DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES – HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

MISSION/Program Description

THE MISSION OF THIS SECTION IS TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION AND THE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT COMMISISON IN FULFILLING THEIR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.  The Health & Social Services Commission allocates funding to non-profit organizations for essential human services.  The Early Childhood Development Commission is tasked with furthering the quality of early care and education for children in the Borough. This section provides administrative support to both Commissions, provides information so both Commissions can make informed decisions, and administers grant funds pertinent to both, such as the Human Services Community Matching Grant, the Match Assistance Grant and the Best Beginnings Early Childhood Partnership Grant. 
 

Major Long-Term Issues and Concerns 

·         The Human Services Community Matching Grant program provides essential human services and reaches over 30,000 local residents each year.  Demonstrated need and exceptional efficiencies highlight the importance of this grant program.  Support for consistent state funding is needed to avoid reductions in services “whose unavailability would subject persons needing the services to serious mental or physical hardship.”   (A.S.29.60.650) 

·         Only 53% of children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed in school, according to a 2009 survey of local kindergarten and first grade teachers.  This impacts schools and the community at large.  Quality early learning environments – in and out of the home - for all young children reduce long-term costs and improve life outcomes.

 Objectives for FY 2012 

·         Continue to assist the Health & Social Services Commission in their work by:

§  Supporting the grant allocation and monitoring process;

§  Compiling information on community needs and the impact of the grants;

§  Supporting Commission meetings.

·         Continue to assist the Early Childhood Development Commission in their work by:

§  Supporting Commission projects, including the Early Childhood Partnership, FairbanksFamilies.org and the Family Friendly Workplace Awards;

§  Managing the Best Beginnings grant and related projects;

§  Compiling information on community needs and resources;

§  Supporting Commission meetings. 

Significant Budget Changes 

·         The FY 2012 budget reflects the change in division operations, reducing the FTE from 2 part time to 1 FTE.  The Best Beginnings Early Childhood Partnership grant is shown in this section, as it is expected to be recurring.

 Previous Year’s Accomplishments 

·         Supported the Health & Social Services Commission (HSSC).

·         Managed Human Services Community Matching Grants and Match Assistance Grants.

·         Supported the Early Childhood Development Commission (ECDC).

·         Managed the ECDC Family Friendly Workplace Awards.  

·         Managed the ECDC-Best Beginnings Partnership Grant.