. We thank Miguel and Raquel Alcantara from the bottom of our hearts for providing their children with a loving and strong family foundation, and for setting an example for other families hoping to do the same.”

“The burden is great, but the burden is worth it. As much of a struggle raising children can be for any of us, that can be multiplied when caring for at-risk youth. When you hear about success stories like what we’ve heard today from Miguel and Raquel Alcantara, it makes it all worthwhile. Today’s presentation recognizes the Alcantaras and all adoptive families. The work you do is amazing,” said Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Third District.

“It is heartwarming to hear about the Alcantara’s journey to adoption. We are grateful to them and all of our adoptive families who have opened up their hearts and their homes, to help ensure a brighter and better future for Orange County children,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.

The number of finalized adoptions in Orange County is growing. From July 2017 to June 2018, 338 adoptions were finalized, representing a nearly 30 percent increase from the prior fiscal year. Orange County continues to lead the way in uniting children with their forever families.

For more information on becoming a Resource Family, please call (888) 871-KIDS or visit www.oc4kids.com.

The Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa & Friends annual gift drives are currently collecting donations for children and seniors across the county, respectively.

Operation Santa Claus, which began as a small effort to meet the needs of a handful of children in 1962, has become a major event for the community. This program provides gifts and toys to children who are in foster care in Orange County as well as to children of disadvantaged families who are receiving services from the County of Orange. Last year, Operation Santa Claus distributed almost 42,000 toys/gifts to children in need. This would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of County of Orange employees, community-based organizations, businesses, and individuals in the community who play an important role in collecting toys.

“Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa and Friends bring joy to our most vulnerable youth and seniors,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The tireless work of our volunteers and generosity of our donors help brighten the holiday season for so many Orange County families.”

The Operation Santa Claus program is coordinated by the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) with support from community volunteers. Approximately 2,000 hours annually are donated by volunteers from County agencies and the community. These volunteers have been the backbone of Operation Santa Claus since its inception.

“This is my first year working with Operation Santa Claus as a volunteer, and my first time volunteering ever,” said Operation Santa Claus volunteer Fumiko Martinez. Ms. Martinez continued, “It means so much to realize I am playing a part to help children in need in my community, and it is heartwarming to see so many people coming together to help make the holidays special for them.”

In addition to Operation Santa Claus, SSA also runs Senior Santa & Friends. This program is geared toward providing gifts and special request items to low income elderly or severely disabled adults who are clients of SSA and/or the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Each year, SSA staff identifies clients who would benefit from having items such as household appliances, special medical equipment, nutritional supplements or clothing. Items received through Senior Santa & Friends help to make life easier, more comfortable and/or more independent. Last year, Senior Santa & Friends provided over 2,000 gifts and necessities to low-income seniors and adults with disabilities in Orange County. This was largely due to the efforts of volunteers and donations received from County employees, private companies, community-based organizations, and individuals who donate to Senior Santa
& Friends annually.

Residents of Orange County can take part in Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa & Friends by:

• Donating online at: ssa.ocgov.com/how-do-i/give-or-volunteer/volunteer/donations/operation-santa-claus and ssa.ocgov.com/how-do-i/give-or-volunteer/volunteer/donations/senior-santa-friends.
• Donating new and unwrapped toys at the collection boxes placed in many County buildings including every County Library throughout Orange County. In addition, Orange County residents may also drop off toys and other gifts at 1505 E. Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. Please call 714-679-2438 or email OperationSantaClaus@ssa.ocgov.com to ask about drop off times and locations.
• Displaying Angel tags on trees, bulletin boards, walls, etc. Angel Tags provide gift suggestions for a senior or child in need of a gift from “Santa.” Requests for tags may be emailed to senior.santa@ssa.ocgov.com or OperationSantaClaus@ssa.ocgov.com.

For more information about Operation Santa Claus, please call (714) 679-2438 or email OperationSantaClaus@ssa.ocgov.com.

And for more information about Senior Santa & Friends, please call (714) 825-3111 or email Senior.Santa@ssa.ocgov.com.