Children’s Program Responds to Criticism
The Kings County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider the First 5 Kings County Children and Families Commission's response to a county grand jury report critical of the organization's operations, the Fresno Bee reports. County First 5 organizations fund health and education programs for children ages five and younger using funds from a state tobacco tax.
The grand jury report stated that more than 23% of the organization's funds are used for administrative costs, but First 5 officials say about 10% of the group's budget is allocated to administrative expenses.
Other grand jury report findings were critical of the First 5's communications strategy for staff and community members. In response, the group has begun distributing a newsletter and holding events.
First 5 Kings County Executive Director Lisa Watson said a recommendation to print forms in Spanish, as well as English, was most useful to the group. She said that some information already is available in Spanish and that First 5 is working to have all forms translated into Spanish.
The board of supervisors is expected to approve the response (Lacayo, Fresno Bee, 9/18).