Macon County DSS - Work First County Plan 2012 - 2014

Macon County will continue to incorporate Family Centered Practices in the daily involvement with Work First Families. This is achieved with Family Centered Practice, System of Care and Multiple Response System which has been Macon County’s philosophy for many years. Each Work First applicant / recipient, as well as our Child Protective Services and Foster Care recipients are treated with respect. HR/Life Coach is trained to give each person a chance to be heard and gives us the opportunity to evaluate strengths, so as to better achieve their career choices, leading to long term employment and short term Work First.

We realize that each family has different needs and strengths; this realization helps the agency withhold unfair judgment. Our recipients are encouraged to work within their abilities according to their specific needs.

Macon County will comply with the American with Disabilities Act and provide Interpreter services in any language, as we have a full time employee on site who speaks Spanish/English fluently and interpreter phones are available for any language at each employee’s disposal.

Macon County complies with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and abides by all requirements pursuant to the regulations issued in accordance to that Title.
Public Comment The public review process included the plan being posted at the following locations from August 26, 2011 through September 9, 2011:    

Macon County Public Library

Employment Security Commission

County Manager’s Office

Department of Social Services

Public notices of how to obtain and comment on the plan were announced in the Franklin Press, the Highlander, the Macon County News, and on WFSC/WNCC in Franklin and WHLC in Highlands. Review of the Plan and comments have been obtained informally from community leaders, concerned citizens and a former welfare recipient. The local planning committee members assisted in obtaining comments and will continue to meet on a regular basis to assist in implementing and revising the Plan when needed.


posted by GT

May is National Foster Care Month

Nearly 424,000 American children and youth are currently in foster care. National Foster Care Month is a time to acknowledge these youth and the family members, foster parents, volunteers, mentors, child welfare professionals, and policymakers who help them find permanent homes and connections.
The Children's Bureau and Child Welfare Information Gateway are supporting National Foster Care Month through a website for child welfare professionals with the theme "Building Connections Through Meaningful Family Engagement." The website features information and resources that help caseworkers, administrators, managers, and policymakers improve permanency services and outcomes for children, youth, and families involved with the child welfare system. The website includes:

• Resources about building connections with families, youth, siblings, schools, and community partners to help youth achieve permanency
• Personal stories and photos from Kids Central, Inc., one of the Children's Bureau Family Connection grantees
• Links to digital stories from the National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections, which include youth and child welfare workers sharing their experiences
• National Foster Care Month widgets to add to your organization's website

www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth
Read the Presidential proclamation for National Foster Care Month at www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/04/29/presidential-proclamation-national-foster-care-month
Your feedback is important to us so please take the survey on the Foster Care Month website and give us your input. For more information, contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at 1.800.394.3366 or info@childwelfare.gov.

For More Information on Foster Care and Fostering Child in Care of Macon County, contact Social Worker Stacey Messer, At Macon County DSS at 828-349-2546.

G.Taylor

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

Macon County Department of Social Services will begin taking the applications for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) today February 25, 2011.  CIP provides assistance with heating for household that are in crisis. The crisis must be able to be alleviated at time of the application. Applicants may receive assistance more than once or until the yearly cap is reached. This program is based on eligibility.  The maximum funds are $400.00 for a Fiscal Year.  A fiscal year for this program is July 2010 – June 2011.  The program will run as long as there are funds available.  CIP will only pay past due amounts to the electrical service and clients may be required to pay on the account before DSS can assist.

The Department of Social Services is located at

1832 Lakeside Drive

in Franklin.  The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

G.Taylor