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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Lake County Grand Jury • 2008-2009

Health and Social Services Committee Reports

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Findings and Recommendations 24 findings

F1 Page 121
Referrals for APS are generally victims of neglect, particularly self- neglect or the inability to care for one’s self. Numerous referrals are made annually that do not include a “dependent adult”.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 121
Seniors and all Social Security recipients who are victims of abuse or neglect are eligible for APS Services.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
APS Clients have the option to reject services. APS workers cannot force an individual to accept services. On occasions when an APS worker determines that services are needed, all attempts are made to build a relationship of trust and encourage individuals to accept services.
No recommendations for this finding
F4 Page 121
Meals On Wheels workers often provide an “extra set of eyes” in determining an elderly or disabled individual’s needs.
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 121
Under the most critical circumstances, individuals can be forced into institutions. When an individual is force-institutionalized, APS must petition the courts for conservatorship.
No recommendations for this finding
F6 Page 121
In the month of December 2008, there were 35 referrals. Health and Social Services Committee
No recommendations for this finding
F7 Page 122
APS Workers have ten days to respond to referrals unless the situation is acute. During the ten-day period, APS workers make contact and check the prior history of the referred individual. Under acute circumstances, law enforcement officials accompany APS workers to the home.
No recommendations for this finding
F8 Page 122
In Home Support Services (IHSS) 1, workers are utilized if a client accepts assistance.
No recommendations for this finding
F9 Page 122
The APS Management System was recently converted to an automated system.
No recommendations for this finding
F10 Page 125
The OTJ program has funding for 21 temporary full-time positions. The program is designed to train qualified individuals in an effort to obtain a permanent full-time position with the County. Applicants are pre-screened and only qualified applicants are assigned to available positions. Of the individuals that have participated in this program since its inception, approximately 70% have gone on to full-time permanent positions in the County.
No recommendations for this finding
F11 Page 125
The Food Stamp Program enables eligible recipients to purchase nutritional food. Allotments are determined quarterly, based on individual or family income.
No recommendations for this finding
F12 Page 125
As of December 2008, there were 4000 local recipients in the Food Stamp Program, including the 1200 CalWORKS participants.
No recommendations for this finding
F13 Page 125
The Food Stamp Program infuses approximately $900,000 in revenue to the local economy monthly.
No recommendations for this finding
F14 Page 125
An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is used to purchase food items and ensures that only permissible items are purchased. The EBT card can also be used by CALWorks participants for other products. The card electronically tracks the amounts available in each account.
No recommendations for this finding
F15 Page 125
Store participation in Food Stamp Program is optional and stores can choose whether to accept or reject the program. However, a majority of the stores in the County participate in the program.
No recommendations for this finding
F16 Page 125
Individuals enrolled in the CalWORKs Program are automatically eligible for the Food Stamp Program.
No recommendations for this finding
F17 Page 125
As of December 2008, 6700 local residents were in enrolled in the Medi-Cal Program, an increase of 10% from December 2007, 1200 of which are CalWORKS participants. Health and Social Services Committee
No recommendations for this finding
F18 Page 126
Medi-Cal is California’s version of the Federal Program, Medicaid.
No recommendations for this finding
F19 Page 126
Medi-Cal provides bill payments for medical services and prescriptions to eligible participants. Medi-Cal payments are paid by the State.
No recommendations for this finding
F20 Page 126
Two large clinics in the county accept Medi-Cal.
No recommendations for this finding
F21 Page 126
The County Medical Services Program (CMSP) provides healthcare services for people who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. Indigent males comprise most of the clients. Last year, there were 656 cases. As of December 2008, the number of cases has increased to 824. The number of cases continues to rise annually.
No recommendations for this finding
F22 Page 126
The General Relief Program is 100% funded by the County of Lake. Only indigent adults are eligible for this program. The program provides housing payments that are issued directly to the property owner, vouchers for food, and an allowance for personal and household products.
No recommendations for this finding
F23 Page 126
No cash is paid to recipients of General Relief and all “loans”, no money is actually given directly to the recipient, made to recipients must be paid back. The General Relief Program “loan” is paid back first when a participant has applied for, and eventually receives, Social Security Benefits.
No recommendations for this finding
F24 Page 126
The General Relief Program is small with fourteen people enrolled as of December 2008.
No recommendations for this finding