Orangewood Open Forum Update: Oct. 27, 2020
Last Wednesday’s Orangewood Open Forum agenda items included staff discussion on the impacts of the County VIP program on staff availability. This is an update specifically requested by OCEA members and workplace leaders. Other items included an update on COVID-19 Rapid Response testing and there was discussion on the Care Plan Developmental Form.
VIP vacancy backfilling and general recruitment efforts
Approximately 10 staff members separated from County service by taking advantage of the Voluntary Incentive Program (VIP). This program prohibits the backfilling of vacated VIP positions for at least one year. There is an exemption for positions deemed critical. The impact of the staff vacancies was described as minimal as the current population at Orangewood is 32 (low).
Six or seven people were hired as Extra Help, according to management. Filling the vacant Supplies Assistant position, which is deemed critical to OCFC, is in the last stages of approval before recruitment can start.
Update on COVID-19 Rapid Response testing
Orangewood Medical Unit has received some of the available Rapid Response test kits. Management noted that the rapid testing process is very expensive so a policy is being developed to determine the circumstances in which a rapid test would be used.
Beginning in September, both youth and staff have been tested weekly using non-rapid tests. Results for youth take 24-hours and staff receive their results within 48-hrs. Weekly tests have not resulted in any positives. As of now, the youth are not going to off-campus school and when they do, there will be some extra risk to Orangewood.
Mask policy, Stop Runs
A question about mask policy came up. Masks are mandatory at Orangewood for all Staff. You can click here to review State Guidelines. The question of plexiglass separation between cottage beds was also raised. The barriers are not deemed necessary at this time because non-sibling youth are not currently sharing bedrooms.
A "Roundtable" question regarding "Stop Runs" was raised. Stop Runs are only necessary for youth deemed a threat to themselves or others. A “Critical Run” list is updated and if a youth on that list runs, the Sheriff’s Dept. will send out a helicopter immediately. It is best to seriously consider whether a “Stop Run” is necessary as that requires physical restraint and can cause injury to youth or staff.
Suggestion Box question - Care Plan Developmental Form
Staff inquired if the Developmental Form is still required. Management stated it may be redundant with the Care Plan. The possibility of eliminating the form to reduce paperwork will be explored.
You can click here to read the Open Forum Agenda notes for highlights. If you have any questions about the Forum or the discussion items, please contact me at kwolf@ocea.org.
Thank you to all our members who participate in this collaborative process and for stepping up for your co-workers at OCFC.
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
