DCCA Secretary Melvin O. Faisao, in his transition report, said the strategic plan has been developed to address and implement solutions to “immediate problems.”
Faisao said the plan includes commonwealth functions in social services that are federally funded, either wholly or in part.
He said DCCA will consult with the mayors of Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands when administering social services functions.
The strategic plan likewise covers the conservation and preservation of historic landmarks, the preservation and promotion of Chamorro and Carolinian heritage and traditions, youth services, senior citizens, subsidy assistance programs for low-income or indigent community members, and child care subsidy programs.
“Highest priority was placed on goals that could be attained quickly within the current resources of the DCCA,” Faisao said.
He said the first areas faced with challenges are quality welfare assistance, the financing of social services to target youth delinquency as well as economic assistance programs for the community through endowment for arts.
The other two areas cover programmable services to address the aging population in the CNMI, and the services and programs that will provide opportunities and alleviate poverty in the community.
Faisao said these issues have been recognized for many years but financial crisis has led to increasing pressure to find solutions.
The current leadership of DCCA has been working diligently on various plans and solutions to address and improve the current situation, he said.
“The overall goal is to improve the health and welfare of the people,” Faisao added.
Among the highest priorities are stabilizing and improving the financial status of DCCA programs, and the creation of a foundation that will allow overall improvements in the quality of social welfare assistance and services to qualified community members.
