Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
01/26/2023 03:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Overview Department of Family and Community Services | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
January 26, 2023
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator David Wilson, Chair
Senator James Kaufman, Vice Chair
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Forrest Dunbar
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Cathy Giessel
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
KIM KOVOL, Acting Commissioner
Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview on the Alaska
Department of Family and Community Services
MARIAN SWEET, Assistant Commissioner
Department of Family and Community Services
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions concerning the Office of
Children's Services during the overview of the Department of
Family and Community Services.
CLINTON LASLEY, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Family and Community Services
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information on Designated
Evaluation and Treatment Facilities during the overview of the
Department of Family and Community Services.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:15 PM
CHAIR DAVID WILSON called the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Dunbar, Tobin, Kaufman, and Chair
Wilson.
^OVERVIEW DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
OVERVIEW
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
3:30:40 PM
CHAIR WILSON announced the consideration of an overview by the
Department of Family and Community Services.
3:31:40 PM
KIM KOVOL, Acting Commissioner, Department of Family and
Community Services (DFCS), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that she is
new to the commissioner position for the newly formed Department
of Family and Community Services (DFCS). She said she has 25
years of experience in the private sector in executive
leadership, management, licensed facilities, organizational
development and restructuring, logistics, and working in the
human and social services realm with youth and adults. She also
served as Governor Dunleavy's Special Assistant, focusing on
domestic violence and sexual assault, missing and murdered
indigenous persons, human and sex trafficking, homelessness,
foster care, childcare, eldercare, opioids and fentanyl, and
suicide prevention. She is committed to helping Alaskan families
facing challenging circumstances in their lives navigate complex
systems. She expressed appreciation for the support and
dedication of others working at DFCS. She spoke about various
hobbies she enjoys.
3:33:31 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL turned to slide 2 and said the mission
of DFCS is "To provide support, safety, and personal well-being
for vulnerable Alaskans." She met with department leadership to
discuss what the mission means and together developed a
department vision and guiding principles that support each
division and reinforce the department's commitment to Alaskans:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Vision
Service First
We will:
Strengthen lives through meaningful connections with
families, communities, Tribes, and providers.
Provide safe, person-centered care with integrity and
dignity to the Alaskans we serve.
Advance an agency culture that prioritizes the well-
being of our workforce.
Mobilize innovative solutions to complex challenges
3:34:44 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 3, an organizational
chart of DFCS. She noted that directors and deputy directors are
a consistent presence in each division since the department's
reorganization, including leadership in the Commissioner's
Office.
3:35:11 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 4 and said DFCS's
divisions are:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Commissioner's Office
Finance & Management Services
Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API)
Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
Alaska Pioneer Homes (APH)
Office of Children's Services (OCS)
API, DJJ, APH, and OCS provide direct services available 24
hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Most department
staff work directly with constituents and providers in
facilities or the community.
3:35:52 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL turned to slide 5 and spoke to DFCS's
collaboration with DOH in 4 areas:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Complex Care
• Identifying solutions to address systemic gaps in
access to care for Alaskans with complex needs
•
Improving the continuum of care
• Establishing a coordinated system across departments
to ensure person-centered care
•
Shared IT Resources
• Developing a roadmap to separating resources
•
Information Technology Debt
• Seeking contractors and modernizing systems to improve
efficiency and quality of service
3:36:59 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL said that a department focusing on
families and communities would encompass many priorities that
ebb and flow because communities and families are unique. Her
office conversed with frontline staff, supervisors, executive
leadership, community partners, residents, and clients. The
conversations identified four key priorities to focus on:
complex care systems, tribal partnerships, the culture of DFCS,
and workforce support.
3:37:31 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL advanced to slide 7 and stated that
complex care placement for youth and adults is rising. It is not
a new concern, but the complexity of acute needs has magnified.
All four of the department's direct service divisions find
appropriate levels of care and care locations for individuals.
The Commissioner's Office created a Complex Care Coordination
Unit. This unit will establish a single point of contact for the
department and its partners. It will be central to coordinating
complex care and placement activities within DFCS's service
divisions. The unit will establish a network of existing
placement options for adults and youth while endeavoring to
oversee long-term facility development within the state.
Partnering with healthcare providers, medical centers, and
clinics to expand services will take time. DFCS will work with
providers across the country to support the needs of Alaskans
when appropriate placement within the state is not possible.
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL said DFCS works with all facilities in
becoming Medicaid or Third-Party payor eligible to reduce the
use of Alaska's General Fund. Complex Care Systems Coordinator
Makayla Viray is the first employee to hold the position and is
working hard with support from DFCS's Family Coordinator Tammie
Wilson. Through the Governor's FY 2024 budget, the department
will continue to build on the complex care unit. It will add a
complex care system coordinator, a social services associate,
and a deputy director of operations.
3:38:55 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL stated that care coordination is
complex because it requires internal and external assistance.
Every client's case is unique and requires thoughtful
consideration and collaboration with many agencies and
organizations. The goal is to prevent anyone from being
institutionalized and find a family-like setting that meets the
individual's everyday needs. She provided an experience from her
first day as acting commissioner to demonstrate the importance
of having a coordinator to eliminate redundancy and improve
service efficiency. Slide 8 depicts the number of entities DFCS
staff may connect to assist one individual.
3:41:39 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL advanced to slide 9 and said that DFCS
is increasing its statewide connections and outreach. It is
encouraging the department's tribal liaison to lead tribal
engagements by creating new relationships and connecting with
long-standing partners. Department representatives attend the
Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, the Bureau of Indian
Affairs Provider's Conference, and the National Indian Nations
Conference. DFCS is excited about forthcoming opportunities.
Each division within DFCS provides positive life-changing
services to Alaskans. The staff works with families and
individuals needing support, resources, and solutions. A
comprehensive communication plan is being developed, including a
calendar of important dates, community events, and a Facebook
platform. The department is also changing the organization's
internal culture by increasing efficiencies and empowering staff
through mentorships.
3:42:26 PM
CHAIR WILSON said the Tribal Child Welfare Compact within the
Office of Children's Services (OCS) began with five tribes and
expanded. He asked whether OCS plans to continue the expansion
of the compact.
3:42:50 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL responded that the Tribal Child
Welfare Compact would be discussed later in the presentation.
3:43:01 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked what Alaska plans to do if the Supreme Court
reverses the decision in Haaland v. Brackeen.
3:43:16 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied that the case is currently
under review with the Supreme Court. DFCS listened to the
hearing in November and learned that the court would decide by
June. DFCS has determined it will follow the Indian Child
Welfare Act (ICWA) until changes occur.
3:44:09 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL turned to slide 10 and said divisions
within DFCS provide positive life-changing services to Alaskans
with 24-hour crisis response comes many challenges. Families and
staff face difficult and emotional scenarios. Community and
connectivity are initiatives the department is addressing. DFCS
is developing a comprehensive communication plan. A calendar to
document and celebrate important department and community events
is on the department's website. Also, there is a Facebook page
showcasing public services. Stakeholder involvement has
increased statewide. The department has asked Alaskans for
suggestions on optimizing their time when seeking assistance.
Residents responded that they want to know what services the
department offers. So, the department is sharing knowledge and
information. It is tearing down barriers to efficiencies and
empowering staff through mentorships.
3:45:54 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 11 and said Governor
Dunleavy's People First Initiative provided workforce
stabilization incentives for the Office of Children's Services
staff. Other divisions are evaluating similar programs. A
department referral program to stabilize the workforce is being
developed. Rural sites are offering alternate workweek
agreements and flexible work schedules. Partnerships with the
University of Alaska, the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, and the
Child Welfare Academy are forming to foster practicum placements
and internships. DFCS is applying for SkillBridge through the
Department of Defense (DOD). SkillBridge continues to pay
service members their salaries for up to 180 days while they
receive full-time training in programs outside of the military.
3:46:55 PM
CHAIR WILSON asked if OCS still has its loan repayment program
as part of its workforce innovations.
3:47:06 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL deferred the question to Ms. Sweet.
3:47:23 PM
MARIAN SWEET, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Family and
Community Services, Juneau, Alaska, replied that OCS no longer
has the loan repayment program. However, it is considering the
Support-for-Service to Health Care Practitioners III (SHARP III)
program. The program offers an option to pay off a student loan
directly or receive incentive bonuses to pay off the loan.
3:49:08 PM
CHAIR WILSON commented that use by the government was not the
initial intent of the SHARP program. Private entities would pay
the state of Alaska to receive a tax benefit, which in turn
benefited private individuals. He opined that there now would be
a cost to the state. He found SHARP's development interesting
and suggested the SHARP committee speak to the legislature.
3:49:56 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 13 and stated that
Heidi Hamilton is the Alaska Pioneer Homes (APH) director. Ms.
Hamilton oversees 400 positions within APH. The homes provide
activities of daily living, nursing services, recreational and
social programs, medication assistance, dietary needs,
housekeeping, and meal preparation. There are several levels of
assistance offered. The division has a budget of $1.4 million.
Alaska has six homes with occupancy rates ranging from 80 - 97
percent. The Anchorage home maintained the lowest occupancy rate
since 22 of its rooms are vacant for remodeling and fire safety
improvements. Only 50 percent of residents in the Anchorage
Pioneer Home have family living nearby. There are fewer options
for elders living outside of Anchorage and Mat-Su.
CHAIR TOBIN requested that DFCS send the committee a list of
deferred maintenance needs.
3:52:23 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL turned to slide 15 and spoke to the
successes and challenges facing Alaska Pioneer Homes:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Successes
• Completion of Complex Care Neighborhood in Anchorage
• Resident Wi-Fi installed in four homes
• Increased coordination with community providers for
complex care needs
• On-line waitlist application development
Challenges
• Increasing age and needs of residents
• Increased number of elders on waitlists
• Building maintenance
- Supply chain and workforce challenges delaying
projects
3:54:47 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR said he supported the idea of complex care
neighborhoods and asked for its location in Anchorage.
3:55:03 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL stated the complex care unit is in the
Anchorage Pioneer Home on the fourth floor.
SENATOR DUNBAR said he thought she was referring to small homes
in a neighborhood.
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL clarified that wings within APH
buildings have neighborhood names.
3:55:36 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR stated that as a child in Cordova he recalls
visiting a care facility. He asked whether an Alaska Pioneer
Home was ever located in Cordova.
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL stated her belief that it was not part
of the state system.
3:56:04 PM
CHAIR WILSON asked for the wait time for entry into a home once
a person is on the active list.
3:56:28 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL said the answer would depend on the
facility's location so the data would be sent to the committee.
She commented that the age of people moving to the active
waitlist has increased and it is taking longer to enter an APH
facility.
3:57:09 PM
CHAIR WILSON asked if the rate increase schedule passed by the
legislature a couple of years ago meets pioneer home
expectations.
3:57:35 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL deferred the question to Mr. Lasley.
3:57:40 PM
CLINTON LASLEY, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Family and
Community Services, Juneau, Alaska, stated the rate increase
went into effect in 2021. It has done well. The pioneer home
waitlist has continued to grow. The active waitlist numbers
among the various homes range between 60 and 115. There was a
concern when the rate increase went into effect that there would
be a downturn in the number of individuals applying to the
waitlists. The monetary increases passed by legislation have
kept pace with the cost-of-living increases.
3:58:53 PM
CHAIR WILSON asked how the new Social Security increase has
affected the percentage of change to residents' rates.
3:59:09 PM
MR. LASLEY answered that the amount varies based on the resident
and their level of care. There was an 8.5 percent rate increase
through Social Security. However, APH rates are slightly higher
due to fuel, transportation, and contract increases. The
increase APH received was significant and is keeping pace with
inflation so that services can continue to be received.
4:00:14 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 16 and stated that
Chief Executive Officer Scott York has led the Alaska
Psychiatric Institute (API) since 2020. He has four years of
behavioral health and corporate leadership experience. There are
five inpatient units with 80 licensed beds and 323 full-time
positions at API. API is currently the only location within
Alaska that provides competency restoration treatment for
individuals the court finds to be incompetent to stand trial.
Its budget for FY 23 is over $58 million. As of January 26,
2023, API's census is 74, the highest since 2019. API has begun
developing a comprehensive plan to ensure it meets Alaska's
needs in continual care. Community and jail-based outpatient
competency restoration programs are developing partnerships with
the Department of Corrections.
4:01:35 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 18 and stated some of
API's successes:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Chilkat Adolescent Unit reopened May 2021
• Reopening of the Denali Unit as a dedicated service
location for adults with neurocognitive disabilities
Patient on staff assaults in our adult population
decreased 55% in past year
• Becoming a teaching hospital
Clinical site for medical students, nursing
students, and recent reinstatement into the Alaska
Psychology Internship
4:02:43 PM
MR. LASLEY turned to slide 19 and said that during the
Department of Health and Social Services' bifurcation, most of
what moved to the Department of Family and Community Services
(DFCS) was "pick and place." DFCS acquired some services from
the Division of Behavioral Health by Executive Order 121. The
services included:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Designated Evaluation and Treatment Facilities (DET)
• Bartlett Regional Hospital 12 beds
• Fairbanks Memorial Hospital 20 beds
• Mat-Su Regional Hospital 16 beds
Designated Evaluation and Stabilization (DES)
• Ketchikan Medical Center
Disproportionate Share Hospital Funding (DSH)
Secure Patient Transport Program
The work of these services aligned with the divisions assigned
to DFCS. In 2020 Ashley Christopherson was named the Designated
Evaluation, Stabilization, and Treatment Coordinator. Mr. Lasley
likened the position to that of an air traffic controller who
watches over individuals in crisis throughout the system to
ensure that none are languishing in emergency rooms or
correction facilities. Instead, individuals are placed into an
appropriate facility as quickly as possible.
MR. LASLEY said the state receives an annual disproportionate
share hospital federal allotment to cover the cost of DSH
hospitals that serve a significantly disproportionate number of
under resourced individuals. The funding helps reimburse
hospitals that meet the criteria and perform the evaluation,
stabilization, and treatment services for the state.
Designated facilities provide psychiatric inpatient services for
individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis who are on a
voluntary or involuntary hold. Designated evaluation and
treatment facilities provide both psychiatric evaluation and
treatment, while designated evaluation and stabilization centers
only provide evaluation and stabilization services. State
hospital-designated facilities provide critical service and a
continuum of care for Alaskans by supplying an additional 40
beds for evaluation and treatment services. Some individuals
requiring these services need secure transport to deliver them
to a facility safely. DFCS staff coordinate transportation as
needed. The budget for this component that moved to DFCS is
approximately $14.5 million.
4:05:44 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked that funding for the share hospital fund be
clarified.
4:06:01 PM
MR. LASLEY replied that it is federal funding that was initially
in the Department of Health and Social Services, Division of
Behavioral Health. It is pass-through funding. The funding was
moved to the new Department of Family and Community Services
(DFCS) to manage the contracts. There are a variety of DET and
DES facilities in hospitals across the state that DFCS works
with listed on slide 19. DFCS also has agreements with other
hospitals in Alaska. Out of the $14.5 million, DFCS provides
about $7 million to hospitals to support individuals in crisis.
4:06:55 PM
CHAIR WILSON asked that eligibility requirements for DSH funding
be shared.
4:07:09 PM
MR. LASLEY stated he would provide the committee with the
eligibility requirements for DSH funding.
4:07:31 PM
CHAIR WILSON stated the information could be useful when the
committee holds another hearing on the Certificate of Need. He
said Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) had undergone
significant changes since 2019 when it was at risk of losing
accreditation through the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare
Services (CMS). He asked for an update on API.
4:08:08 PM
MR. LASLEY replied that the API's census score speaks to the
stabilization it has achieved due to the great work of its
employees. Since 2018 when the hospital was in crisis, many
systems have been put in place to improve daily operations at
the hospital. An active governing board meets monthly and works
directly with the hospital's leadership. CMS visits the
hospital, but there have been no significant findings.
4:09:08 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 20 and said Kim Guay
has worked for the Office of Children's Services (OCS) for 22
years and has been the director since 2021. The agency is
primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of Alaska's
children. It investigates child abuse and neglect reports and
administers the foster care system. OCS has 21 offices in five
regions statewide. The locations of the main offices are
Anchorage, Wasilla, Bethel, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Smaller
offices in areas such as Kenai, Saint Mary's, Utqiagvik, and
Sitka exist. OCS has over 600 positions and a budget of nearly
$200 million.
4:10:08 PM
SENATOR TOBIN said that in 2012 she participated in an
insightful program called Knowing Who You Are. She said she
recognizes that children with foster parents may not have the
same ethnic identity. Children need to feel seen and heard.
Parents need the support of resources. The program helped
fulfill these needs but has not been offered for two years. She
asked for an update on the program.
4:11:05 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL said she would provide the committee
with a list of programs the department oversees.
4:11:35 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL turned to slide 21 and said the Alaska
Tribal Child Welfare Compact began in 2017. The 32nd legislature
passed House Bill 184, which codified it. She thanked the
legislature for passing an operating budget last year that
included an amendment to increase the budget for this compact.
Along with the increased funding that Governor Dunleavy pledged,
the budget for the compact went from $1.6 million to $5 million.
Negotiated funding emphasized prevention to address the
disproportionate number of Alaskan Native children who come into
state custody. Eighteen cosigners, representing 170 tribes,
share the funding. Cosigners can be creative and innovative in
utilizing prevention funds. For example, cosigners can use these
funds to offer the Positive Indian Parenting classes, which
include culturally relevant components, child-rearing practices,
strength-based cultural approaches to passing down parenting
skills, traditional behavior management, and a support group,
all while engaging in cultural and healing activities and
crafts.
4:12:48 PM
CHAIR WILSON recalled that another portion of the compact
focused on kinship care placement. He asked that information
about kinship placement be shared with the committee since it is
less traumatizing for a child and more cost-effective for the
state.
4:13:22 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied she would provide the
information to the committee.
4:13:28 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 22 and stated that
Governor Dunleavy's People's First Initiative included several
items to support the efforts of OCS in managing the secondary
trauma that its frontline staff experience. The division has a
mental health clinician to support employee well-being and
provide critical incident debriefing. OCS offers a variety of
positions and has created 26 positions that are undergoing
recruitment. Retention incentives and the field training
compensation program are in the final stages of approval with
the Department of Administration.
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL said the Alaska Impact Alliance is a
coalition of community, partners, tribes, and the state focusing
on child welfare and prevention work, which the Alliance
facilitates. Governor Dunleavy's initiative supports older
foster youth ages 18 to 21 to help them as they begin their
adult lives. The initiative bolsters support for foster care
providers who take in children with complex needs. The funding
increases vocational opportunities and financial assistance for
housing, transportation, and other identified needs.
4:14:45 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 23 and stated that OCS
is starting to see a decrease following a rapid increase in
case-carrying staff turnover from late 2019 through 2021. The
turnover rate for case-carrying staff decreased from 59.4 to
55.5 percent. OCS still needs to address the high vacancy rates
for case-carrying positions. Stability in the workforce at OCS
means consistency for families. House Bill 151, enacted in 2018,
requires caseloads to be assigned based on the number of months
an employee has worked for OCS:
Months Maximum Caseload
0-3 6
4-6 12
6+ 13
However, due to vacancies from turnover, the statutory
requirements are difficult to achieve for case workers past
their six months of employment. Some regions have higher
caseloads than others, which means more seasoned caseworkers
have caseloads higher than 13. It is challenging for smaller
offices to balance caseloads. OCS consistently evaluates how to
reduce the burden on frontline workers, including centralizing
administrative functions and utilizing Letters of Agreement for
alternative and flexible work schedules.
4:16:24 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR commented that 55 percent turnover is shockingly
high, rendering a workforce almost nonfunctioning. He recognizes
the difficulty of the environment. He asked what solutions to
lowering the turnover rate staff suggested. He opined that the
compensation package does not match employees' stress levels.
4:17:38 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied that DFCS has constant dialog
and feedback with frontline staff. There are many reasons for
the high turnover. Staff can commute by plane to accommodate
them for the high cost of housing in rural areas. However,
commuting is tiring, and some communities prefer to have a
caseworker who lives in the area. In Bethel, transportation to
one outlying village is by a ramshackle skiff, but it is faster
than flying. The department tries to address the needs of the
community and staff. For seven months, the department has been
working on creating retention bonuses and will be able to offer
them soon. Fewer people with social service degrees or like
service are applying for positions with the department. Thirty
percent of current frontline staff do not have a social services
degree. DFCS is hopeful that its partnership with UAA will
increase that percentage. There are opportunities, but they can
not happen fast enough to meet the need. Labor shortages and
recruitment are problems that the nation is facing.
4:21:20 PM
SENATOR TOBIN echoed Senator Dunbar's comment on high turnover.
However, it is exciting to see the implementation of
opportunities and solutions that were put forth by past career
staff. Progress is on the horizon.
4:22:08 PM
CHAIR WILSON stated that when he began in 2017-2018, the
legislature passed House Bill 151 by former Representative Les
Gara. A recently released report on House Bill 151 discusses
workforce caseloads and high turnover. A lot of money has gone
into fixing issues that OCS faces. He stated he has a lot of
concerns and that there will be a joint presentation on February
14th by the Citizens Review Panel, and OCS will be able to reply
to the review.
CHAIR WILSON opined that there are culture problems within
Alaska's workforce. He asked how DFCS measures culture change.
4:24:14 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL stated she had been a newly formed
department commissioner for 210 days and did not have an answer.
She opined that leadership has stayed with the department and is
willing to work to improve the issues that it is facing. She has
traveled statewide listening to staff, clients, and partners'
concerns and is ready to address the problems and support
individuals. She looks forward to the future when she reports to
the committee that retention rates are up, there are no
vacancies, staff are satisfied, and fewer children are in the
state's legal care.
4:26:08 PM
SENATOR KAUFMAN asked for an overview of how deployment stages
for needed improvements and initiatives are managed.
4:26:49 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied that complex care had been
DFCS's biggest kickoff. She recounted a hectic event on her
first day as commissioner that led to addressing agency
communication. She stated that at the Improving Lives
Conference, her keynote speech centered on a child that utilized
social service programs for 17 years and a mother that struggled
to navigate the system to help her child. She declared she is
passionate about improving the department because that child is
her son.
4:29:19 PM
SENATOR KAUFMAN asked if the department has a strategic
management plan with a timetable for development and deployment.
4:29:50 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied that the department had
established guiding principles and settled on a vision. The
principles will be shared with staff and be a part of daily
work. The department hopes to develop one, three, five, and ten-
year strategic plans while being creative with its budget.
4:30:30 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL moved to slide 24 and said Director
Shannon Dilley has worked for the Division of Juvenile Justice
(DJJ) for 25 years and provided information about DJJ as
follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Mission:
• Hold juvenile offenders accountable for their
behavior.
• Promote the safety and restoration of victims and
communities.
• Assist offenders and their families in developing
skills to prevent crime.
Facilities / Offices / Staff:
• 6 Youth Facilities
• 13 Probation Offices
• 426 Full Time Positions
FY2023 Budget: $60,950.5
4:31:55 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL turned to slide 25 and said critical
staffing shortages forced DJJ to temporarily combine the
detention and treatment units at Johnson Youth Center in Juneau
and the Fairbanks Youth Facility in 2022. One in six DJJ
facility positions is vacant. The staff have handled challenges
well. They continue to prioritize and provide innovative,
evidenced-based services for youth.
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL said DJJ has taken several steps to
address staffing challenges, including a salary study for
Juvenile Justice Officers that started in January 2023. Internal
workgroups focus on recruitment strategies, agency culture, and
other improvement efforts. Program improvements include
specialized treatment units for females, violent offenders,
substance abuse, and neurobehavioral units. These programs
address the individualized needs of the youth in Alaska's care.
4:32:53 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL advanced to slide 26 and expressed
appreciation to Senator Wilson and his colleagues for the
passage of HB 105 that went into effect July 1, 2021. House Bill
105 was an omnibus piece of legislation that updated the
definition of DJJ staff and facilities and brought Alaska into
compliance with federal law related to minors waived into the
adult justice system. Previously minors 16 or older arrested for
certain serious crimes were sent directly to adult jail. Adult
facilities have difficulty managing these youth, often housing
them in segregation units. Since the implementation of House
Bill 105, 15 minors facing adult criminal charges have been held
in DJJ facilities pending the outcome of their criminal cases or
upon reaching the age of 18. Two waived minors are housed in DJJ
facilities at this time. DFCS appreciates its partnerships with
the Department of Public Safety and the Department of
Corrections in this effort.
4:33:58 PM
CHAIR WILSON asked if the closing of the DJJ facility in Nome
has impacted villages in the surrounding area and where Nome
youth are housed.
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied that closing facilities and
services impacts communities. Youths are transported to other
facilities depending on charges, treatment plans, and staffing
levels.
4:34:59 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL said she brings a heart of service to
the commissioner position. She has connected with staff,
partners, and constituents at sites throughout Alaska. She looks
forward to collaborating with current partners and establishing
new ones. She is grateful for resilient employees who help
Alaskans address very stressful and complex situations. She
noted it is humbling to listen to individuals express both
accolades and criticisms as DFCS explores solutions that are in
the best interests of individuals.
4:37:08 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked for a summary of any information technology
(IT) challenges DFCS may be experiencing following the
bifurcation of the Health and Social Services Department.
4:37:42 PM
ACTING COMMISSIONER KOVOL replied that DFCS is facing technology
challenges. Like DOH, DFCS faces a technology debt with legacy
issues that need addressing. OCS is finishing a study of its
Online Resource for the Children of Alaska (ORCA) system. There
are opportunities for matching federal and state funds to offset
the cost of replacing the system. The new system must be able to
communicate with partner systems to avoid delays in services to
constituents. DFCS and DOH are working together to prioritize
needs as implementations begin.
4:39:21 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR stated he appreciates DFCS's push to offer online
applications. IT upgrades are expensive but crucial.
4:40:14 PM
SENATOR TOBIN stated that keeping children in their communities
is important to her, and she appreciates the department's work.
4:41:05 PM
CHAIR WILSON thanked DFCS for the update. He stated the services
the department provides are crucial and should be supported.
4:43:03 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Wilson adjourned the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting at 4:43 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SHSS-Family and Community Services-Overview 1.26.23 final.pdf |
SHSS 1/26/2023 3:30:00 PM |
Department of Family and Community Services Overview 1.26.23 |