The County of Santa Clara Children, Seniors, and Families Committee convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss ongoing initiatives and improvements in service delivery for families and children. The meeting focused on enhancing interdepartmental relationships, addressing legal consultation processes, and improving communication strategies.

The session began with a discussion on the importance of building relationships between behavioral health and social workers. Committee members emphasized that fostering connections among departments can lead to quicker service delivery for families. The idea of "warm handoffs" was highlighted as a crucial practice to ensure families receive timely support.

Next, the committee addressed updates on legal consultations. Members expressed satisfaction with the ongoing monitoring of legal issues affecting service delivery. Feedback from staff indicated a desire for more transparency regarding the tracking of legal consultations and the speed of case transitions into court. The committee plans to hold additional drop-in sessions to gather more feedback and ensure staff concerns are addressed.

Training sessions for county legal counsel were also discussed, with a focus on structured decision-making tools. This training was well-received and aimed at enhancing the legal team's understanding of the processes involved in child welfare cases.

The meeting also included insights from a recent meeting with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). The committee discussed strategies for effectively communicating staff feedback and ensuring that management remains responsive to concerns. Emphasis was placed on the need for intentional communication, especially given the challenging nature of child welfare work.

In conclusion, the committee acknowledged the progress made in improving relationships and communication within the department. Members expressed gratitude for the efforts to recognize and address staff concerns, highlighting the importance of closing the feedback loop to enhance overall service delivery. The committee plans to continue its focus on these areas in future meetings, ensuring that the needs of families and staff remain a priority.