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Return
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Regular-Health & Human Services # 25.
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| Board of Supervisors |
Adult & Aging |
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| Subject |
| Receive update on the Yolo County Public Guardian program and provide direction regarding the future of the Ombudsman program. (No general fund impact) (Larsen) |
| Recommended Action |
- Receive update on the Yolo County Public Guardian program and progress on the Corrective Action Plan; and
- Provide direction regarding the future of the Ombudsman program.
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| Strategic Plan Goal(s) |
Thriving Residents
Safe Communities |
| Reason for Recommended Action/Background |
Public Guardian
On January 1, 2017, the role and responsibilities of the Public Guardian transitioned into the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Laurie Haas serves as the Chief Deputy Public Guardian, who reports to the Adult and Aging Branch Director, while the HHSA Director holds the Board-appointed title of Public Guardian. The Chief Deputy Public Guardian oversees a team of four (4) Conservatorship Officers, and an Associate Analyst, while a dedicated fiscal position is separately supervised in the Administration Branch of HHSA.
Following the transition of the Public Guardian into HHSA, the County Department of Financial Services completed a thorough review of the fiscal and administrative processes, resulting in a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). In December 2018, HHSA provided a six-month update to the Board, over viewing status on steps completed to-date on the Corrective Action Plan.
The Public Guardian is currently on track to complete the CAP on time or ahead of schedule, having already completed 14, and making active progress on another 14, of the 29 Total Policy and Procedures due by June 30, 2021.
In addition, the Public Guardian continues to provide conservatorship to a consistent and increasing number of both LPS (mental health) and Probate Conservatees. In the two quarters covering July to December 2018, the office served a total of 103 LPS clients, and 71 Probate clients, receiving a total number of 14 LPS and 6 Probate new referrals during the time period.
Ombudsman
The Ombudsman role for Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency has been continuously filled by Brett Bandley, through the Public Defender’s Office since May of 2017. The Ombudsman program provides a neutral party to review and respond to complaints, identify potential areas for improvement, and assist individuals in resolving service-related issues to ensure residents receive the highest quality of care.
Since May of 2017, the program has received 99 requests for services. The data indicates that most of these contacts were actually requesting information regarding services, rather than actual complaints.
This agenda item will provide an update to the Board regarding the program and a request from staff that the Board provide direction regarding the future of this program. Specifically, staff asks the Board to consider and provide direction on the following options:
- Continue the program as-is
- Move the program into the County Administrator's Office
- Expand the program and add to the existing position
- End the program, and advertise 2-1-1 as a better option for seeking information regarding services
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| Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies) |
| Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency programs of Adult Protective Services, Benefits Centers and Mental Health clinics; Local Mental Health Board, Yolo County Commission on Aging and Adult Services, Yolo Healthy Aging Alliance |
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| Fiscal Impact |
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