Re-Thinking the Niagara County Department of Social Services, Preparing DSS for the Future - August 2001

Publication Date: August 2001

Publisher: Center for Governmental Research Inc.

Author(s): Donald Pryor; Kim Hood

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Government Management; Human Services; Organizational Development

Type: Report

Coverage: New York

Abstract:

One of the top priorities identified by the Niagara County Legislature from a county-wide CGR study was the need for an in-depth assessment of the Department of Human Services, and ways in which it needs to rethink its mission, functions and structure in light of welfare reform, changing county demographics, rapidly increasing Medicaid expenditures, and numerous other internal and external factors facing the department.

CGR completed a report recommending changes designed to clarify and strengthen the department’s mission; streamline the department’s operations; and reorganize several units of the department along more rational, efficient and functional lines, while at the same time improving services and saving taxpayers money. Many of the report recommendations have already been implemented.