The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is forwarding yesterday’s announcement by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that CalFresh nutrition assistance benefits for the month of February will be issued early. Benefits will be issued to most clients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) accounts between January 16 and January 20, 2019. Per CDSS, the early issuance of February benefits is necessary to access federal funds that may no longer be available should the federal government shutdown continue.
Although benefits are being issued early, SSA advises that CalFresh recipients residing in Orange County budget accordingly to ensure their benefits last through the entire month of February.
Orange County CalFresh recipients may contact the SSA call center toll-free at (800) 281-9799 with their questions. Those clients who have an assigned case worker should direct questions to the worker.
The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to announce it has been honored with the 2018 Crown Communities Award presented by American City & County magazine. SSA was recognized for its simulation training program, the first of its kind in the state specifically designed for Adult Protective Services (APS) workers.
Since 2004, American City & County magazine has bestowed the awards acknowledging cities and counties throughout the country for their ground-breaking accomplishments. This year, SSA was one of six programs to win this prestigious accolade.
While simulation training is more commonly utilized in child welfare, the SSA curriculum for APS social workers is being hailed as a best practice among other California counties. The goal of the training is to help APS workers become more adept and confident at engaging with clients, family members and suspected abusers during home visits, which can be complex to navigate.
The SSA training program was enabled through a partnership with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department for use of its simulation training facilities which provide three real-world home scenarios. SSA also garnered support from retired social workers who stepped forward to serve as “actors”, ensuring the simulations offer realistic and impactful training experiences.
Jason Axelrod, Associate Editor of American City & County stated “In examining their application, we were amazed at how SSA built California’s first adult protective services simulation training from the ground up without incurring any significant costs for the program. The use of APS retirees in the training struck us as innovative, since it offers an added layer of seasoned teaching for professionals.” He added, “SSA’s experience provides proof that local governments across the U.S. can create similar programs in their jurisdictions, even if a model currently does not exist in their states.”
According to SSA Director Debra J. Baetz, “SSA simulation training is specialized to help our APS workers practice approaches to establishing trust with clients, leading difficult conversations and assessing serious abuse allegations, all while remaining professional, calm under pressure and compassionate.” Baetz continued, “Our curriculum helps APS social workers become more skilled in handling the home visit, and enables an opportunity to practice their skills in a realistic and safe setting.“
Today the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) released its annual report for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, covering the period from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. The report highlights the agency’s accomplishments and initiatives, and shares positive impacts SSA has made to the community as a whole, serving over one in four county residents.
The annual report features SSA’s efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children, adults and families, including:
Increased homeless outreach services to the Riverbed, Plaza of the Flags and at the Courtyard and Bridges shelters to ensure those most in need were connected to crucial benefits and services.
Expanded food access with the pilot phase of Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). RMP allows eligible homeless, elderly and disabled CalFresh recipients more options to access hot meals at participating restaurants. With the success of the pilot phase, the program is being expanded countywide, enabling greater food access to more residents.
Stronger families, stronger communities: SSA provided essential family strengthening services through our Families and Communities Together (FaCT) Family Resource Centers to more than 6,000 families.
According to SSA Director Debra J. Baetz, “SSA is charged with protecting and providing for our residents in need. This is a great responsibility we take seriously and work diligently to achieve.” Director Baetz continues, “We are proud of all we accomplished as an agency in Fiscal Year 2017-18 and we look forward to continuing to serve our community, offering enhanced services. “
The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA), and all county welfare departments in the state, have been notified by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that CalFresh March benefits will be issued on a single day, Friday, March 1, 2019, rather than the normal staggered issuance cycle of the first through the tenth of the month. According to CDSS, the change is meant to help mitigate the effects of early issuance of February benefits and any potential gaps in food assistance. SSA will continue all other CalFresh operations as usual.
For some recipients, issuance on March 1 may result in receiving benefits earlier than the usual benefits issuance cycle, and SSA advises that CalFresh recipients residing in Orange County budget accordingly to ensure their benefits last through the entire month of March and until the issuance of April benefits.
At this time, April benefits are expected to be issued per the usual staggered cycle of the first through the tenth of the month. Should there be a change, SSA will provide updated communications at that time.
Orange County CalFresh recipients should direct questions to their assigned case worker. Those recipients without an assigned caseworker may contact SSA toll-free at (800) 281-9799.
The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) invited employees and citizens of Orange County to show their support in ending childhood abuse and neglect by wearing blue today, April 9, 2019, for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In addition, residents are encouraged to take photos of themselves, their friends, coworkers and loved ones while wearing blue and tagging photos using the hashtag #GoBlueForOCKids on social media.
Members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the April 9th Board meeting and encouraged constituents to speak up if they see child abuse or neglect.
“April serves as a reminder that child safety is not only a concern of parents and families, but one shared by the entire community,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She continued, “We are all a part of the solution to prevent child maltreatment to ensure our children live happy and healthy lives.”
Currently, there are nearly 725,000 children residing in Orange County. Last year, the Orange County Child Abuse Registry received a monthly average of 4,100 calls, an increase from the year prior. Of these calls, an average of 122 cases per month required Juvenile Court involvement. The remaining cases either did not rise to the level of SSA involvement or the Agency addressed families’ needs through prevention efforts in the community.
“The increased number of calls to our Child Abuse Registry may seem alarming, but this means that the community is watching our children and reporting concerns when they have them,” said Second District Supervisor Michelle Steel, Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The phrase ‘if you see something, say something’ is especially important when it comes to the safety of our vulnerable children.”
“We all have a responsibility to help ensure our youth feel safe and protected. We ask families, neighbors, community partners and county officials to continue to look out for the safety of our most innocent residents and serve as a voice for those who cannot speak up for themselves,” stated First District Supervisor Andrew Do.
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
“Today we wear blue in solidarity for our Orange County youth as a commitment to helping them enjoy healthy, happy childhoods. Simple actions like donating time or money to prevention organizations, mentoring or offering to help families in our own neighborhoods can create a lasting, positive impact in the lives of our children,” said Third District Supervisor Donald P. Wagner.
“Our children deserve to grow up in safe and loving homes,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chafee. He continued, “As we observe child abuse prevention month, we encourage our constituents to be aware of the signs of child abuse and neglect and to call the Child Abuse Registry to report suspected abuse.”
Should an Orange County resident suspect child abuse or neglect, he/she is encouraged to call the Child Abuse Registry at 714-940-1000 or 800-207-4464. The hotline is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
At yesterday’s Board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors declared May as Foster Care Month and highlighted the significant need for the community to get involved in order to provide loving homes for foster youth. Members of the Board presented a resolution to leaders of the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) for the Agency’s efforts to recruit qualified foster families, also known as resource families. The Board also honored local resource parents Melissa and Andrew Ferguson at the meeting.
In Orange County, there are more than 2,000 children and youth in foster care.
“Brighter outcomes are achieved when children have opportunities to grow and develop in a family setting,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa A. Bartlett, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She continued, “We are committed to ensuring children are placed in family-based care whenever possible.”
Second District Supervisor Michelle Steel, Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, stated, “As a community, we share the responsibility to look after the safety, health and well-being of our children. We applaud those families who see the need and respond by selflessly opening up their homes and hearts to ensure children thrive.”
SSA is in the midst of implementing California’s Child Welfare Continuum of Care Reform (CCR), with the goal of improving the child welfare system by limiting group home placements and increasing utilization of home-based care for foster youth. Through CCR, increased emphasis is placed on locating resource families for foster youth.
“Resource parents are vital to children’s success because of their efforts to maintain strong connections with foster youth and their families,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do. He continued, “As a community, we are grateful for the love and compassion our resource families, like the Fergusons, give generously to Orange County’s foster youth. Their positive impact cannot be understated.”
“While all children need safe, stable and nurturing family homes to thrive, our foster youth depend on the community for additional support. We are beyond grateful to the families who step up and provide this care for Orange County’s most vulnerable children,” said Third District Supervisor Donald P. Wagner.
Foster children range in age from infancy to late teens. Their backgrounds cross all ethnic and economic lines. Resource family homes are especially needed for teenagers, sibling sets and children with special medical, educational, behavioral or emotional challenges.
Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee remarked, “This month offers a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the needs that are faced by foster youth in our community year round.” He continued, “What these children need is a safe, stable and loving home.”
Fostering a child can be a challenging yet rewarding journey for families. Orange County resource families continue to express the value they find in providing safe homes for children. For more information on becoming a resource family, or other ways you can help our foster youth, please call (888) 871-KIDS or visit www.oc4kids.com.
May is CalFresh Awareness Month and the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to announce that starting June 1, 2019, the State of California’s CalFresh food assistance program will be expanded to include eligible older adults and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) benefits. SSI/SSP benefits will not change as part of the expansion.
SSI is a federally-funded program that provides monthly income support to eligible individuals who are 65 years or older, blind or disabled. SSP is the state program which augments SSI. Both SSI and SSP benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration.
Under the expansion, CalFresh food benefits can help eligible SSI/SSP recipients stretch household budgets, enabling individuals and families to afford nutritious food such as fruit, vegetables and other fresh and healthy options. CalFresh food benefits are delivered to recipients on their Golden State Advantage Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card, which can be used at any grocery store, farmers market or Restaurant Meals Program participating restaurant that accepts EBT.
SSA staff are prepared to help eligible SSI/SSP recipients apply for CalFresh food assistance and expect to serve up to 29,000 new SSI/SSP recipient households in Orange County. The County of Orange, and all California counties, have been working diligently to launch this historic program expansion.
Households that already receive CalFresh and currently have a member of their household excluded because they receive SSI/SSP do not need to re-apply or contact the County. Counties will contact those households when their next report is scheduled.
The addition of an SSI/SSP recipient to an existing CalFresh household may impact household food benefits. For currently participating households that experience a change in benefits due to SSI/SSP income counting toward their CalFresh case, additional state-funded nutrition benefits may be available. As always, recipients can contact SSA to ask questions or report changes at any time.
There are multiple ways to connect with SSA for new households to apply:
Come in – locate your local county office at ssa.ocgov.com locations
Reasonable accommodations and services in multiple languages are available at all offices.
Existing Orange County CalFresh households should direct questions to their assigned case worker. Those recipients without an assigned caseworker may contact SSA toll-free at (800) 281-9799.
Earlier this week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors declared June 15, 2019 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) to help raise awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Members of the Board presented a resolution to leaders of the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA), Health Care Agency (HCA), District Attorney’s Office, OC Community Resources’ Office on Aging and other Orange County community partners to recognize their commitment to helping seniors live longer, safer and healthier lives.
Every year an estimated one in ten older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Last year in Orange County, there were more than 13,500 reports of elder abuse. This year, an average of over 1,200 reports each month have been made to date.
“Statistics clearly demonstrate that elder abuse is a widespread issue across the country and in Orange County,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa A. Bartlett, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She continued, “As a community, we must come together to prevent elder abuse from happening to our vulnerable older residents.”
Second District Supervisor Michelle Steel, Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, stated, “Victims of abuse may be in poor physical health, have cognitive impairments, may be isolated from others and even unwilling to acknowledge they are victims. It is critical we remain alert and maintain strong social connections that will enable our older residents to live safely, independently and with dignity.”
“Our seniors here in Orange County have spent a lifetime contributing to the community to help keep our County prosperous and safe. We all share a responsibility to protect them in a meaningful way so that they can enjoy long, vital and active lives without fear,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do.
The Board of Supervisors acknowledged the important work being done by SSA, HCA, the District Attorney’s Office and Office on Aging, as well as members from the Council on Aging and North Orange County Collaborative Committee at today’s meeting.
“We must do everything we can to ensure the safety and peace of mind of our valued residents,” said Third District Supervisor Donald P. Wagner. He continued, “I recognize our County agencies and local partners for their tremendous effort in addressing this issue, and thank them for their great service to our community.”
A World Elder Abuse Awareness Day expo will take place on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Buena Park Senior Center. The free event, focused on empowering the community against elder abuse, is open to the public and includes lunch. To RSVP or for more information, please call (714) 480-6450 or go to http://2019ocweaad.eventbrite.com.
Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee remarked, “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the upcoming expo provide opportunities for people to learn more about elder abuse. I encourage everyone in the community to do their part to learn more about warning signs of elder abuse and what each of us can do to prevent it.”
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable senior, please call SSA’s Adult Protective Services 24-hour hotline at (800) 451-5155.
The 25th Annual Conditions of Children in Orange County report was released today, offering a comprehensive assessment of the health, economic well-being, education and safety of the County’s children.
A 25-year retrospective shows the changing landscape into which children are born, as well as improvement for the lives and well-being of Orange County’s youth:
Population Size: Children make up a smaller proportion of our total population; about 10,000 fewer babies are born compared with 25 years ago.
Financial/Economic Well-Being: Orange County unemployment is comparatively low at 2.6 percent; in 1995 it was double that rate at 5.2 percent.
Good Health: The majority of Orange County moms are seeking early prenatal care - higher than 25 years ago, while teen births have dropped dramatically and the rate of infant mortality has been cut in half.
Academic Improvement: A greater percentage of students are completing college preparatory classes.
Safe Homes: The juvenile arrest rate has plummeted over 25 years and substantiated child abuse rates have been cut nearly in half.
“Each year, the Conditions of Children report uncovers areas where County departments can refocus their efforts to enhance the quality of services for our children,” said
Supervisor Andrew Do, who serves as the Chair of the Orange County Children’s Partnership (OCCP), the advisory board responsible for publishing the report. “While the report indicates multiple areas of strength, there is much more we can do to address childhood poverty and the growing challenges associated with children and youth with mental health issues,” said Supervisor Do.
Debra J. Baetz, Director of the County of Orange Social Services Agency and OCCP co-chair stated, “Children clearly thrive when they grow up with opportunities for quality
education, availability of jobs, access to health care and safe places to live. Yet we continue to see many of our children and families dealing with housing insecurity and poverty, which may certainly impact their overall health, well-being and general safety.” Baetz continued, “It is imperative that we continue to look for ways to enhance and integrate the programs, services and supports offered to help lift up children and families in Orange County to further promote safe communities and healthy development.”
This year’s report includes a special focus on risk and protective factors contributing to children’s mental health and a new indicator on chronic school absenteeism.
This week the Orange County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2019 as Adoption Awareness Month and presented a resolution to the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) and resource parent (i.e., foster parent) Vanessa Acosta in recognition of their significant contributions to support and mentor foster youth and resource families in Orange County.
More than 280 adoptions were finalized in Orange County in Fiscal Year 2018-2019 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.)
Ms. Acosta was honored by the Board of Supervisors on behalf of Orange County adoptive families for her work as a resource parent, adoptive parent, educator and advocate. Ms. Acosta began the process of becoming a resource parent with her husband in 2011, fostering more than 20 children and youth, ultimately adopting six children. In addition, Ms. Acosta advocates for biological parents who are working to reunify with their children. She is also active in the Foster Care Auxiliary and her faith community to help educate families on the challenges and rewards that come with fostering and fostering-to-adopt.
“Every child and youth deserves a loving family environment that provides a sense of belonging and security,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “We thank Orange County adoptive parents, like Vanessa Acosta, for their compassion and commitment to helping our community and ensuring a brighter future for our children.”
“I am grateful for brave foster parents like Ms. Acosta who have opened their homes and their hearts to children in need of loving families,” said Vice Chair, Supervisor Michelle Steel, who represents the Second District. “This month we recognize all foster and adoptive families for their selfless efforts on behalf of Orange County’s children,” she added.
The theme of this year’s National Adoption Month is Youth Voices: Why Family Matters, which is focused on the importance of empowering youth voices — especially those of teens who are in foster care. Older youth, similar to children with disabilities and those who are part of a sibling set, often take longer to place in permanent, home-based care. Securing lifelong connections for teens in foster care is a critical component in determining their future achievement, health and well-being. When foster youth are empowered to share their personal stories, their unique insights can inspire their peers and bring awareness to prospective adoptive families.
First District Supervisor Andrew Do stated, “The term family can take on many shapes and forms, and a strong connection with a caring adult can help improve a youth’s opportunity for success and stability.” Do continued, “We salute our Orange County adoptive families who selflessly work to provide children with a home, love and a sense of stability.”
“As the uncle of two adopted children in my family, I believe people who open their hearts and their homes are providing a noble community service. All vulnerable foster children deserve to thrive under safe, supportive care for the best chances of a stable adult life. The Adoption Awareness Month presentation recognizes the compassionate spirit of Vanessa Acosta and all adoptive families in our community. Thank you for your selfless work,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.
“National Adoption Month reminds us that adoptive parents play a vital role in providing a sense of family and belonging to youth in need. In raising any child, we know it can take a village. I urge all in our community to do their part to help encourage and provide support to those who have provided a family to a foster youth,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee.
For more information on becoming a resource family, please call (888) 871-KIDS or visit www.oc4kids.com.
