October 2017
In this month's edition:

  • DHS explores options for merit-based hiring
  • Reducing racial disproportionality in child welfare
  • Area Agency on Aging achieves national accreditation
  • AmeriCorps KEYS participates in 2017 Western Pennsylvania National Service Launch
  • Kudos: Jaquayla Huger
  • Kudos: Deborah Moncrieff
  • Kudos: Mary Ryan-Nelson
  • New report: Homicides in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, 2010-2015 

 News articles are uploaded to the DHS website as soon as they become available. For the most up-to-date news, visit  DHS News online . 
DHS explores options for merit-based hiring

Over the last few months, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has begun exploring options to eliminate gaps, find problem areas, and address challenges in recruitment, performance, and retention .
Reducing racial disproportionality in child welfare

In 2014, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) undertook the important task of improving racial equity in its child welfare services .
Area Agency on Aging achieves national accreditation

Earlier this month, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) was notified that it had received full accreditation for case management for long term services and supports (CM-LTSS) from the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA). Previously reserved for health organizations, this is the first time that this accreditation has been awarded for case management services .
AmeriCorps KEYS participates in 2017 Western Pennsylvania National Service Launch

On October 27, 50 AmeriCorps KEYS (Knowledge to Empower Youth to Success) members joined national and state service programs from all over Western Pennsylvania to celebrate the power of national and community service at the National Service Launch .
Kudos: Jaquayla Huger

Natalie Jones, regional office director at Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Central Regional Office, received a voicemail commending Jaquayla Huger, caseworker 2 . 
Kudos: Deborah Moncrieff

A lawyer in the CYF Adoption Legal Unit sent an email to Natalie Jones, regional office director at Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Central Regional Office, commending Deborah Moncrieff .
Kudos: Mary Ryan-Nelson

Mary Ryan-Nelson, file clerk in the Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Central Regional Office, received a commendation from an assistant county solicitor . 
New report: Homicides in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, 2010-2015 

The following report was added to www.alleghenycountyanalytics.us :

In 2015, the national homicide rate increased for the first time in nine years. The homicide rate in Allegheny County stayed the same as the previous year and the City of Pittsburgh saw a 14 percent rate decrease from 2014. This is just one of the key findings included in this report examining data related to homicides in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. Homicide data from 2010 to 2015 is analyzed by location, weapons used and victim demographics among other factors in order to understand what contributes to community violence .

We welcome your story ideas, employee news and comments. If you’ve got news you’d like to see in DHS News, please contact Mark Bertolet at mark.bertolet@alleghenycounty.us or 412-350-3439.