Preventive Measures for Social Ills Sought

The Board of Supervisors this week directed county officials to identify preventive health-care and social-services programs that might receive more money in next fiscal year’s budget.

Board Chairman William G. Steiner proposed the action, saying the county needs to refocus priorities on programs that prevent larger social ills and “get the greatest return on our expenditures.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, representatives from the United Way, Orange County Health Care Council and other private nonprofit groups spoke in favor of Steiner’s request.

“It’s important that we stress prevention now instead of intervention later,” said Tim Shaw of United Way.

Steiner is asking that county officials consider funding increases in fiscal 1997-98.

The plan does not call for new taxes or fees. Rather, it asks department managers to adjust their budgets to put more money with the most effective programs.

“We spend $1 on prevention for every $10 we spend on remediation or ‘damage control,’ ” Steiner said. “A strategy that strengthens families . . . can break the cycle of dependency that causes many social ills.”

Also Tuesday, the board accepted a $10,000 donation from the Child Abuse Prevention Council for children’s services. Supervisors praised the organization for its efforts to keep a South County children’s services center open.