04 ANNUAL REPORT 2 - Alabama Department of Human Resources

RIVERR.RIVERR.★★★ALABAMAMISSISSIPPITOMBIG B EEGR E ATTENNESSEEBLACKALABAMATENNESS EEWARRIO RCA HABARIVERCOOSARIVERRIVERTA LL A POOSAPEACONECUH RIVERFLORIDAGulf of Mexi coGEORGIAS E A LBOB RILEYGovernor★★★State of AlabamaDepartment of Human ResourcesS. Gordon Persons Building50 Ripley StreetP.O. Box 304000Montgomery, Alabama 36130-4000(334) 242-1310www.dhr.state.al.usPage B. Walley, Ph.D.CommissionerGovernor Bob Riley, ChairmanState Board of Human ResourcesDear Governor Riley:These are very exciting times at the Department of Human Resources. The state’s child welfare system, oncefraught with deficiencies, is now hailed as a national standard for excellence. The transformation has garneredpraise from, and given hope to, other states that are grappling with the same obstacles that seemed insurmountablewhen Alabama began this journey more than a decade ago.In addition to implementing child welfare improvements, DHR continued to receive and investigate reports of suspectedabuse, neglect, and exploitation of disabled adults and the elderly. These vulnerable adults are often isolatedor have limited contact with others, which makes effective communication with our community partners extremelyimportant. An average of 29,986 children from low-income families received subsidized child care each month.The waiting list for subsidized child care climbed, in part, because a surplus in the state’s welfare block grant wasdepleted.A record $262 million in child support was collected in Fiscal Year 2004 on behalf of dependent children. Thefederal government certified that the state’s child support computer system meets regulations, preventing theimposition of a penalty for noncompliance. The food stamp program bolstered the state’s economy while helpingmeet the nutritional needs of low-income families. More than a half billion dollars in food stamp benefits wasissued statewide in Fiscal Year 2004.From providing protective services-the agency’s number one legal responsibility-to administering programs to helpneedy families, the Department of Human Resources has a tradition of always seeking to answer the call. ThisAnnual Report documents the fact that this rich tradition continued during Fiscal Year 2004.Sincerely,Page B. Walley, Ph. D.CommissionerAn Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer