Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board receive a status update on the Senior Legal Services Ad Hoc Committee.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board receive a status update on the Senior Legal Services Ad Hoc Committee.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On June 20, 2017 the Board directed the Ad Hoc Budget Committee to work with the Chief Administrative Office, HHSA and Commission on Aging on funding options and the organizational structure of Senior Legal Programs and return to the Board with quarterly updates.
The first Senior Legal Services Committee met on July 26, 2017 from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. The major purpose of this first meeting was to review and discuss the Charter and develop next steps. During the meeting, members agreed to become an Ad Hoc Committee due to the membership of two Board of Supervisors. The creation of an Ad Hoc Advisory Group was suggested, in order to obtain feedback from community members and providers prior to presenting information to the Board of Supervisors. It was agreed that meetings would occur on the 4th Wednesdays of the month from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
The second Senior Legal Services Ad Hoc Committee met on August 23, 2017 from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. During this meeting, the Charter was approved. Michelle Hunter, HHSA Program Manager, presented on the operations, regulations, requirements, funding sources, targeted areas, services requirements and reporting of Senior Legal Services. George Appelbaum, Attorney at Law, presented on the history of Senior Legal Services and the role he played in its development. Diana Steele, Community Member and retired Senior Legal Attorney, presented an overview of Senior Legal Services, including the number of clients who have used and continue to use the services, accessibility, types of services provided and other agencies that are being utilized for referrals and assistance, such as Adult Protective Services and the Recorder/Clerk.
The next steps identified for the September meeting were to discuss Data Collection and Reporting and have an in-depth discussion on Funding. Unfortunately, the meeting scheduled for September 27, 2017 was cancelled due to the lack of availability of the majority of the members. Currently, the next meeting is scheduled for October 25, 2017.
ALTERNATIVES
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OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board receive this update.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this agenda item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., MPA