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TextHuman Services Council
The Human Services Council was created in 1988 to advance the interests of the Board of Supervisors and foster the achievement of the adopted county goal for human services:
Fairfax County should provide a range of services and facilities for all residents, so that they may sustain a secure and productive lifestyle. Each individual should have the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency and function to the limits of his or her ability, particularly in providing family stability.
FY 2010 County Budget Challenges
The Human Services Council appreciates the opportunity to provide comment and guidance on development of the FY 2010 budget. Fairfax County faces unprecedented budget challenges, the depth and scale of which continue to expand. The Council understands the ramifications of the estimated $650 million budget shortfall and acknowledges that difficult reductions in programs are required. These reductions will result in deterioration of needed services. The Council has made a concerted effort in all our recommendations to preserve basic service levels.
On December 18, 2008, Chairman Kevin Bell submitted the Human Services Council's letter and supporting attachments (Attachment A - HSC Impact Ranking of Proposed Lines of Business Reductions by Department - detailed and summary) to County Executive, Anthony H. Griffin and to the Chairman and Members of the Board of Supervisors.
On February 23, 2009, County Executive Tony Griffin presented the FY2010 Advertised Budget to the Human Services Council. At this meeting, the Council was presented a Summary of County Executive's Proposed Reductions to Human Services. Additionally, a letter went to all Human Services Boards, Authorities, and Commissions; Community Nonprofit Organizations; and the Human Services Leadership Team announcing meeting dates in March for oral presentations on the advertised budget reductions.
During the month of March, multiple meetings were scheduled around the FY 2010 Advertised Budget. On March 4, 2009, Deputy County Executive Verdia Haywood presented the FY 2010 Advertised Budget Plan Analysis highlighting cross-cutting impacts to Human Services issues. Human Services Council meetings were scheduled to hear oral presentations regarding the proposed budget reductions affecting Human Services programs. After hearing the oral presentations, the Human Services Council formulated its recommendations regarding the FY 2010 Advertised Budget Plan presented to the Board of Supervisors on Monday, March 23.
Distinct Roles of the Council in the Human Services System
- Analyze the needs and effectiveness of the human services system;
- Advise the system on annual and strategic goals, objectives and priorities, in consideration of the requirements on non-county funding;
- Enhance the coordination of services among human service providers, both public and private;
- Serve as liaison to governing and advisory boards of existing human services organizations, and to the community on human services issues.
Community Challenges
The Community Challenges Brochure provides highlights and statistics about the Human Services System response to community needs. The community challenges brochure has been used as the basis for the Human Services Performance Budget, as a tool in evaluating the county executive's advertised budget plans, and as a guide for setting priorities.
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