State Agency Initiative Project
Clinton Alford
MGT/522 – Public Administration: Institutions and Processes
August 11, 2014
Instructor Eddie Gordon

State Agency Initiative Project The focus of this project will center on South Carolina Initiative called “Strengthening Families South Carolina.” In this project, the subject to discuss will be to recognize where this initiative began at the state level and how it was supported. Most important, the subject to discuss is how the initiative influences local government and communities and recognize how this initiative was implemented at the agency using the personnel structure. The subject to discuss in this project is also to deliberate if privatization is a better alternative to carry out this initiative. Finally, I will present an organizational chart of the South Carolina Department of Social Services that displays the relationship between the state government’s structure with the local government’s structure, along with each component’s function and how privatization influences both state and local structures. Identify where this initiative originated at the state level and how it was supported The South Carolina State Initiative “Strengthening Families South Carolina” is conducted by the Children’s Trust of South Carolina (SCDSS, 2012). Most important, this initiative is a foundation created by the Center for the Study of Social Policy over the last ten years to stop child neglect and abuse (SCDSS, 2012). At first, The Strengthening Families South Carolina Program was implemented in drug courts, schools, community mental health centers, churches, and public housing communities (SCDSS, 2012). The South Carolina Department of Social Services supported the Strengthening Families South Carolina initiative for the purpose to educate, train, and assists them in carrying out effective practices within their everyday program strategies. How this initiative influences local government and communities and recognize how this initiative was implemented at the agency using the personnel structure As stated earlier, the Strengthening Families of South Carolina Initiative was implemented in drug courts, schools, community mental health centers, churches, and public housing communities (SCDSS, 2012). The South Carolina Department of Social Services along with other state agencies implemented this initiative to train their workers and clients in effective practices to stop child abuse and neglect and build strong family bonds. Most important, South Carolina Department of Social Services along with other state and local government agencies believe that this initiative can heal broken families and reduce domestic violence or crimes against children. The South Department of Social Services starting with the State Director down to the County Directors knew they had to form partnerships with community-based organizations for the reason to strengthen family support within the local community. The Strengthening Families of South Carolina Initiative is a powerful program for the South Carolina Department of Social Services because it guarantees social safety for families and children through community support systems (SCDSS, 2012). Consider if privatization is a better alternative to implement this initiative In my opinion, privatization is not a better alternative to implement this initiative. The funding that goes into this initiative comes from the South Carolina state government. In 2012, the state of South Carolina gave the Department of Social Services a five-year $1.9 million annual contract allowing this initiative to correlate and produce family strengthening and case management services to many families across the South Carolina region. Despite the economic crisis facing the state of South Carolina, the state government believes this initiative should be properly funded for the purpose to make families stronger and state agencies to be more efficient (SCDSS, 2012). The state government should be the primary financial resource for this program instead of some private firm or business. However, the Department of Social Services has contracted with the private sector and other state agencies in purchasing new computers, job training services to welfare clients, and placing children with adoptive families (SCDSS, 2012). Organizational chart of the South Carolina Department of Social Services that displays the relationship between the state government’s structure with the local government’s structure, along with each component’s function and how privatization influences both state and local structures (SCDSS, 2012). In the South Carolina Department of Social Services, any policy or decision that influences this agency comes from the governor. When the governor approves any policy or decision about the Department of Social Services, it is handed down to the State Director. The South Carolina Department of Social Services’ organizational structure is intended to efficaciously and competently carry out the action plans with accountability (SCDSS, 2012). Executive management from the state meets with influential staff members from all counties and programs to explain the core mission of the Department of Social Services, and verify outcomes, strategies, and action plans (SCDSS, 2012). These priorities are transmitted through presentations and meetings with community partners and leadership staff (SCDSS, 2012). Most important, the State Director and executive staff administers with regional, central, and county staff to disclose anticipations concerning ethical behavior, values, empowerment, and objectives (SCDSS, 2012). The County directors implement the policies of the state government to their local offices. However, the Department of Social Services receives their funds from the state government, but they do contract with IT experts to elaborate family independence, child welfare computer systems, and child support enforcement (SCDSS, 2012). These contracts influence both the local and state government structures of the Department of Social Services. Conclusion The Strengthening Familes of South Carolina initiative is a very important program for the Department of Social Services within state and local government structures. This initiative help strengthens families throughout the state of South Carolina. Most important, the Strengthening Familes of South Carolina initiative helps prevents child neglect and abuse. Along with helping clients to become better parents and productive members in society, this initiative trains and educates social workers to become more efficient in handling cases. Reference The Website of the South Carolina Department of Social Services. (2012). South Carolina Department of Social Services. Retrieved from https://dss.sc.gov/