Youth & Family Services Gift Card Administrative Regulation February 22, 2011

Presentation Overview Purpose Background Requested Action

Purpose The YFS Division is requesting BCC approval of an Administrative Regulation that supports the current gift card process.

Presentation Overview Purpose Background Requested Action

Gift cards have been used in our residential programs since at least 1999 under the auspices of the Children and Family Services Board The Children and Family Services Board was initially created by ordinance in 1965 Members of the Children and Family Services Board are appointed by the County Commissioners and include one County Commissioner appointed by the Mayor Background

Powers and Duties of the CFS Board include: Soliciting/obtaining donations to directly benefit the children at Great Oaks Village and clients of other programs operated by the division Meet regularly with division staff May issue written reports and recommendations to the Mayor, the board of county commissioners or the county administrator regarding the services provided or recommended to be provided by the division Background

CFS Board Members: Warren Kenner, Chair Jackie Kelvington, Vice-Chair Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell Traci Woods Simonetta Grace Carrell-Knapp Carol Spencer Shelman Alexander Lasonja Black Leah Shepherd Kevin Johnson Wanda Brewer Laura Myers (Honorary)

Examples of CFS Board Activities Actively participate in fund raising events, e.g., Christmas Kickoff Luncheon Designate and review how donated funds should be spent, i.e. Trauma Informed Care Initiative, gift cards for recognition and reward for residents, etc.

Why are gift cards provided? Most businesses have replaced Gift Certificates with gift cards Normalcy for our residents Behavior Modification Recognition for accomplishments

How are gift cards used? Residential programs: Birthday gifts Christmas gifts Graduation gifts Education progress/good report cards Good behavior/achieving behavioral goals

What are the amounts? Holidays –GOV & LHIC: Up to $200 –Youth Shelter: Up to $100 Birthdays –$25 Graduation –HS or GED: $100 –AA or Voc Certificate: $250 –BA: $500 Report Cards –Up to $75 (max. 4 times per year) Behavior Modification Incentives –Up to $100 per year

What resources pay for the gift cards? Donations from the Community The Children and Family Services  Board Fund

What controls are in place? Gift cards are purchased the same day as distributed or stored in locked boxes in locked offices A tracking log is completed Gift cards are presented with 2 staff members present The recipient signs for receipt of the card Younger children are accompanied by staff when using the card for purchases

Presentation Overview Purpose Background Requested Action

Approval of the proposed Administrative Regulation titled “Gift Card Guidelines for Child and Youth Residential Programs.”

Youth & Family Services Gift Card Administrative Regulation February 22, 2011