Ways to Maximize O.C. Welfare Funding : * Administrators Should Look Into Recommendations Offered in Agency’s Report

It’s a dubious distinction, but Orange County now leads the state of California in growth of welfare cases. County officials warn against making a link between such increases and local demographic changes. But there’s no doubt that the county is transforming from an all-white suburban enclave into a multicultural urban area with an economically divergent population. If Orange County is to grow stronger during this time of transition, leaders must devise new ways to maximize help for those who need it.

The county Social Services Agency, recognizing that this is a time of tremendous change, has drawn up a report that is distinguished by its attempt to offer solutions, rather than simply lament the situation. The Board of Supervisors should study the report and its recommendations. Among them are:

Prevention: Virtually all of the programs, from Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) to medical care, deal with emergencies. In the long run, this putting-out-fires mentality costs society much more than preventive programs, such as job training or vaccinations. After taking office in January, Gov. Pete Wilson said he was committed to a policy of prevention, a welcome change of course for the state. Local supervisors also must begin to take the long view.

Efficiency: County administrators say that, for example, if eligibility requirements for AFDC and the food stamp program, which serve approximately the same clients, were the same, it could save local administrative costs. But changing federal regulations would require the active support of county legislators.

Public-Private: Orangewood Children’s Home in Orange is an outstanding example of a public-private partnership. There are things that could be done to facilitate other such partnerships, including changes in tax codes. The Board of Supervisors and county legislators in Sacramento and Washington could take the lead in such efforts.

Maximizing federal revenue: County administrators have accused the state of failing to go after federal money available for certain social services programs, such as in-home supportive services. In some instances, minor adjustments in federal law may be required, but only the state could make requests for those changes. Orange and other counties, however, should pressure the state to pursue this effort.

The report contains other good recommendations as well that could help ease the county into its future. County leaders would do well to heed the advice in these changing times.