DSS faces mounting costs as child placements surge

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the financial challenges faced by the Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding the care of children in need. Over the past two years, DSS has taken in approximately 15 children, necessitating the hiring of two full-time employees to provide care until suitable placements can be found. This arrangement has resulted in significant costs, totaling around $80,000 for 87 days of service.

A request for additional funding of $36,000 was presented to the board to help alleviate these expenses. However, some board members expressed dissatisfaction with the current budget cuts and the overall financial management of the agency. Supervisor Carter voiced strong concerns, indicating that the board's previous spending decisions had left them with limited funds to address pressing needs.

The meeting also included a motion to certify that only public business matters exempted from open meeting requirements were discussed during a closed session. The motion received unanimous support from the present supervisors, with Chairman Thompson absent from the vote.

As the board prepares for future work sessions, the ongoing financial strain on DSS and the implications for child welfare services remain a critical topic of discussion.