Reinstatement Of Childcare Subsidies

SYNOPSIS

To provide childcare subsides to Prince George's county low income families seeking assistance.

Community Need

Less than three years ago, Prince George's county Department of Human Services (DHS) childcare subsidy program once provided assistance to low income working families. However do to budget cuts and decrease federal funding; only welfare recipients are able to receive childcare vouchers. The problem is, childcare vouchers should not be limited to only welfare recipients; working families are in greater need of assistance because of obligations to their employers and established household responsibilities.

Request from Prince George's low income residents

The Department of Human Services have received an abundant amount of requests from primarily single parent households who are unable to hold steady employment due to the lack of childcare assistance. Within our mission statement, it is our duty to provide for each child when the parent is not able to meet the basic needs to sustain life. Prince George's county low income residents should not be excluded from receiving assistance; without it negative alternatives happening.

Who Should Receive

In working for the Department of Human Services, adequate services are not being distributed to all persons in need. By providing childcare vouchers to low income families and welfare recipients who are actively seeking employment our organization will not have to support the total needs of a of families.

Department Problem

In reviewing the current budget, funding is available to assist low income families in need however on a limited bases. Our department have discovered inventive ways to help low income families receive childcare subsides and prevent an epidemic of job loss, hunger and broken families within Prince George's county.

What Can Be Done

If the department would review, except and take action now, prevention can be the key element in resolving request and complaints brought by residence of Prince George's county. Displacement families, future financial burdens on the counties budget and rising crime rates can be avoided if recommendations are implemented . Introduction

Less than three years ago, Prince George's county Department of Human Services (DHS) childcare subsidy program once provided assistance to low income working families. However do to budget cuts and decrease federal funding; only welfare recipients are able to receive childcare vouchers. The problem is, childcare vouchers should not be limited to only welfare recipients; working families are in greater need of assistance because of obligations to their employers and establish household responsibilities.

The Department of Human Services have received an abundant amount of requests from primarily single parent households who are unable to hold steady employment due to the lack of childcare assistance. Low income working families cannot afford a childcare and keep shelter, food, medical and clothing expenses paid without suffering financially. Within our mission statement, it is our duty to provide for each child when the parent is not able to meet the basic needs to sustain life. Prince George's county low income residents should not be excluded from receiving assistance.

Request from Department of Human Services Clients

The Department of Human Services currently provides services to almost 18, 000 Prince George's county residents. End of the end of fiscal year totals, averaged about 17, 774 cases reviewed by managers applications of families seeking financial assistance with childcare.

Department of Human Services staff consists of 432 employees within the Landover, Hyattsville and Temple Hills locations. Having over 175 clients in each business day places a burden ful on caseworker employees. Clients seeking assistance are low income families' primary single parent households are unable to hold steady employment due to the lack of childcare assistance.

Low income working families cannot afford a childcare bill of $500 - $800 per child every month and keep shelter, food, medical and clothing expenses paid without suffering financial lack; without the assistance of childcare available negative results can occur.

Department of Human Services Mission Statement

We will aggressively pursue opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide prevention services, and protect vulnerable children and adults. Our Mission is based on the following principles:

- "Work is indispensable for achieving independence.

- Partnerships and alliances with business and the community are critical to our customers' ability to achieve and maintain independence.

- Families should be the first resource for the emotional and financial support of their children and other family members. Assistance is provided to people while honoring individual and group differences.

- Empowerment is essential to the provision of human services".

Department of Human Services Interest

Our mission statement supports inheres the request of our clients. Our goal is to help our clients achieve independence