OCS May Find New Home at DHS

Later this year, if approved by the Legislature, the Office of Community Services (OCS) plans to end its tenure at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. After discussions with Governor Lingle’s administration, heath and human service providers, and members of the Legislature, OCS felt it is the right time to move administratively to the Department of Human Services
(DHS).

Agencies providing various services have offered up this option during several past legislative Sessions for varying reasons. Some feel that since many of their services are contracted with DHS, OCS’ move would facilitate smoother administration. Others feel the move would generate expansion of services by broadening OCS’ capability to serve. However, as with any change, doubts and apprehension must be considered.

As an administratively attached agency, OCS enjoys flexibility in contracting, program supervision, and program development that may not occur at a dedicated branch. There are concerns that OCS will lose this flexibility with a move to DHS. OCS feels that the opposite is true; our flexibility can only increase with DHS’ mission statement.

DLIR’s focus has always been employment. OCS administers programs that lead clients in the direction of self-sufficiency. Although the leading barrier remains employment (DHS’ broad mission statement also touting self-sufficiency as their goal) we would be free to focus on other programs such as, child care programs, weatherization, food distribution, and legal servicses.
In short, as with the service providers, OCS continues to evolve and establish its identity relative to the current barriers of the low-income, refugee, and immigrant population which we serve. OCS strongly supports the move to DHS. The move to DHS will expand our ability and capacity to effectively help our clients in their struggle for self-sufficiency.