1
CITY & SCHOOLS STAFF GROUP
WORK PLAN REPORT
March 24, 2014
(Recent entries provided in Purple)
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
Youth Master Plan 1. Develop YMP Design Team DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 11/12 Completed. Effort was devoted to assuring the 35-
member Design Team was representative of
community stakeholders, with representation from
community stakeholders.
2. Create Stakeholders Communications Strategy,
including Online Engagement strategy (polling,
etc.)
DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 12/12 Implementation of communications plan is
ongoing, through the final adoption of the plan.
3. Create vision and broad statement of desired
youth outcomes, indicators and root causes
DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 2/13 Completed.
4. Conduct community forum (3) DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 2/13 Completed. Approximately 300 adults & youth
attend the forum and broke into workgroups to
examine data, identify priority issues, discuss the
root causes & local conditions behind those issues,
& suggest solutions.
Nine forums were held for ACPS students – three
at each middle school and three at the Alternative
Education program.
5. Create Youth Wellbeing Profile DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 4/1/13 Draft completed; Development of a profile of
youth well-being using demographic data,
strategic plans, need assessments, youth surveys,
& a gap analysis of available & needed youth
services/programming.
6. Draft of strategies and action steps DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 5/13 Completed
7. Develop draft youth master plan DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 6/13-10/13 Completed; Draft plan to be distributed for review
and comment by 10/31/13.
2
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
8. Conduct communitywide review of draft plan DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 10/13-11/13 City & School staff team provided staff support to
the Children, Youth & Families Collaborative
Commission’s four community meetings (one in
each School District):
o William Ramsey, Nov. 7
o Minnie Howard Campus, Nov. 9
o Charles Houston Center, Nov. 14
o T C Williams High School, Dec.16
9. Develop final YMP DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 12/13 -2/14 Children, Youth & Families Collaborative
Commission’s Executive Committee (CYFCC) is
currently reviewing all comments from the community
forums and those submitted online and/or other
sources. Final draft will be presented for CYFCC
adoption by 2/14.
10. Final review & adoption by Children, Youth &
Families Collaborative Commission
DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 3/14
11. Submit plan to School Board & City Council for
adoption
DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 5/14 -6/14
12. Begin implementation of plan
DCHS/CCF/
OYS
All CSSG 7/14
Disproportionality
1. Develop overarching goal ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr
DCHS/CCYF/
CW
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CSU
X/HD/EPI/Nur
CIS Yth Svs
12/12 Decrease disproportionality across systems to
improve outcomes for children (Requires CSSG
Action).
Some of the related action steps will be
captured in the City’s new focus areas as long
term outcomes; i.e.,”8. Ensure all children and
youth thrive and succeed…”
2. Develop agency disproportionality
definitions/parameters
ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr
DCHS/CCYF/
CW
RPCA Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CSU
HD/EPI/Nur
5/12
CSU incorporates Department of Juvenile Justice
standards into decision making regarding over-
representation of minorities in detention and who
have contact within the system. The DJJ
Detention Assessment Instrument is a tool used to
3
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
Police/CIS
Yth Svs
4/13-10/13
guide system contact and detention decisions by
Intake Officers. This objective instrument is
designed to enhance consistency and equity in the
system contact and detention decision making
process (this reflects being attuned to
disproportionate minority contact, as well as
confinement).
DCHS Child Welfare developed agency
definitions.
AHD staff collaborated with Partnership for A
Healthier Alexandria to complete work with the
YRBS. AHD staff worked with ACAP to analyze
and better understand Teen Pregnancy and ITOP
rates.
Completed: AHD participation on Early
Childhood Task Force related to health disparities
related to birth outcomes and early childhood
health indicators.
3. Collect & review agency data on
disproportionality
ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr
DCHS/CCYF/
CW
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CSU
HD/EPI/Nur
Police/CIS
Yth Svs
5/12
Ongoing
ACPS, CSU, DCHS DSS &Health Department
provided initial disproportionality data.
YRBS and Teen Pregnancy: All HD programs
watch CD trends and usage of facility trend to
discern patterns and identify needs.
-AHD regularly collects and reviews indicators
for prenatal care, birth outcomes, postpartum
care, family planning, infant/child health,
breastfeeding, WIC, Immunizations, STIs, TB,
etc.
-Nursing Div. represented on Early Intervention
Coordinating Council in collaboration with Early
Intervention (DCHS) and Child Find Services
(ACPS).
4. Research best practices & experiences of
other jurisdictions
ACPS DCHS/CCYF/
CW
Rec. Svcs/Arts
CSU
1/14
Ongoing
Proposal developed for Council of Governments
bring in experts to CSSG.
YRBS and Teen Pregnancy: Work on ACAP sub
committees to identify ways to engage Latino
4
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
X/HD/EPI/Nur
CIS Yth Svs community. AHD Health Educator sits on Teen
outreach workgroup and TWC Nurse Practitioner
is on ACAP as well. PHN Supervisor sits on TWC
steering committee and School Health Advisory
Board.
Epi/Nursing participation on Early Childhood
Task Force and Children, Youth, and Families
Commission; ongoing research on best practices
from other communities.
AHD Nursing/WIC participation on steering
committee of ACPS Mobile Health Unit initiative.
Alexandria’s Childhood Obesity Action Network
(ACOAN) with representation from AHD, DCHS,
and ACPS, as well as other community partners is
gathering information on best practices towards
childhood obesity prevention.
AHD has representation on “Systems of Care”
Steering Committee which is researching best
practices for programs targeted towards at-risk
youth.
DJJ (CSU) is studying this matter throughout the
Commonwealth.
5. Establish goals & benchmarks ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr
DCHS/CCYF/
CW
RPCA Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CSU
HD/EPI/Nur
Police/CIS
Yth Svs
Ongoing ACAP, Partnership and ACPS driven work.
-AHD Maternal Child Health, Adolescent, WIC,
and Epi/CD/Immunization program areas routinely
work with ACPS/DCHS to establish common
goals, benchmarks, etc.
-ACOAN and Partnership for a Healthier
Alexandria collaborative work with community
partners to establish goals and objectives.
-AHD-Nursing represented on Alexandria
Community Policy and Management Team
(ACPMT) re CSA funding allocations for at-risk
children and families.
Emerging Adults
5
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
1. Define parameters/areas of focus ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr/
CMO/DCM
6/13-2/14 Some of the related action steps will be
captured in the City’s new focus areas as long
term outcomes; i.e., “6. Ensure the educational
and developmental attainment of all
residents”.
a. Workforce Development
DCHS/CES /
CCYF
ACPS/ Chief
Acd Ofr
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CSU
Police/
CIS Yth Svs
6/13-2/14 Alexandria Gang Prevention Community Task
Force Subcommittee on Job Readiness and
Graduation Rates has worked on support and
expansion of 21 workplace readiness skills
(through DOE) and includes a pilot on “real-
world” exposure and ethics training in conjunction
with the business community, the WIB and Career
and Technical Education.
The Alexandria and Regional Gang Task Forces
provided specific job opportunities for young
people involved in gang behavior and who were
re-entering into the community from incarceration.
JOBLink has inventoried the available services
that can be provided in-house for this population.
Implemented PluggedIn VA Grant (9/13) with first
cohort. 18 month program for students to earn a
GED, college credits, and industry certification to
support careers in the health care industry.
Collaboration between ACPS, NOVA, INOVA,
and JOBLink.
b. Connection to Services
ACPS rep/
CMO/
DCM
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CSU
HD/TCW
Police/
CIS Yth Svs
4/13-6/14
Ongoing
CSU Provided connection between CSSG and Job
Corps (10/13).
TWC provides a variety of health services, but is
not a medical home. Provider referrals are made
to Emergency room, FQHC or private sector as
need. TWC providers screen youth for mental
health and risky behaviors. They provide referrals
to counselors as appropriate. TWC also receives
and provides referrals to ACPS social workers and
Nurses as appropriate and works with DCHS etc.
6
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
Public Health Nurses (PHNs) collaborate with
ACPS nursing and social work staff to provide
case management for medically complex children
as well as at-risk pregnant and parenting teens and
their infants/children, facilitating access to health
services, including establishing care with a
medical home.
- Child and Adolescent Health, Immunization and
TB Nurses collaborate annually with ACPS
Nursing to provide school required immunizations,
TB screening, school entry and sports physicals.
c. Integrating Programs
DCHS/
CCYF/ECD/
BH
ACPS rep/ HD/TCW
4/13-6/14
Ongoing MOU in place with ACPS and Community
Service Board – which is the basis of our strong
collaboration and success of TWC.
Mobile Health Unit Steering Committee
participation.
ACPS-AHD school entry health related
requirements.
Treatment team case management with
representation from ACPS, AHD Nursing, DCHS,
Courts, Resource Mothers, etc.
d. Educational Options ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr
Library 6/13-6/14 Issue of human trafficking is more apparent.
Many efforts in the Northern Virginia region have
taken place, including the development and
enhancement of the Northern Virginia Regional
Human Trafficking Task Force. In 2010, the
Polaris Project deemed Virginia to be in the worst
tier (4) in their national assessment of states
responses to trafficking. In 2013, and was
reassessed in the best tier (1).
In addition to law enforcement efforts,
recommendations include education and
collaboration.
Gang Prevention Community Task Force
partnered with DCHS, CSU & the Best Practices
7
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
Court & trained nearly 200 City & School staff in
May, 2013, which was followed by multiple
trainings through the gang prevention coordinator
& collaboration meetings with public, non-profit,
school agencies and the FBI. The goal is to
recognize and help more victims, as law
enforcement provides more enhanced
enforcement.
Early Childhood Development
1. Locate/Identify space DCHS/
ECD/
CW/BH
ACPS/ Chief
Acd Ofr
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CMO/
DCM
HD/Nurs/WIC
Police/ CIS
Yth Svs
On-going
issue City staff surveyed all existing City owned or
managed sites but were unable to identify spaces
that would be appropriate for child care.
Child and Family Network Centers will open two
new Classrooms on Wheeler Avenue by early
January serving 34 children and have identified
new space for the Birchmere and Chiralagua
classrooms.
The Campagna Center identified space in a church
for one of their Jefferson-Houston Head Start
classrooms.
Two new (replacement) classrooms were opened by
CFNC. ACPS opened three additional classrooms
in 2013-2014.
AHD participates on the ACPS Mobile Health Unit
Steering Committee which is working to improve
access to medical, dental, immunizations, mental
health, and WIC services in underserved areas of
City.
Planning and Zoning processed 14 approvals for
new or expanded centers in 2013.
2. Increase access to pre-school DCHS/
CCF/
ECD/
ACPS/ Chief
Acd Ofr
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CMO/
DCM
HD/Nurs/WIC
Police/ CIS
June 30, 2014
City Council allocated $950,000 in FY14 to address
the Fee System waiting list and other early
childhood priorities. By the end of FY14, 100
additional children will be served.
The waiting list at the time these funds were
approved has been cleared and a plan to roll over
8
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
Yth Svs
Ongoing
unexpended funds to FY15 to continue services has
been developed.
The waiting list at the time these funds were
approved has been cleared and a docket memo is
scheduled for the December 10 Council meeting
with a plan for the remainder of FY14 and an on-
going plan, beginning in FY15.
VPI enrollment has increased city-wide, from 316
in 2011-2012, to 336 in 2012-2013, to 371 in 2013-
2014.
Nursing involvement on Early Childhood Task
Force and Early Intervention Coordinating Council.
-AHD provides pre-school physicals, TB screening,
and immunizations to meet health entry
requirements for pre-K.
VPI enrollment for SY13-14 is 371/389 seats
funded by the Commonwealth for a capture of 95%
of VPI funds – highest ever for Alexandria.
The waiting list at the time these funds were
approved has been cleared and a plan to roll over
unexpended funds to FY15 to continue services has
been developed.
The wait list time in June 2013 was eight months
and is now three months.
3. Align City, Schools & Nonprofit resources DCHS/
CCF/
ECD/
OYS
ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr/
CMO/DCM
HD/Nurs/WIC
Police/ CIS
Yth Svs/
Library
June 30, 2014
The City, ACPS and private programs partner on
the Virginia Preschool Initiative.
The City provides extensive training and support to
child care centers and family child care providers.
ACPS manages the Virginia Quality Rating
Improvement System (QRIS).
DCHS manages the Alexandria Fund for Human
Services which includes Children’s Priorities.
AFHS provides $907,202 to six non-profits in
support of early childhood care and education and
support services.
9
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
Ongoing
The 2015 proposed budget includes a 5.5% cut to
AFHS and the elimination of the early childhood
training specialist.
City and School staff met on October 25 and
December 12 to discuss early childhood strategy
and planning.
Nursing/Epi representation on Early Childhood
Task Force.
AHD Nursing represented on ACPMT; goals
include: preventing at-risk children from being
placed outside the community for needed services
and strengthening existing partnerships and
resources.
WIC enrollment in conjunction with annual Head
Start enrollment.
Strengthening Families
1. Develop focal areas Ongoing ARHA designated staff person to work as ACPS
liaison for parents. Emphasis at ARHA/ACPS
FACE Centers established to support students and
parents K thru 8th grade.
ARHA Strategic Plan provides for working with
various community groups in achieving multiple
goals towards providing affordable housing and
resident self-sufficiency inclusive of education,
employment and training.
a. Homeless children ACPS/ Chief
Policy &
Student Svs
Ofcr
DCHS/
ECD/
CW/BH
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CMO/
DCM
HD/Nurs/WIC
Police CIS Yth
Svs/SRO
6/13-6/14
Ongoing
AHD provides PHN case management services to
women, infants, and children in all homeless
shelters in the community.
-Annual Flu vaccine administered to families in
shelters through AHD EP&R/Nursing Programs.
-All homeless children in shelters have facilitated
access to PHN case management, child and
adolescent physical exams, dental, immunization,
10
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
WIC, and early intervention developmental
screening services through the Child Assessment
and Treatment Center for Health (CATCH), a
partnership between DCHS and AHD.
The Preschool Prevention Team in the Early
Childhood Division provides mental health services
to children in homeless shelters.
b. Disengaged children ACPS rep/ DCHS/
ECD/
CW/BH
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CMO/
DCM
CSU/
HD/Nurs/WIC
Police/ CIS
Yth Svs
6/13-6/14
Ongoing
Many efforts to address human trafficking in the
Northern Virginia region have taken place,
including the development and enhancement of the
Northern Virginia Regional Human Trafficking
Task Force. In 2010, the Polaris Project deemed
Virginia to be in the worst tier (4) in their national
assessment of states responses to trafficking, and
was reassessed in best tier (1) in 2013. In addition
to law enforcement efforts, recommendations
include education and collaboration. The Gang
Prevention Community Task Force partnered with
DCHS, CSU and the Best Practices Court and
trained nearly 200 City and school staff in May,
2013. This was followed by multiple trainings
through the gang prevention coordinator and
collaboration meetings with public, non-profit,
school agencies and the FBI. The goal is to
recognize and help more victims, as law
enforcement provides more enhanced enforcement.
AHD Nursing represented on ACPMT.
PHN services provided as needed for referrals for
shared case management via ACPS-DCHS-CSU
Treatment Teams.
T.C. Williams Satellite School, for high school
students needing a more flexible instructional
model, was revised and continued for Year 2 this
school year.
Chance for Change, a new program that replaces
the previous Alternative Education program for
11
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
middle and high school students needing fresh start
and/or more intensive supports, was established.
The gang Intervention Prevention Education
program continued through CSU to provide support
services for gang involved youth and families.
c. Health home HD/
Nurs/
TCW/
CH
DCHS/
ECD/
CW/BH
ACPS rep/ RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
Police/ CIS
Yth Svs
6/13-6/14
Ongoing
Teen Wellness Center (TWC) Provides a variety of
health related services but is not a medical home:
see our website for details: http://www.alexandriava.gov/TeenWellnessCenter
Youth complete Personal Health Questionnaire
which assesses youth for exposure to
violence/abuse, drug and/or alcohol use, risky
sexual behavior, mental health/depression/stress
etc.
AHD provides varied clinical services from 0-18
years, including well child, immunizations, dental,
WIC, TB, school entry, etc., as well as facilitates
access to a medical home for children and families.
AHD –King St./TWC does not function as a
medical home.
d. Increase economic stability DCHS/CES DCHS/
CCYF/ECD
ACPS/Depty
Supt
HD/Adm/Nurs
Police/ CIS
Yth Svs
6/13-6/14
Ongoing
TWC provides medical services free of charge,
thereby eliminating some financial stress related to
undiagnosed or unaddressed heath issues – targeted
toward preventing diseases, pregnancies etc.
Some AHD clinical services available for children
are free of charge, some are for Medicaid eligible
children, and some are accessible on an income-
based sliding scale.
Access to Medicaid applications are facilitated via
AHD services (Admin and Nursing Div)
WIC services available for eligible pregnant
women/teens and their families provide nutritional
resources, education, and lactation support to
12
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
supplement food expenses for low-income families.
e. Adult Education ACPS/ Chief
Acd Ofr
DCHS/
ECD/
CES
RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CMO/
DCM
Police/ CIS
Yth Svs
6/13-6/14 Implemented PluggedIn VA Grant (9/13) with first
cohort. 18 month program for students to earn a
GED, college credits, and industry certification to
support careers in the health care industry.
Collaboration between ACPS, NOVA, INOVA,
and JOBLink.
ELL Classes for newly arrived students ages 18 to
22 beginning January 2014.
f. Support/Coordinate mentoring efforts CSU DCHS/
CCYF/BH/
CW
ACPS rep/ RPCA/Rec.
Svcs/Arts
CMO/
DCM
CSU/
HD/TCW/
Library/ Police/ CIS
Yth Svs
6/13-Ongoing The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership, coordinated
through the CSU, has operated since 2007 and is a
collaboration of 11 professionally managed mentor
programs, staff and volunteers. Through the
Partnership, all programs, through MOA, adhere to
best-practice standards through the National
Mentoring Partnership. The Partnership is
responsible for more than 600 new mentors in 6
years.
The Partnership held a recruitment event during the
summer and will hold its annual recruitment event
in January, 2014 during National Mentoring Month,
for which the President of the United States offered
a proclamation. In addition, the community
programs unit of the CSU operates the SOHO
(Space of Her Own) program and the new Seaport
SOHO program designed for boys. These
programs operate with best-practice standards.
SOHO has received state and national acclaim.
TWC works with ACAP.
Provide PHN case management for at-risk teen
parent families in collaboration with ACPS social
workers, DCHS social work and mental health
staff, Court Services Unit, Resource
.Mothers/Healthy Families Programs.
AHD Nursing represented on ACPMT and
“Systems of Care” group which are both focused on
13
Action Steps/Description Lead
Agency(ies)
Collaborating
Agencies
Estimated
Timeframe
(Start Time
– End Time)
Status/Comments
supporting at-risk youth.
2. Assess the information & library services
needs of Alexandrians
Library FY 13-14
3/14
Conducted the first Library Services needs
assessment process in over a decade.
Assessment was based on data collection (customer
analytics, 3,800 surveys, Nov 2013 Benchmarking
Study & over 200 telephone surveys) and seven
focus groups.
Report will be finalized in March 2014; results will
be used to develop a roadmap for future Alexandria
library services.
3. Implement a local Let’s Move! initiative to
address the problem of obesity, so that
children born today will grow up healthier
and able to pursue their dreams
DCPA 10/13 -
Ongoing Completed a survey to participate in the Let’s
Move Campaign, in recognition of ongoing efforts
in Alexandria consistent with national goals.
Received notification from the National League of
Cities that Alexandra was the recipient of several
certificates/medals:
o Bronze and Silver Medals in Goal I: Start
Early, Start Smart
o Bronze Medal in Goal III: Smart Servings for
Students
o Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals in Goal V:
Active Kids at Play
14
CSSG WORK PLAN KEY
ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (ACPS)
Chief Acd Ofr – Chief Academic Officer
Chief Policy & Student Svs Ofcr - Chief Policy & Student Services
Officer
K-12 – Kindergarten through 12th
Grade
Partnerships
Student Support
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE (CMO)
DCM - Deputy City Manager
COURT SERVICE UNIT
CSU
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & HUMAN SERVICES
(DCHS)
BH - Behavioral Health
CYF - Center for Children & Families
CW – Child Welfare
ECD – Early Childhood Division
OYS – Office of Youth Services
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES (DRCA)
Arts – Office of the Arts
Rec. Svcs – Recreation Services Division
Park Ops – Park Operations
Park Planning
HEALTH DEPARTMENT (AHD)
Nurs - Nursing Division
HD - Health Director
EPI - Epidemiology
CH - Child Health
TWC - Teen Wellness Center
ADM - Administration
LIBRARY
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CIS – Criminal Investigations Section
Yth Svs – Youth Services