Employment & Family Services

Transcription

1 COMMISSIONERS Jimmy Dimora Timothy F. Hagan Peter Lawson Jones Cuyahoga County Commissioners Health & Human Services Employment & Family Services 4th quarter 29 Performance Report Available on the Cuyahoga County Website at: Employment & Family Services, 1641 Payne Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, (216) 987-7, FAX (216) Ohio Relay Service (TTY) The mission of Employment & Family Services is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the people of Cuyahoga County. We do this by providing access to jobs, benefits, and community services and by strengthening families.

2 Table of Contents 29 Year in Review. 3 Highlights..4 Services and Benefits Overall EFS Totals Cumulative Value and Composition of Benefits Households Served by Employment & Family Services Medicaid Medicaid Health Insurance Recipients in Cuyahoga County.6 Food Stamps EFS Households Receiving Food Stamps OWF Cash Assistance Households Receiving OWF Cash Assistance in Cuyahoga County Child Care Children in Subsidized Child Care in Cuyahoga County PRC Assistance PRC Vouchers and Expenditures Rates & Measures Overall EFS Measures Contracted Employment-Related Services and Their Outcomes Food Stamp Accuracy Rate Customer Satisfaction Survey Results OWF Clients Participation and Activity Rate for Households Receiving OWF Cash Assistance Month Recidivism Rate for Households who Successfully Left OWF Cash Assistance Year Caseload Trends for Medicaid, Food Stamps, OWF and Childcare..12 Sources/Glossary Neighborhood Family Service Center Listing

3 29 Year in Review In 29, Employment and Family Services served more families than ever before, reflecting the difficult economic conditions of Cuyahoga County. Increased unemployment, a weakened housing market, and price increases for basic services, such as gasoline, food and utilities, provided a struggle for many low-income families, forcing them to turn to EFS for the first time for assistance. At the same time, EFS faced a reduction of more than 25% in the number of staff due to the Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP). Staffing challenges and succession planning will be a key focus of 21. All Neighborhood Family Service Centers have new Center Managers, and will also have new Team Coordinators. Restructuring of services and locations is likely, and possible federal changes to Medicaid could increase our caseloads even further. Key highlights for 29 include: In December, the number of households served by EFS exceeded 133, for the first time ever. Caseloads increased every month in 29. More families than ever before are now receiving Food Stamps. In December, the Food Stamp caseload exceeded 114, households, an increase of 19% in 29 alone. Approximately 18% of the Cuyahoga County population is currently receiving Food Stamps. OWF Utilization dramatically increased by 17%. However, for households subject to 36 months of benefits, this increase was 43%, the largest increase since the inception of time limits. PRC utilization (emergency services) totaled more than $3.5 million. While this total was similar to last year s total, the percent of PRC dollars spent on utility assistance increased by 5%. Despite the increase in caseloads, EFS Staff managed to show improvement on some performance measures and other initiatives throughout the year. These improvements and initiatives include: The Food Stamp Accuracy Rate went up throughout the end of year, ultimately ending at 96.3%, up from 91.4% at the end of last year. An overall customer satisfaction rating of 81.4%, up from 73.7% from the end of last year. Cuyahoga County has the lowest rate of uninsured children of any large Metro County. EFS began the implementation of a front-end document imaging workflow process which will help process cases faster and more accurately. A variety of trainings were conducted throughout the year, including staff diversity trainings, expansion of an agency-wide communication initiative, Food Stamp training, and leadership training and succession planning. 3

4 HIGHLIGHTS 4th quarter Highlights Overall benefit usage continues to increase at an unprecedented rate for Food Stamps, OWF, and Medicaid. More than 133, Cuyahoga County households are now receiving services through EFS. The total number represents the highest number of households ever served by Employment & Family Services. Also, for the first time ever, more than 114, households are now receiving Food Stamps through EFS. In the last year, the number of food stamp households has increased by 19%. Medicaid enrollment has risen by 6% in the last 12 months. Also, following months of steady decline, the number of time-limited OWF families has increased by 44% in the last year. The number of households now receiving OWF is the highest since August 26. Households Served and Cumulative Value of Benefits In December 29, 133,749 households were served by Employment & Family Services. This is an increase of 4% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29 and 12% from 12 months ago. This total number also represents the highest number of families ever served by EFS. Medicaid and Food Stamp Enrollment In December 29, there were 252,882 Medicaid recipients in Cuyahoga County; 136,552 were children. This is an increase of 2% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, and 6% from 12 months ago. In December 29, 114,74 households were participating in the Food Stamp Program. This is an increase of 5% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, and 19% from 12 months ago. Of these households, 26,143 or 23%, had earned income. OWF Cash Assistance The number of OWF households in December 29 was 12,112, an increase of 5% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, and 17% from 12 months ago. Adult time-limited households were responsible for all of the increase. This is the highest increase since the implementation of welfare reform, and is the highest total since August 26. Of these households, 6,34 were subject to time limits and another 5,772 were child only households. Supportive Services-Child Care and PRC In addition to providing medical, cash and food assistance, EFS provides subsidized child care and emergency cash assistance (PRC program) to help clients obtain and retain employment. In December 29, 18,616 children received child care. This is an increase of two percent from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, but a decrease of 1% from 12 months ago. The recent state budget has eliminated the ELI program as of August 29, and reduced the eligibility level for new subsidized child care applicants from 2% to 15% of the federal poverty level. In December 29, there were 658 PRC issuances, totaling $248,7 dollars. This is a decrease of 39% from the end of the 3 rd quarter of 29, but an increase of 29% from 12 months ago. Historically, PRC utility assistance has been highest in the Fall. However, this year demand began to increase in the late Spring. Approximately 65% of all PRC usage is for utility assistance, and approximately 3% for rental assistance/security deposits. Rates and Measures Each month, EFS maintains data on performance measures, including the number of clients obtaining employment through EFS, the Food Stamp Accuracy Rate, and customer satisfaction. Also, specifically related to clients receiving OWF, the participation rate and recidivism rates are measured. The Performance Report is posted on a quarterly basis to the Employment and Family Services website, at For questions about this report, contact Kit Newell at (216)

5 Services and Benefits Cumulative Value (in millions) and Composition of Benefits Provided $3, $2,5 2,355.8 $2, $1,5 $1, $ $ $ , , , , , ,132.8 $ Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec '9 Child Care Cash Assistance Food Stamps In 29, more than $2.3 billion in benefits was provided by EFS. Medical Assistance is the greatest portion and Cash Assistance is our smallest portion of the months expenses Over the course of a year, these benefits generate a significant economic impact for the community at large. This economic impact, on an annual basis, contributes over $3 billion in output, $1 billion in earnings, and supports 35, jobs. Medicaid 5

6 Households Served by Employment & Family Services 15, 119,44 119, , , , ,29 126, , ,75 13, , ,749 1, 5, Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec '9 In December 29, 133,749 households were served by Employment & Family Services. This is an increase of 4% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29 and 12% from 12 months ago. This total number also represents the highest number of families ever served by EFS. Medicaid Health Insurance Recipients in Cuyahoga County 3, 25, Total Recipients 238, ,145 24, , , , ,11 247, , ,88 251,42 252,882 2, 15, 1, Children 13,157 13,244 13, , , , , ,42 134, , , ,552 18,522 18,91 19,554 11,285 11, , , , ,47 114, ,31 116,33 Adults 5, Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec '9 In December 29, there were 252,882 Medicaid recipients in Cuyahoga County; 136,552 were children. This is an increase of 2% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, and 6% from 12 months ago. 6

7 EFS Households Receiving Food Stamps 125, 1, 75, 5, 25, Total Households 96,6 96,71 99,93 11,472 12,935 14,82 16,693 18,39 19, ,44 112, ,74 73,627 74,452 76,521 78,464 79,351 8,781 82,327 83,883 85,237 86,131 87,414 88,561 Households without earned income 22,433 22,249 22,572 23,8 23,584 24,39 24,366 24,156 24,261 24,913 25,378 26,143 Households with earned income Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec '9 In December 29, 114,74 households were participating in the Food Stamp Program. This is an increase of 5% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, and 19% from 12 months ago. Of these households, 26,143 or 23%,had earned income. Households Receiving OWF Cash Assistance in Cuyahoga County thousands Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec '9 Child Only Adult OWF The number of OWF households in December 29 was 12,112, an increase of 5% from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, and 17% from 12 months ago. Adult time-limited households were responsible for all of the increase. This is the highest increase since the implementation of welfare reform, and is the highest total since August 26. Of these households, 6,34 were subject to time limits and another 5,772 were child only households. 244 of these households were receiving either a good cause or hardship extension of OWF benefits. In the fourth quarter of 29, 193 cases closed due to the client exhausting 36 months of OWF benefits. 7

8 Children in Subsidized Child Care in Cuyahoga County 2, 18,715 18,444 18,474 18,565 18,448 18,536 17,66 17,655 18,184 17,727 18,236 18,616 15, 1, 5, 1,828 1,762 1,858 1,971 2,3 2,15 2,81 1,853 Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec '9 State Subsidized Early Learning Initiative In December 29, 18,616 children received child care. This is an increase of two percent from the end of the 3rd quarter of 29, but a decrease of 1% from 12 months ago. The recent state budget has eliminated the ELI program as of August 29, and reduced the eligibility level for new subsidized child care applicants from 2% to 15% of the federal poverty level. PRC Vouchers and Expenditures I N T H O U S A N D S $ Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec '9 In December 29, there were 658 PRC issuances, totaling $248,7 dollars. This is a decrease of 39% from the end of the 3 rd quarter of 29, but an increase of 29% from 12 months ago. Historically, PRC utility assistance has been highest in the Fall. However, this year demand began to increase in the late Spring. Approximately 65% of all PRC usage is for utility assistance, and approximately 3% for rental assistance/security deposits. 8

9 Rates and Measures Contracted Employment-Related Services and Their Outcomes Placed in Job Working At Least 2 Months Working At Least 6 Months Chart looks at contracted services and job placements for OWF clients in 29. In 29, 347 clients were placed in employment; 179 maintained employment for at least 2 months, and 135 maintained their employment for 6 months. Food Stamp Accuracy Rate Oct '8 Nov '8 Dec '8 Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 The combined food stamp accuracy rate for September 29 is 96.3%. This percentage reflects the numbers for FFY 29 (Oct 8-Sept 9). The Food Stamp Accuracy rate is a cumulative rate, based on samples taken beginning in October of every fiscal year. 9

10 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 Dec ' Monthly Rate Average Rate for the last 12 months The Customer Satisfaction Survey chart shows the percentage of clients saying yes to the question, I was satisfied with the services I received at EFS. Information also obtained from the Customer Satisfaction survey in December said: o Approximately 71% of clients wait less than 15 minutes for their appointment. o More than 92% state that all questions about their benefits were satisfactorily answered. o Approximately 65% stated that their phone calls were returned within 24 hours. Participation Rate for Households Receiving OWF Cash Assistance 1% 75% 5% 25% 23.3% 18.3% % Dec '8 Jan '9 Feb '9 Mar '9 Apr '9 May '9 Jun '9 Jul '9 Aug '9 Sep '9 Oct '9 Nov '9 2-Parent Participation Rate 2-Parent Participation Goal All-Family Participation Rate All-Family Participation Goal The above chart shows the All-Family and 2-Parent Participation rates for OWF households required to participate in work, training, or education activities. 1

11 12-Month Recidivism Rate for Households who Successfully Left Cash Assistance 4% 3% 2% 36.% 33.1% 3.7% 26.5% 22.9% 23.1% 23.7% 27.1% 19.9% 26.8% 1% % The recidivism rate looks at how many recipients, who close their OWF case successfully, return to OWF cash assistance within 12 months. Click HERE for the definition of successful closure. Data for 29 is final for the calendar year. 11

12 3-Year Caseload Comparisons Medicaid Recipients 3, 235,98 238, ,882 2, 1, Dec '7 Dec '8 Dec '9 Medicaid enrollment has begun to dramatically increase in the last 12 months. In the last year, the Medicaid enrollment total has increased by 6%, and 8% in the last two years. Food Stamp Recipients 25, 2, 15, 186,59 2,11 233,228 1, 5, Dec '7 Dec '8 Dec '9 In the last two years, the number of Food Stamp recipients has increased by 25%. The number of Food Stamp recipients is currently the highest total ever served by EFS. 12

13 OWF Recipients 3, 22,547 21,188 25,594 2, 1, Dec '7 Dec '8 Dec '9 Following months of steady declines, in the last year, the number of recipients utilizing OWF has begun to rise. In the last 12 months, the number of OWF recipients has increased by 21%, the largest increase since the inception of welfare reform in Child Care Recipients 25, 2, 21,82 21,268 2,117 1,754 15, 1, 5, 19,73 19,514 18,616 Dec '7 Dec '8 Dec '9 State Subsidized Early Learning Initiative As economic conditions have worsened and the unemployment rate has risen, fewer people are utilizing subsidized child care. The recent state budget has eliminated the ELI program as of August 29, and reduced the eligibility level for new subsidized child care applicants from 2% to 15% of the federal poverty level. 13

14 Sources/Glossary Cumulative Value (in Millions) and Composition of Benefits Provided by EFS IMF reports, including HSIM 22-4 and HSIM 14-6 State reports, including BOMM 1321, BOMC926, GRP34RA, GRP342RA, Child Care Report NMR12RA U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Indicators Households Served by Employment & Family Services HSIM 22 Reports; Directors Aging Report, County Profiles from Ohio Department of Development Medicaid Health Insurance Recipients in Cuyahoga County HSIMMED2, a monthly analysis of cases and individuals Households Receiving Food Stamps in Cuyahoga County HSIM 22-4 report Households Receiving OWF Cash Assistance in Cuyahoga County Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS), GRP219RD Report Children in Subsidized Child Care in Cuyahoga County State Report NMR12RA Utilization Analysis by Child PRC Vouchers and Expenditures HSIMERT-3 report Contracted Employment-Related Services and Their Outcomes EFS Provider Gateway Reports; EFS Division of Contracting Food Stamp Accuracy Rate ODHS Dollar Error Rate reports provided monthly Customer Satisfaction Survey Results EFS Participant Services Participation Rate for Households Receiving OWF Cash Assistance ODJFS GRP51RA report 12 Month Recidivism Rate for Households who Successfully Left OWF Cash Assistance Center on Urban Poverty and Social Change, Case Western Reserve University Employment & Family Services Staff 14

15 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Benefits Distributed: Employment & Family Services is responsible for making the following benefits available to clients: Food Stamp Benefits, Ohio Works First Payments, Disability Assistance, OSS, Medicaid to Adults, Medicaid to Children, Day Care Benefits, Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Benefits, Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) Benefits 12-Month Recidivism Rate for Recipients who Successfully Left OWF Cash Assistance: Each month, the number of recipients who left due to success (see above definition) is tracked for one year to determine how many return to cash assistance. Data has been tracked on these recipients from Only recipients who close due to success are included in the recidivism rate. Food Stamp Accuracy Rate: ODHS rolling review of Cuyahoga County s effectiveness in determining client eligibility for food stamp benefits. ODHS examines a small number of food stamp cases per month to determine if appropriate eligibility determinations were made. The error rate refers to the percentage of dollars authorized over or under the correct amount for those cases being examined. Neighborhood Family Service Centers Fairfax 8111 Quincy Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 4414 Gene Walton, Center Manager (216) Glenville St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 4418 Yolanda Squire, Center Manager, (216) Mt. Pleasant Kinsman Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 4412 Leisha Coggins, Center Manager, (216) Old Brooklyn 4421 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio Anthony Forbes, Center Manager, (216) Southgate /2 Northfield Rd., Maple Hts., Ohio Adrienne Waugh, Center Manager, (216) Virgil E. Brown 1641 Payne Ave., Room 21E, Cleveland, Ohio Christy Nicholls, Center Manager, (216) Westshore 983 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 4412 Marlene Robinson-Statler, Center Manager, (216) Jobs, Education, 1641 Payne Ave., Room 4W, Cleveland, Ohio and Training (JET) Chris Frech, Center Manager (216) Center (OWF Recipients) 15