The Shadow
COVINGTON Va. (VR) – The Alleghany County Board of Social Services convened on Feb. 24 to discuss ongoing operations and address public concerns about the agency’s performance. Chairman Matt Garten called the meeting to order and opened the floor for public comment.
Former foster parent and resident Corey Bowles raised concerns about the information included in her FOIA request. Bowles questioned the organizational chart, stating that it was missing vital information as to the number of people in positions, the director’s signature and the employees. She stated that it is possible the information sent to her was old and some of the data on the state dashboard was also dated. Bowles closed by stating, “As a citizen and a former foster parent, and someone who is about the kids and families that we are caring for and still have some real concerns with us meeting goals and deadlines.”
According to the information provided to the Virginian Review, foster care in home visits should be 50%, and they have exceeded that number. Congregate care has a target of 16% or less, and in-home service plans are at 50%, with the other half not yet due.
For AFCARS (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System), the target is 95%, and they are at 92.6%. First timely contact with Victim-Quarterly is at 86.7%, foster care worker visits 96.3%. November timeliness is reporting at 100%, December at 85% and December overdue referrals at 6%.
Garten moved on to approving the minutes from the January meeting; the minutes were approved without any comments.
Tammy Wilson, agency director, went over the January administrative expenditures report, which shows that some areas are over budget, but the percentages are where they should be. The staffing report showed that they currently have 39 employees, with one starting last week, and they are currently interviewing to fill the assistant director position.
Wilson reported that they have two foster homes and five kinships; three are in process, with three children having completed the adoption process and heading to the court for adoption family services. Four children have been moved home on a trial basis.
Garten asked the board if there were any questions, and no questions were raised, so the meeting moved to a closed session.
