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CASS COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD MEETING <br />March 6, 2023 <br /> <br />MINUTES <br /> <br />With quorum present, Chair Bollinger called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. <br /> <br />Present: Commissioner Tony Grindberg (via Teams); Rick Steen (via Teams); Carey Fry; Brian <br />Hagen; Julie Haugen (via Teams); Michelle Kommer (via Teams); Dan Madler; Gail <br />Bollinger <br />Absent: <br />Presenter: Gail Bollinger, Zone Director; Heather Collins, HR and Operations Administrator; <br /> <br />I. Approval of Minutes <br />Mr. Madler made a motion to approve the February 6, 2023 Board minutes. Ms. Haugen <br />seconded. Motion carried. <br /> <br />II. Program Updates <br />Adult Protective Services (APS) received 87 reports as of February 23, 2023. They <br />investigate cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults in the Southeast region of <br />North Dakota. <br /> <br />Chair Bollinger introduced Economic Assistance Lead Supervisor Shaina Huovinen to the <br />members of the Zone Board. Chair Bollinger explained redesign went into effect as of <br />February 13, 2023. This also included the launch of the Customer Support Center that <br />provides one number for clients to use when they have questions about applying for <br />benefits, any benefits they currently receive, or any other questions regarding Economic <br />Assistance programs. The state has reported a high volume of calls since implementation. <br />All offices statewide will continue to provide services for walk-ins and direct calls. Chair <br />Bollinger reported the Zone will work with community partners to help them better <br />understand the redesign to serve clients. Ms. Huovinen reported there has been an <br />increase with clients coming to the office since the transition, which she attributed to the <br />Customer Support Center becoming more familiar with their roles. <br /> <br />Family Services held another Foster Parent Collaborative at the end of January with a third <br />planned for this spring. Foster parents learned more about the Safety Framework Practice <br />Model during this session. These sessions give foster parents, case managers, and foster <br />care licensors a chance to discuss things they are seeing in the process and how they can <br />all work together to provide the best care for children. <br /> <br />Matt Gebhardt began as a consultant for the Zone in July 2022. His contract concluded at <br />the end of February. He assisted the Zone in a leadership role until Ronda Hoff began her <br />position as Family Service Manager. He also staffed cases with employees and provided <br />additional support and training on the Safety Framework Practice Model. <br /> <br />An update was provided on the Family Services Recruitment and Retention plan. Three <br />newly approved positions are posted, a Child Protection Supervisor, Child Protection <br />Trainer, and a Foster Care Placement Coordinator. Recruitment continues for additional <br />position vacancies. Ms. Collins reported there were five individuals hired and five <br />individuals that have left in the last month. She has been working with Catlin Solum, Public <br />Information Coordinator for Cass County, to link Human Service Zone positions to the Cass